Seimone Augustus: The Joy Beyond Jordan's Shadow

Seimone Augustus, a WNBA legend with four championships and eight All-Star appearances, was once touted as the next Michael Jordan. But it wasn't the comparison to the basketball great that brought her the most joy. In a recent podcast, Augustus revealed that the real fulfillment came from unexpected moments, like being on the cover of "Sports Illustrated for Women" in 1999, where she was featured alongside her idol, Chamique Holdsclaw. Holdsclaw, a New York basketball star with four high school championships, was Augustus' inspiration. She paved the way for future athletes, including Augustus, who later became a successful player and coach. After retiring from the WNBA, Augustus took on a new role as an assistant coach. She briefly worked with the Los Angeles Sparks and then joined her alma mater, Louisiana State University, in 2024. Coaching at LSU is a full-circle moment for Augustus. She sees it as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes. Her former coach, Kim Mulkey, welcomed her back with open arms, recognizing Augustus' potential to transform the program. Augustus' journey shows that true greatness is about lifting others and achieving beyond limits.