The WNBA will be releasing its first-ever short film “We Are the W” prior to the start of the 2022 season, which begins May 6.
The film will center around three WNBA players each at a different point in their careers. Last year’s Rookie of the Year DiDi Richards, who plays for the New York Liberty, as well as the Dallas Wings’ Izzy Harrison and the Minnesota Lynx’s Angel McCoughtry, will all tell their stories.
McCoughtry, a former No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft, a five-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, will serve as the backbone of the documentary. In September, she was named one of “The W25,” a list of the 25 greatest and most influential players in league history.
In addition to being a spark on the court, McCoughtry has been active off it. She has often used her voice and platform as an avenue for change.
“The fact is, this is fighting for them, the younger generation,” McCoughtry said.
According to Ebony, Richards wasn’t sure she wanted to be involved in the project. The involvement of McCoughtry immediately changed her mind.
“‘Sign me up,’” Richards said she told those who were attempting to bring her onto the project. “‘You should have started with that.’
“It was a certain respect I had for her. To be in the same film as her, was very special for me and humbling at the same time.”
Harrison, meanwhile, is looking to provide a behind-the-scenes look into her life as a player in the WNBA. Both her father and brother played professional sports.
“It’s the first time I’ve been able to spotlight my story on a deep level,” said Harrison. “I don’t think many people know what goes into a women’s basketball career and how complex it can be from one career to another career. That’s the beauty of this documentary. Our walks of life are totally different.”