In the wake of Kobe Bryant’s tragic demise – and given the speaking engagement in that part of the country, the topic of his death was sure to come up at Westmont College during Tamika Catchings’ appearance there.
Catchings played 15 years with the Indiana Fever – her entire career with one team as the late Bryant did with the Lakers. Originally planned as a speech that would mention empowering women and preaching resilience in the face of adversity, she made sure to mention the Mamba.
Catchings’ plea to those in attendance simply boiled down to why is it that people have to die before we give full appreciation for their greatness.
My worst fear … is to leave somewhere and for people to never know what you left behind.
–Tamika Catchings
She is currently the Fever’s general manager after being promoted when Marianne Stanley was introduced as its head coach.
Her message to the young women in attendance?
A reminder of living your life to the fullest.
–Tamika Catchings
She also mentioned that “believe” was one of her favorite words.
It was such an honor to meet Tamika Catchings and hear her story during the Women’s Leadership Council at Westmont. She inspired! https://t.co/1PpFnFWUpY
— Beth Farnsworth Ward (@KEYTNC3Beth) January 29, 2020
