We as not just WNBA and women’s basketball fans have known of the backstory of Breanna Stewart and her rise to collegiate (UConn) and professional (Seattle Storm) stardom. On Monday, Stewart herself shared what has to be the most difficult and dark part of that backstory.
In an exclusive essay published on The Players’ Tribune, Stewart wrote of her harrowing experiences with being sexually assaulted as a young girl.
I was molested for years.
She began her words by mentioning how when she was nine, she would stay awake and watch television while everyone else was asleep when a man, who she described as a construction worker who smoked a lot, would come downstairs and make sexual advances on her.
Sometimes, I wondered what would happen if I just yelled out. Anything.
Eventually, Stewart told her parents of what was happening, which would lead to the man’s arrest. She even wrote that she had a crush on a boy in the fifth grade, but even that was clouded by thoughts of the man who was abusing her.
Her father said the man eventually confessed everything to the police, she wrote.
I had basketball practice that night. I went to my dad and told him that I still wanted to go. He couldn’t believe it. With all I’d been through, the only thing I wanted to do was go play basketball.
She mentions that she has “quiet moments every day that no one sees” in sometimes having to relive those gut-wrenching memories of what happened to her in her youth, but that it was reading about Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney’s account of her being sexually assaulted that inspired her to tell her story.
Stewart also wrote that she remembered something her father told her of how when she felt comfortable sharing her story with the world, someone else’s life could be saved.
That’s why I’m writing this. This is bigger than me.
Part of why I’ve waited so long to tell so many people – even those very close to me – is because I don’t want to be defined by this any more than I want to be only defined by how well I play basketball. Both things are a part of me – they make me who I am. We are all a little more complicated than we might seem.
And I can finally sleep.
My heart breaks for @bre_stewart30, who courageously writes about being molested as a child https://t.co/dkSOnQPytw
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) October 30, 2017
Thank you @bre_stewart30 for your bravery. Thank you for saving lives. Thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for helping us understand one of the many abuses faced by so many. Thank you for sharing a piece of the strength of a woman. Salute and much ❤️ https://t.co/zbWFJlK439
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) October 30, 2017
I’m at a loss for words, this is so powerful, you are INCREDIBLE @bre_stewart30 https://t.co/SP4uC2PPBs
— Kelsey Plum (@Kelseyplum10) October 30, 2017
Your courage and braveness are admirable. Thank you for speaking out @bre_stewart30-Others will find strength and and be inspired b/c of you https://t.co/ITUNM1zt23
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) October 30, 2017
I’m so proud of you @bre_stewart30 – you are so much bigger than that moment and your abuser. Thank you so much for sharing! https://t.co/kuoFKgRC8U
— Imani McGee-Stafford (@imanitrishawn_) October 30, 2017
.@bre_stewart30 once again showing the courage that is typical of her. "If you are being abused, tell somebody … Help is there." https://t.co/axjocIp6VG
— UConn Women's Hoops (@UConnWBB) October 30, 2017
My heart is breaking for u right now, @bre_stewart30. You are unbelievably brave & helping so many people out there. https://t.co/pf2jNYbxbf
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) October 30, 2017
We love you @bre_stewart30! ❤️ https://t.co/n8gozGximi
— Lau (pronounced/lō/) (@BeyondTheW) October 30, 2017
Tears in my eyes after reading this… ? Thank you for your truth and bravery @bre_stewart30 your voice matters… ❤️ https://t.co/2MkUz1ocLg
— ChristyWintersScott (@ChristyWScott51) October 30, 2017
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
