Cheyenne Parker-Tyus Talks Pregnancy and Support from the Aces

In a recent interview, WNBA veteran Cheyenne Parker-Tyus revealed her pregnancy, a situation that adds complexity to her professional career as she prepares for the upcoming season with the Las Vegas Aces. The forward is expected to miss at least the first three months of the season as she awaits the birth of her second child, due in late June.

Maintaining Competitive Spirit Amid Challenges

Parker-Tyus, who signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Aces earlier this year, has been open about the challenges she faced while playing in China for the Beijing Great Wall during her pregnancy. Maintaining a high level of performance, she averaged 16.3 points and 6.8 rebounds over 34 games, all the while concealing her condition.

“I was super sick. Throwing up and having to hide it because I didn’t want anyone to hear me and know that I was pregnant,” Parker-Tyus explained, highlighting the emotional burden of her situation.

Ace Support: Commitment Beyond Competition

Despite the initial trepidation about sharing her news, Parker-Tyus expressed immense gratitude for the understanding and supportive response from the Aces’ management, including Coach Becky Hammon and President Nikki Fargas. Their willingness to accommodate her pregnancy reflects a positive shift in how women’s sports organizations support their athletes during such critical life moments.

“They’ve shown that they genuinely care and they want me there for the long run,” Parker-Tyus said of the Aces’ approach to her situation.

Addressing Workplace Challenges for Pregnant Athletes

Although Parker-Tyus appreciates the support from the Aces, she also addressed the broader systemic issues concerning the rights of female athletes in the WNBA. The league’s current policies—while improved—still present challenges. Players must notify their teams of pregnancies, which could potentially threaten their contracts.

Parker-Tyus remarked on the stigma surrounding motherhood in sports, asserting that the process of contract negotiations shouldn’t feel stressful for athletes entering pregnancy:

“It shouldn’t be such a stressful process to go through the signing process or just even overseas,” she said.

Preparing for a New Chapter

Parker-Tyus is committed to returning to the court later in the season, which mirrors her previous experience following the birth of her daughter, Naomi, in late 2021. She emphasized the importance of her continued training and maintaining her identity as a professional athlete during this transitional period.

“I’m still a basketball player. I still plan on playing. I’m just having a baby,” she insisted, highlighting her dedication to both her family and her team.

Finding Inspiration from Fellow Athletes

She also draws motivation from former Aces player Dearica Hamby, who recorded significant success in her career post-pregnancy. Their shared experiences are not just personal but are informing Parker-Tyus’ advocacy for greater protections for women in sports who choose to become mothers.

“We’ve talked about how the league in general needs to protect its players who decide to become moms,” Parker-Tyus noted, underscoring the ongoing need for dialogue about the realities of motherhood within professional sports.

Conclusion

As Cheyenne Parker-Tyus prepares for her next chapter in motherhood alongside her professional career, her story sheds light on the evolving landscape of women’s sports, particularly the support systems needed to accommodate athletes during significant personal changes. Her narrative serves both as an inspiration and a call to action for improved conditions for female athletes in the future.