Beating The odds-Interview With Yelena leuchanka

I recently had the opportunity to interview WNBA star Yelena Leuchanka. Born in Belarus, Yelena moved to the U.S. at the tender age of 17 to pursue her dream of becoming a professional athlete.Thrown into an unknown environment Yelena made it her determination to master the English language and succeeded.Towering at 6'5, Yelena has never allowed her perceived differences to prevent her from reaching her dreams. Read on as Yelena discusses more about her life and her advice for other young women striving to reach their dreams.

1) You overcame incredible odds to become the woman you are today. Could you please tell us a bit about your journey and what made you want to pursue a career in professional basketball?

While growing up I never felt like I fit in. I was taller than everyone else. No one wanted to befriend me and at times I was afraid to go play outside. Basketball came to me unexpectedly at an early age. I loved the game and felt I was in my element because I’d finally found some where I actually fit in. Basketball became part of me. At age 15 I was the youngest player on my national team(Belarus National Team). At age 17 I was asked to travel to The USA to play in college. I taught myself to speak English so it was not an easy road at all. I attended University of West Virginia.

I played one out of three eligible years and tore both of my ACL's back to back on top of a meniscus tear. I didn’t think I would ever get drafted and very few people believed in me. Through God’s blessings and strength I was given an opportunity to try out for The Charlotte Sting (WNBA). I was the only walk on in the entire league that made the team and the first woman that played on the WNBA from my country! I’ve had many challenges but it’s all been part of being an athlete. My wildest dreams have come true and I have been playing on the best teams in Europe and in the WNBA. I played in the 2008 Olympics and the world championship. I owe all praise and thanks to God who has always been by my side through all the trials, tribulations and triumphs!

2) When you hear other young women speak about their dreams of competing in the WNBA what advice would you give them?

My advice would be that if you really want something, you must go after it. One must be prepared for the good and the bad, everything comes with a price you must pay but the reward is unbelievable. Stay focused and don’t let anyone take you off course. Hard work and perseverance will get you exactly where you want to go.

I never saw a WNBA game when I was young. The games were not aired on television in my country. I just knew that all the best players played on that type of team. I used to fall asleep thinking and dreaming of playing on a WNBA team. I was the first person in my family to play sports so no one could really give me advice. My parents always taught me to work hard and be determined to be the best. They worked extremely hard to provide for my brother and I so they were great role models.

The camera obviously loves you, Do you ever think you'll maybe one day leave the WNBA behind for a full time modeling career?

I absolutely love basketball...it gives me satisfaction and happiness, I can go on and on...I'm like a fish in an ocean. It’s where I belong. So I don't think I would ever leave basketball for that but, I guess I should never say never. I do love shooting as well. It’s an Art. I love the entire process of lighting, posing, setting, make-up, hair etc. I want people to see that you can be feminine and play a tough sport. I can't stand when people say, female athletes resemble men.

There are a lot of beautiful women in basketball and in sports overall! I want to change that stigma not just for me and fellow athletes but for young girls as well. I want to change the thought process of parents who don’t want their daughters to play basketball because they feel as if she will resemble boys. I want to play basketball and model. Maybe I’ll have the opportunity to accomplish it one day.

4)I have to ask this question, Looking through your pictures online, I noticed that you have great style and your makeup is always gorgeous. What tip would you give to women who are just starting to dabble in fashion and beauty?

Awww thank you so much! I'm a huge bargain shopper! Don't get me wrong I like labels too, who doesn't. But I enjoy shopping in bargain stores. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find. I would say….don't be afraid to try stuff on. You would be surprised at how many things you could find. I'm 6'5 (without my heels ;)) and I find things at different stores.

And when it comes to beauty and make up…Rule number one, never sleep in make up! Rule number two, Moisturize your skin! It never gets old, and your skin will tell you thank you. Because I do photo shoots, I spend time with make-up artists and I try to learn as much as I can when I have a chance. I also wouldn’t mind taking some make-up classes just to get better at it.

Stay connected with Yelena by following her on Twitter! Also check out more interviews here on her website!

 

-Article by: Emerald B