Q.
What is your motivation when don't feel like working out, running that extra mile,
or waking up early?
"You know, it's not always easy but I don't have that
many days where my motivation is an issue. That's probably because I love what
I do. We don't run miles anymore, either. No, I'm joking. But last year, for example,
was tough for me and the team. So I would try and think about what I could do
each day to make myself better, I set goals for myself everyday and stayed positive.
You have to be when you are losing like that."
 |
| Helen Darling: baller, mother,
entrepreneur. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images |
Q. Was there a time in your career
of playing basketball when you thought about giving up the game?
"I
never thought that the game of basketball might not be what I want to do with
my life. I never thought of giving up, but I have thought that maybe I was done.
When I got pregnant and found out I was having triplets, I thought that my career
might be over. It was just a thought, but then I realized that I'm too young and
this is what I love to do. I'm not going to give up."
Q.
What else drives you? Do you have other goals that keep you busy?
"Off
the court, I am a busy, busy woman. I am in the process of writing a book. It
is a novel. I am also creating a magazine. It is a woman's hair care magazine.
And I am also creating a hair care product line for active women. People know
me for the hair. People see Helen Darling and think about the ponytail. That is
my trademark, so I've always been a guinea pig for new hair care products and
know what works and does not work. So after spending all this money on other people's
products, I might as well create my own the way I want it. So that is what I'm
doing."
Q. How great a challenge is it for you
to wear multiple hats as a mother of triplets?
"I am always busy,
sure, but it is exciting. I have the kids with me and I have to go to practice
or come back from a game tired and wouldn't want to deal with anyone… but
the kids often bring me more joy than basketball. That was definitely the case
last season. Coming home from practice or a tough loss, they don't understand
that. They still need me."