(We start our WNBA All-Star Game weekend coverage with a 1-on-1 with Rushia Brown, a former WNBA player and staffer for the Las Vegas Aces)
By Cassandra Cousineau
LVSportsBiz.com
Las Vegas Aces players won’t play forever, so it’s never too early to start thinking about career options outside of basketball. Charting a new career path, however, can be difficult for anyone — especially for professional athletes who have spent most of their lives focused on the game.
Waiting until an athlete’s playing time has come to an end is often too late to begin thinking about new opportunities. Enter Rushia Brown, the Aces’ player programs and franchise development manager who also is a former WNBA player.
“Professional sports is the shortest careers you can have. And it is best to prepare for your transition before the transition occurs,” Brown, 47, told LVSportsBiz.com recently.
“I am a former player that has lived through the challenges and obstacles the players with face. So the fact that I can be a resource to them and show them the ins and outs of life off the court,” Brown said.
The Aces have a roster of ambitious women who have business goals ranging from restaurant ownership, clothing designer, TV personality, and information technology.
Brown explained to LVSportsBiz.com about why her role exists, the challenges she faces, and a few surprises about specific player interests.
LVSportsBiz.com: When you were a WNBA player, what business or career issue would you have wanted guidance on?
Rushia Brown: I didn’t have a profession in mind. I just knew I wanted to be a change agent and help people.
*
LVSB: What is the number one career issue you are guiding Aces players on?
RB: The biggest issue for most professional players is figuring out what’s next? Most are so wrapped up in the game that they aren’t able to differentiate. Teaching then that the game is WHAT THEY DO and not WHO THEY ARE!
*
LVSB: What has been the biggest challenge in getting people in Las Vegas to attend an Aces game?
RB: Letting people know the Aces are here is the primary challenge. Also the stigma of women’s basketball and people not supporting is a challenge. But once we get them in the building, we have about an 80 percent return rate.
*
LVSB: What career and business skills do today’s WNBA have that past players didn’t have or lack compared to past players?
RB: I don’t believe there is a particular skill set that is different. But the ability to brand themselves via social media is an absolute advantage for the current players.
*
LVSB: Who is the one Aces player who seems most business savvy?
RB: I would say Tamera Young is the most biz savvy. She has a clothing line and has built her brand. I also see some business savvy in Kayla McBride as she is building a financial literacy program for youth.
Reminder: The WNBA All Star game will be played at Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday at 12:30 p.m.