While Tupelo, Mississippi is known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, to the Sparks it is known as the hometown of forward Tamika Whitmore. Tamika grew up in a single-parent home with her three other siblings and spent most of her free time outside hunting for turtles and catching fish before she found basketball.

It was not until she was in 9th grade and a local girl received a scholarship to play college basketball, that she knew that basketball was her calling. Tamika saw this as a way to go to college for free and not burden her mother with the expenses of college. So, Tamika asked around and wanted to know how good does someone have to be in order to get a scholarship. Everyone told her that you have to be really great, and that is what she had to strive to be. Four years later, Tamika was attending the University of Memphis on a basketball scholarship.

After the WNBA, Tamika would like to coach at her alma mater, University of Memphis. She is currently working on opening a Krispy Kreme in her hometown Tupelo. Every time that she goes home, she brings Krispy Kremes home for her family and they love them, they all wish that there was a Krispy Kreme closer to home and Tamika has set out to do that. Tamika would also like to own a mechanic shop; she is a huge car fanatic and loves restoring all types of cars. Currently she is working on a 1976 Chevy Nova.

FAVORITES

Music Genre: All types
Music Artists: Vicki Winans
Television Programs: Girlfriends, CSI, Cold Case Files, and American Justice
Film: The Color Purple, Five Heartbeats, and The Passion
Actor: Morgan Freeman
Actress: Vivica A. Fox
Foods: Greens and Green Beans
Beverage: Jamba Juice Mango-Go-Go
Candy: Twizzlers
Ice Cream: Black Walnut
Restaurant: Macaroni Grill
Fast Food: Subway
Color: Black
BookThe Bible

QUICK QUESTIONS

Few people know what about you? “That I’m silly.”
What is your motto? “Respect All, Fear None”
How would you describe yourself? "Quiet, nice, and kind"
What is the best advice you’ve ever received and from who? “Finish well: my mother”
How you describe yourself on the court? “Focused and Free”
Who is the toughest opponent you’ve ever faced? “Lisa Leslie”
Who is the nicest player you’ve ever met? “Teresa Weatherspoon”
Who is the most underrated player in the league? “Tangela Smith”
Who is the greatest athlete to ever play your position? “Karl Malone
What are your other hobbies besides basketball? ”Poetry, reading, drawing, and playing video games”