Ariana Longson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:28 am GMT
In the wake of her recent Olympic triumph, WNBA star Kelsey Plum has entrusted her gold medal to her mother, citing her mother’s ability to safeguard the prized possession. This decision reflects both Plum’s love for her family and a humorous acknowledgment of her own tendency to misplace valuable items. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Plum shared that her mother is now the proud keeper of the Olympic gold medal she earned as part of Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics. “I don’t want to be responsible for any lost or stolen items,” Plum remarked, showcasing her playful side as she navigates the challenges of post-Olympic life.
The Quick Transition Back to WNBA Season
Following the conclusion of the Olympic Games, Plum and her fellow athletes returned to a jam-packed WNBA season almost immediately, leaving little time for rest. The Las Vegas Aces, Plum’s team, are currently striving for their third consecutive championship, a testament to their resilience and talent. “We were in Paris for a month and came back straight to playing games,” Plum commented. “So to be honest, I really just try to catch up on sleep and sitting by the pool when I can,” she added, illustrating the intense demands placed on professional athletes.
Team Dynamics and Atmosphere
Kelsey Plum’s camaraderie with her teammates, especially MVP A’ja Wilson, stands out amid their competitive schedules. “We have a lot of fun together,” Plum said while reflecting on the team spirit. This emphasis on team bonding extends beyond the court; they engage in social media antics and playful interactions that highlight their strong relationships. However, Plum humorously kept the name of their group chat a secret, promising it’s “really funny,” which adds to the intrigue surrounding the close-knit team.
Games and Traditions Off the Court
The Las Vegas Aces spend time unwinding together through various games during downtime, including a word game titled “You Can’t Say Umm.” Plum explained the rules: players must describe a card’s word without using fillers such as “um” or “like.” “It sounds kind of dumb,” she said, “but it’s actually really fun because we all say any type of pause word.” This light-hearted competition serves as a way for the athletes to bond and relax amidst their rigorous training and game schedules.
Collaboration with Smartwater
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Plum is making waves in the brand partnership arena, recently collaborating with smartwater. Her choice to work with this water brand stems from her long-standing affinity for the product. I know that smartwater is now in the cross section of culture, sports, fashion, and it just felt like a really good fit,” she explained. Plum, who identifies as a “pH 9.5 alkaline girly,” is passionate about the brand. The partnership marks an intersection of her interests in sports and lifestyle, spotlighting the growing recognition of the WNBA in wider cultural contexts.
The Growing Influence of the WNBA
Kelsey Plum highlighted the potential of the WNBA, pointing out its increasing sponsorship opportunities and visibility. I think that you can make an argument that the W’s the hottest league in sports right now,” she asserted, emphasizing the diverse connections between athletics and contemporary culture. As the league continues to gain traction, its impact resonates not only in sports but also within the realms of fashion and lifestyle.
Future Aspirations
As Plum navigates her bustling career, her focus remains unwaveringly on her athletic performance and team objectives. With her sights set on contributing to the Las Vegas Aces’ aspirations for another championship, she balances her professional commitments with personal pursuits and brand collaborations. The journey of an elite athlete involves multi-faceted responsibilities — from representing the nation on the global stage to making time for the lighter moments shared with teammates.
Kelsey Plum’s journey from the Olympics back to the tough world of the WNBA shows how dedicated today’s athletes need to be. She plays really well on the court, and her choices show how much she cares about family and being practical, which her fans really appreciate. Whether she’s giving her gold medal to her mom or having fun playing games with her teammates, Kelsey Plum is a great example of friendship, strength, and the growing importance of women in sports.
