There’s more to New York professional basketball than the possibility of LeBron James joining the Knicks… There’s the guarantee of Cappie Pondexter, the new star guard for the New York Liberty.
With only five years in the WNBA–Cappie, 27, who was recently traded from the Phoenix Mercury– is a Rutgers University alum (2006 Big East Player of the Year), a three-time WNBA All-Star, two-time WNBA Champion, a Finals MVP and an Olympic champion. You didn’t know?
Madame Noire caught up with the new New Yorker and we got to chat about playing at the Garden, her successful side-gig–a Madame has to plan for the future–and how the WNBA still has a way to go…
Now you know.
Madame Noire: How has the transition been from Phoenix to New York City?
I’ve only been here for a month, because I just got back from playing in Russia. Because the WNBA season is only for four-months, I have to hustle. Playing in Europe is great because the crowds are really into it, there’s always a sold-out arena. But as far as this city, I’m happy to be here and ready to win a championship. It’s been a rocky transition, not in a bad way, but I guess when you’re comfortable in a certain place for so long, you have to take some time to adjust. It’s not a bad thing at all, I welcome the challenge.
MN: How is playing in the Garden? Does it feel like home yet?
As a kid, I always watched games at the Garden and dreamed of playing there. So now, even when I walk into the arena, into the locker room, I am overwhelmed.
MN: I’ve attended NBA and WNBA games and they have a very different vibe as far as being a spectator. Do you notice that same difference on the court?
A lot of people come to the games and always say that the vibe [at WNBA games] is totally different than the NBA. They say that it’s more of a fun and welcoming environment. We can’t jump as high as the guys, or do some of the things they do–purely based on physics –but we play the game.
To me, that says a great thing about the WNBA, we actually play the game and are more fundamental. It just shows the hard work that we have to put in. When you have people that realize that, it’s a great feeling.
MN: Do you think the comparisons—as far as attendance to the games, salaries and popularity of the players—between the NBA and WNBA are still relevant?
As a player, it’s tough as a female sometimes. Attendance, salaries and popularity are still way lower than the NBA, but the WNBA is making progress.
In my lifetime, I may not see women in the WNBA making a $1 million, but what I can do is paint the picture of what it could be in the future. That’s my goal for young women who want to pursue basketball professionally.
MN: How did you get to the WNBA? Does it start as you playing as a kid? What’s your story?
Basketball came to me because my brother would go to the playground and play basketball after school. Growing up in Chicago, that’s what everyone did afterschool. Once, I decided to pick up the ball and dribble, my brother would laugh…and so it became a challenge.
I got so good, that I was the only girl on all-guy team, like a pee-wee league, I was 10-years-old, the tallest at 4’11, playing center. I’ve been playing all-year-round since then.
MN: Tell us about owning a successful lifestyle management firm.
Lisa Smith Craig, my partner and I, have know each other for 6 years and 1-½ years ago we started the company, 4 Season Style Management, in New York. We provide fashion and image advice to not only professional athletes, but all kinds of clients
MN: Why did you decide on lifestyle management and not say, a fashion line?
I want to get into having a fashion line, but later when I go back to school. As a WNBA player, the way people perceive us…a suit and a shirt is not really cool, maybe for the coaches sitting on the bench. I love helping people shop and developing these images.
MN: It seems like you’re very interested in building your brand outside of basketball. Why?
A lot of people say that it’s early, but I say why not start now because you never know what tomorrow brings. It’s important to build a foundation, and when I got traded to NYC, I knew what I had started was falling right in line with the move I was about to make. New York is a state of opportunity in whatever field you’re interested. Phoenix was a great city, but it was time for me to move on. NYC was a perfect fit. [The New York Liberty] needed to be elevated, and on the business side I could start my brand.
MN: Would you ever do a reality show or would that be taking things too far?
I’d definitely do a reality show; I wouldn’t mind exposing myself at all.
MN: What music are you listening to now? Do you have a favorite artist?
I’m listening to Drake non-stop, and I’m waiting for Kanye to come out, I gotta represent [my hometown] Chicago.
MN: Let’s talk about fitness, a lot of people would assume that because you play ball, you don’t need to workout any other time, is that true?
That is not true. You always want to improve your body for health reasons and to look good. I may have a few weeks when I want to take a break, but I’m always thinking in the back of my mind, watch what you eat, get back to the gym.
I’m a person who loves to run, outside, on the treadmill. I’m not a weight room person at all. I pretty much do cardio stuff.
MN: And something I’ve always wanted to ask black women in sports, your hair. What do you do to take care of it?
It’s the hardest thing; the most important thing is to find a hairstylist.
MN: What makes you a Madame Noire?
I’m a Madame Noire because I’m determined to be successful. When you’re determined to be successful there’s no limit to get to the top.
Follow Cappie on Twitter: @cappa23
