For Tamera “Ty” Young, basketball was a world she was surrounded by since a very young age. Born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, Ty remembers watching her brother and sister playing sports in the backyard growing up, and quickly becoming passionate about the game of basketball. As her brother began mentoring her in the space, she became more and more immersed and determined to play the sport at the highest level. This was only the beginning. Fast-forward a few years and Ty was embarking on a journey that would not only strengthen her love for the game, but would also solidify her interest in playing basketball at the professional level. During her time at Emsley A. Laney High School, Ty became r and led the team to a Conference Chathe institution’s all-time leading scorempionship in 2004. She didn’t just stop there. As she embarked on her collegiate career at James Madison University, she continued to earn an array of accolades—including the conference's all-time scoring record—and craft a legacy for years to come. Little did she know, but the opportunity to turn her dreams into reality was right around the corner. She would be making history again. With the No. 8 pick of the 2008 WNBA Draft, the Atlanta Dream selected Ty.
She had done it. She had turned a dream that was close to her and her family’s heart into her reality. Not only that, but she had also achieved another incredible milestone—she became the first player from James Madison University to ever be drafted into WNBA. The rest is history! Throughout her WNBA career, Ty has played for the Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, and Las Vegas Aces in addition to playing overseas in the off-season. And, it doesn’t stop there. Off the court, Ty has pursued her desire to pay it forward and has embarked on entrepreneurial and philanthropic journeys. From basketball camps to giveaways to her annual Kill Cancer 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, she has fostered different initiatives that focus on giving back to the community as well as mentoring the next generation. Along with this, she has also started her own business and created TY1 Gear. From signature clothing to motivational designs, Ty has shattered barriers in the fashion space and has designed several collections rooted on the values of community, self-confidence, empowerment, and loyalty. Talk about impressive. Currently, Ty is working on a series of projects off the court—one of which includes her own book—, and is continuing to train to achieve her goal of winning a WNBA Championship. She is simply...UNSTOPPABLE!
Let’s talk about Draft Night! You became the first player from James Madison University to get drafted into the WNBA. Could you share more with us about that feeling of getting drafted? What was that moment like for you?
It was an amazing feeling. You know, growing up as a kid, I always dreamed of playing in the WNBA. To get drafted was a dream come true—especially with the fact, like you said, that I was the first (person) from my school to ever be drafted. With the help of my coaches, that dream came true. Just proving the doubters wrong that didn’t believe I could make it into the WNBA because I attended a mid-major school, where no one ever made it (before), was an amazing feeling.
"Just my love for the game. I think my passion alone helped me—always being an underdog, coming from a mid-major, having to always prove myself, and having to work extremely hard. I think that carried over to the league, in (the sense) that, I never became comfortable and stagnant with where I was."
- Tamera on what helped her remain accountable and committed to overcoming the challenges she faced early on in her career.
Reflecting back on your transition from college into the league, what was that process like for you? What was the biggest challenge that you faced early on?
It was a different world. You go from being the top player on your team and in your conference to playing in a league where everyone is great. It was an adjustment. You know, being away and being on my own was different. College is like a family. In professional sports, you become close with people but it is different. At the end of the day, it is a business. So the biggest challenge was being on my own. Whereas in school you have people over you making sure everything is okay and you are good, as a professional, you have to do everything on your own. You have to make sure you are in the gym. You have to make sure you are putting the time in. It is a job at the end of the day. If you are not willing to do your job correctly and stay on top of things, there is always someone waiting to take your job—that was the biggest transition for me for sure.
How did you keep yourself accountable as you worked to overcome these challenges?
Just my love for the game. I think my passion alone helped me—always being an underdog, coming from a mid-major, having to always prove myself, and having to work extremely hard. I think that carried over to the league, in (the sense) that, I never became comfortable and stagnant with where I was. I always wanted to be better. I always wanted to do better. I think the fact that I went to a mid-major school and started early with some of those challenges, that carried over and guided me through my professional career.
Throughout your career, you have also played overseas. Could you share more with us about some of the key takeaways you have learned during your time abroad and how those experiences have helped elevate your game?