I have spent most of my lifetime in the game of basketball. First as a player, a three-time Olympian for the United States, and then coaching at university, professional and international levels. I took the head coaching job with the Seattle Storm in 2003, familiar with the sweet All-American perception of Seattle player Sue Bird, as well as the perceived brash and edgy, but brilliant Aussie by the name of Lauren Jackson. Lauren’s reputation preceded her, punctuated by plenty of technical fouls and stories of run-ins with our American star, Lisa Leslie. Honestly, on that first day, I had no idea how our relationship would develop. I certainly didn’t imagine just how deep and caring our bond would become and evolve over the years.
I remember clearly the first time I walked into the gym where LJ was working out with our assistant coaches. I had watched Lauren carefully through the years, from when she played as a 16 year old with her national team, as well as too many times on the opposing bench. She was a star in the WNBA, and at a very young age had established herself as a force in women’s basketball. I expected to meet a cocky, outspoken player but was stunned instead to meet a young woman who struggled to hold eye contact or exude anything remotely boastful. In that first court workout I affirmed what I did know about Lauren—she was a star. Her skill set was unique and her versatility was unparalleled. I could see her passion and commitment to getting better. I knew then, that we could achieve something special, but that’s Lauren’s story to tell.
Coaching the greatness that is Lauren Jackson is one of the most significant times in my career. Working with a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) level player is the ultimate dream that every coach hopes for. These elite athletes have unmatched physical gifts of course, but it is their drive and work ethic that separates them from their peers. Lauren’s drive to be the best was the force that propelled her to the top.
In this memoir, Lauren lets the reader into her journey. As I read it, it was as if I was with her at so many critical stages of her life. Lauren has had to overcome many trials and make very difficult decisions regarding her health, career and personal life. In this book, you will get to know Lauren, the person. You will see her strength, determination and unwavering toughness. You will be amazed at what she endured to win all those titles, awards and medals of greatness.
I believe in the old adage that sometimes ‘our greatest strength can be our biggest weakness’. In Lauren’s case, this was certainly true. LJ’s commitment to excellence and the internal ambition to excel, blinded her from taking care of her health. Her pain tolerance and inclination to ignore her body’s warning signals, caught up with LJ both physically and emotionally. In this book, Lauren details her struggles and the implausible choices that she made in order to compete. It also forces the rest of us involved in her career, to examine our own inclination to look past those same warning signs, and to go along with Lauren in her determination to simply, play on.
By reading this fascinating autobiography, you will have a better understanding of Lauren’s complex personality. She opens up about her extraordinary family and the unbreakable bond that she shares with her parents. The relationship and support of her family throughout her life, has enabled Lauren to spread her wings and explore basketball and cultures all over the world. Readers will get to see that a basketballer’s life can be full of experiences that are both glamorous and gruelling.
In reading Lauren’s memoir, you will walk through the unfinished life of one of Australia’s greatest treasures. You will experience the joy that she has found after retiring from basketball at only 35 years of age. You will discover that this legend is experiencing a love surpassing all others. I couldn’t be more proud of this beautiful woman and count my blessings that our paths have crossed.
2008 USA Olympic Basketball Coach
2004 Seattle Storm Championship Coach
Wilmington, NC
(1 November 1961–13 June 2018)
Anne wrote this foreword a month or two before we finished the book. With her sudden passing I feel so fortunate that she not only had the chance to read the book, but that she had the opportunity and agreed to write this foreword. She passed away on 13 June 2018 from heart failure, and I, too, feel truly blessed that our paths crossed. I send love and care to her family and all those who loved her.
Lauren Jackson