Lesbian News Interview with
SHERYL SWOOPES
Interview by Denise Penn

WNBA superstar Sheryl Swoopes is out. She and Alisa Scott have been in love for over seven years and decided that it was time to come out to the world about their life, love and their relationship.

At 34, she has accomplished more than she dreamed possible while growing up in Brownfield, Texas. She is the only WNBA player to win three MVP trophies, is a five-time All-Star, three-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion as a member of the Comets. She led the WNBA in scoring last year and won the 2005 WNBA Most Valuable Player Award in the closest MVP tally in WNBA history, edging out Seattle Storm's Lauren Jackson by two points, 327 to 325. The Comets have made history: with Tina Thompson, Cynthia Cooper and others rising to the top of the heap. Swoopes and the Comets won four consecutive WNBA championships.

She went to Texas Tech and their team won the championship for the first time in 1993. After marrying football-player Eric Jackson, her high school sweetheart, she gave birth to her son, Jordan, now eight years old. She divorced in 1999 because of issues unrelated to her sexual orientation. Jordan's well-being was paramount when she contemplated whether to come out.

Swoopes has a spirit of volunteerism and wants to help others. She participated in a “Read to Achieve” program as part of the NBA/WNBA initiative that promotes the value of reading and on-line literacy. Throughout the 2003 season, Houston Comets players hosted events to help children learn that reading can open their minds to new adventures. “Read to Achieve” is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports.

She officially came out in late October and announced an endorsement agreement with Olivia Cruises at the same time. Now, ‘Out and Proud”, she and her partner look forward to going on an Olivia Cruise. Lesbian News reporter Denise Penn caught up with her shortly after her announcement:

DP: This must have been a big decision for you: Why have you decided to come out now?

SS: I want to live my life and be happy with the person that I choose to be happy with. I think we are both at a place in our lives where we are very content with who we are and our situation and we are just ready to share that with the world. I’m excited about it and relieved too. For so long I just felt like I had to be careful and this feels right...

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