When the 2019 season commences in May, it will be without one of the WNBA’s premier stars.
Maya Moore ended weeks of speculation on her future when she wrote an article for The Players’ Tribune announcing that she will sit out the upcoming season.
Moore wrote that instead of basketball, she plans to take time to focus on her family as well as her faith.
My focus in 2019 will not be on professional basketball, but will instead be on the people in my family, as well as on investing my time in some ministry dreams that have been stirring in my heart for many years.
–Maya Moore (Players’ Tribune)
I’m sure this year will be hard in ways that I don’t even know yet, but it will also be rewarding in ways I’ve yet to see too.
Moore was given core status by the Minnesota Lynx last month, which prompted much speculation on her future. Speculation ranged from her demanding a trade to her retiring from the WNBA altogether.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was at an event for season ticket holders and said that Moore was happy in Minnesota and did not request a trade.
Minnesota #Lynx Head Coach and General Manager Cheryl Reeve today issued the following statement on Lynx forward Maya Moore’s decision to sit out the 2019 season: pic.twitter.com/z2YNPI2VOd
— Lynx PR (@Lynx_PR) February 5, 2019
Moore has built a Hall of Fame caliber career throughout her time with the Lynx – including winning regular season MVP in 2014, five All-Star appearances, the last three All-Star MVPs, and four WNBA championships.
The 2018 season was one that was tiring for the 29-year-old Moore. She was expected to be one of the team captains for the All-Star Game, which was held in Minneapolis, but did not do so.
In addition, she did not participate with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup in Spain after the conclusion of the season.
On the court, it was also an unusual season of sorts for the Lynx, despite moving back to Target Center after renovations were complete. Minnesota was eliminated by budding rival Los Angeles Sparks in the first round of the playoffs and another one of its premier players in Lindsay Whalen was transitioning full-time to being head coach with the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Do you Maya Moore. Do you. https://t.co/mJQqb6oE6k
— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) February 5, 2019
Maya’s walk is a living example that one’s confidence level with always be unbreakable when your faith is at the forefront. When you know, you know.
See you in 2020 Queen. @MooreMaya
— Lo Ira 🇭🇹 (@LoIra_BTW) February 5, 2019
She deserves the year off. I hope one day the WNBA can grow enough to treat players better. Come back stronger Maya ✊ https://t.co/nJhd7NAYb7
— Meredith Minkow (@murrminks) February 5, 2019
“The people in our society who may have the least means are the most vulnerable & if we don’t protect and fight for the most vulnerable in our community then what kind of community are we?” Looking forward to your next chapter my friend @MooreMaya https://t.co/p7w8TzKWYw
— Tina Charles (@tinacharles31) February 5, 2019
Live YOUR purpose, @MooreMaya! ✊🏿✊🏼✊✊🏾✊🏻✊🏽
No matter what you choose to do – on or off the court – your Union is always here for you! #BetOnWomen #BiggerThanBasketball #MoreThanAGame https://t.co/XNDmfoJKN2
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) February 5, 2019
I tweeted this last month b/c this is what I felt in my heart. Part of the way I analyze the game is to study the PEOPLE that play it. It takes courage to follow God. I’m proud of @MooreMaya for choosing what is right for HER & her willingness lay down her popularity for PURPOSE. https://t.co/b1OWonn1Ln
— LaChina Robinson (@LaChinaRobinson) February 5, 2019
Good for Maya Moore to step away on her own terms for a year to pursue something extremely important to her. Glad that it wasn’t a financial decision.
But also, our women athletes deserve so much more money than they are making.
— Ñic Gulas (@Nic_Gulas) February 5, 2019
Losing Maya Moore for the year really hurts for obvious reasons.
This could end up helping Minnesota in the long-run, though.
Plenty of opportunity for role players to shine. Karima Christmas-Kelly was a great signing, and I’m ready to see what Alexis Jones can do.
— Matt Ellentuck (@mellentuck) February 5, 2019
Maya Moore is one of the Top 5 WNBA players of ALL-TIME. This is a huge and I’m sure extremely tough decision on her part. But, one I’m sure she’ll be proud of in the end.
— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan) February 5, 2019
I will certainly miss the day-to-day relationships with my teammates and basketball family this season, but my no for the 2019 pro season allows me to say yes to my family and faith family like I never have before.
–Maya Moore (Players’ Tribune)
