In this episode of Real Talk with Reginald D., I had the pleasure of speaking with Sylvia Crawley Spann, a former WNBA player, coach, author, motivational speaker, and multi-gold medalist. Sylvia is renowned for winning the first-ever women's slam dunk contest with a blindfolded dunk. Currently, she is a public speaker and best-selling author of "The Confidence Playbook: Strategies for Lifelong Success."
Sylvia shared her journey from growing up in Steubenville, Ohio, to becoming a celebrated athlete. She talked about her early love for dance and how she transitioned to basketball in the seventh grade due to her height and encouragement from others. Sylvia's story is one of perseverance and adaptability, as she navigated various sports and activities before finding her niche in basketball.
She recounted her high school years, where she was heavily recruited by over 250 colleges, and her eventual decision to attend the University of North Carolina. Sylvia described the challenges she faced transitioning from high school to college basketball, including dealing with severe shin splints and the rigorous physical demands of collegiate sports.
Sylvia's professional career took her overseas before the establishment of the WNBA. She played in 16 different countries and learned multiple languages. She shared the excitement and challenges of playing in the ABL and later the WNBA, including the financial and logistical hurdles she faced.
A significant part of our conversation focused on confidence. Sylvia explained how she developed her "Confidence Playbook," a set of strategies she uses in various aspects of her life, from sports to business. She emphasized the importance of practice and learning from losses as key components of building confidence.
Sylvia's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of a positive mindset. Her experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve success in their own lives.
This episode is a must-listen for those interested in sports, personal development, and the story of a remarkable athlete and individual.
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Sylvia Crawley Spann interview, WNBA history, WNBA, Confidence mindset, Leadership strategies, Overcoming adversity, Personal growth and success, Women in sports, Inspirational athlete stories, Slam dunk contest winner, Sports motivation podcast, motivational podcast
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