What do WNBA players think about raising a family, sex, politics or Title IX? WNBA.com wants to know so each week we'll unveil a new "This is What I Think" topic and get the players' takes on hot topics. The players won't be the only ones talking, however. We want you to let your voices be heard by voting in our poll or replying to the fan mailbox. "This Is What I Think" ... What do you think?
THIS WEEK'S TOPIC

Athletes and motherhood: WNBA players share their thoughts on becoming a mom while playing professional sports
NYKESHA SALES
ORLANDO MIRACLE
"Basketball is a job, but what you do as a part of your life and your livelihood comes first. You're a person first, you're a mom first, you're a sister, a brother; that comes first. Playing basketball, you never know what happens. ... You have to go ahead and live your life first."
CHAMIQUE HOLDSCLAW
WASHINGTON MYSTICS
"We're women. We have to have families, too. Look at Sheryl Swoopes, a tremendous story. Got pregnant, had a kid and came back strong. Statistics were saying that women who are athletes who are pregnant come back stronger."
SHERYL SWOOPES
HOUSTON COMETS
"This is an issue that I've been very sensitive about. It's not something that men have to worry about. And I'm not sure it's fair to a woman that she has to have to face the pressure of interrupting a career in order to start a family. I'm a woman. Parenthood is part of being a woman."
KATIE SMITH
MINNESOTA LYNX
"Obviously, if you can't get back into shape, it can hurt your career. Some people plan their pregnancy around the season. But if it's unexpected, then you're out for the season and you ultimately work yourself back into shape. We all understand it's a part of life. It's kind of nice; it gives you a whole different perspective on basketball. You realize it is just a game and life's a whole lot bigger than what you do."
Tell us what you think:
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An athlete wants to become a mother during her pro career--what should she do?
An athlete wants to become a mother during her pro career--what should she do?
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WRITE
We want to hear from you. When is the best time for a female athlete to have a child? Should she wait until after her playing career is done? Or is it worth the risk to take time off?

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This is What I Think index


WNBAE Photos
WNBAE Photos
A number of WNBA players like Sheryl Swoopes (left, with son Jordan) and Yolanda Griffith (with daughter Candace) have met the unique challenge of balancing motherhood with a pro hoops career. But the decision is not an easy one to make.