Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, 2012 WNBA Champion, 2011 WNBA Most Valuable Player, 10-time WNBA All-Star, President of the WNBA Players Association, 1998 NCAA Champion, wife, and community leader.
There’s nothing Tamika Catchings can’t do.
Catchings’ autobiography hits stores March 1.
On Tuesday, March 1, her autobiography entitled “Catch A Star” comes out. It’s something she’s very proud of and was excited to do. But it wasn’t an easy process.
“This has been a three-year process,” Catchings said. “Literally, we have been focusing on what we need to do to get this out and out into the open. March 1st is finally here. I’m really excited about it.
“It’s my journey from a little girl to where I am now. It talks a lot about all of experiences. You know I’m a very faith-oriented person so my faith is intertwined in pretty much every aspect of my life.”
It’s not Tamika’s first book, either.
In 2009 she published “Dreams Are For Catching,” which was geared toward middle schoolers. This one, however, is her story … from overcoming adversity early in her life — she was bullied because she needed large hearing aids — to becoming the positive, successful, and influential woman that she is.
Years ago I urged Catchings to write a book about her workouts, what has been effective and the intensity in which she attacks her days. That would be fascinating for sports fans as I don’t think many truly understand her work ethic and the time that she has — and continues to — devote to her craft.
Catchings says she plans for this to be the first of many.
“Yeah, it will be,” she said. “From this, we actually came up with some other ideas with some different things that we could potentially do. Writing a book is a lot of work. It is. Just making sure the story and everything that you want to put in it [is there]. There will be some others. How soon that comes, I don’t know. Definitely some more books in the future.”
The 256-page book sells on Amazon for $12.78. Catchings’ goal is for it to spend at least one week on the New York Times’ Best Sellers List.
Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy wrote the foreword.
“Tamika Catchings is a role model for young women and for anyone who faces what seems like an insurmountable challenge,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
February has been a whirlwind for the 36-year-old. She wrapped up an internship at the NBA league office in New York, had a camp and participated in many events at NBA All-Star weekend in Toronto, got married, took part in a three-day USA Basketball training camp, and now is gearing up for her book launch.
One Indiana basketball legend on another.
“It’s been fun,” she said, reflecting on the craziness of her schedule. She credits her calendar for helping to keep track of everything. “There’s a lot going on right now, it’s kind of a whirlwind.
“I’m excited, Scott. This is kind of like my last hurrah, as far as on the court. As I’m starting to transition to off the court, it’s setting up those next steps. That’s really what I’ve been focusing on.”
During the first weekend in February, on Feb. 7, Catchings tied the knot with Parnell Smith, a product of Pike High School, at the Skyline Club in downtown Indianapolis.
“The wedding was great,” Catchings said of her big day. “It was his immediate family, my immediate family, the photographer, and the guy that introduced us. … It was very romantic, very close and I know for my family and those that know me, I like to joke around a lot. So while it was still tense, it was also loose.
Catchings was introduced to Smith in Los Angeles by Ryan McDaniel. Tamika met Ryan in 2012 when Indianapolis hosted the Super Bowl. He moved out to L.A. to pursue a career in music and was friends with Smith. Two years ago, while the Fever were out west to play the Sparks, Catchings got McDaniel a pair of tickets to the game … and he brought his friend Parnell with him.
The rest is history.
Catchings will begin her 15th and final WNBA season in late April. Then, she plans to go for her fourth gold medal with Team USA in the Rio Olympics.
Catchings will be having a number of book signings, including two in Central Indiana. Those dates are below.
Indianapolis
Monday, February 29
7-9 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
8675 River Crossing Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Tuesday, March 1
7-9 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
1251 UA 31 North
Greenwood, IN 46142
New York
Thursday, March 3
4-6 p.m.
NBA Store
5th Ave. & 52nd Street
New York, NY
Jacksonville
Saturday, March 5
12-2 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
10280 Midtown Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32246
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