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Former WNBA star Chamique Holdsclaw is a married woman.
The 40-year-old tied the knot with partner Cara Wright in Tennessee on Saturday, July 7. Both women played basketball, so a large group of women hoopers were present during the nuptials to show support and were even part of the bridal party.
The couple shared a joint statement, obtained by SBNation’s Swish Appeal, to celebrate their union.
“Our love story is special to us but we just want everyone to know that love is worth it, and can be unexpected, and needs to be embraced,” they said. “Regardless of who you’re in a relationship with, if both of you are willing to commit and sacrifice to be together, love wins.”
The couple met at a basketball camp in Africa a few years ago and had their first date April 2015, an epic outing for the NCAA Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Years later, Chamique would take them both back to that same stadium to ask Cara to marry her.
“I created a video from all the pictures and videos throughout our relationship and got down on one knee,” she said.
Cara, who is director of operations for the NBA’s G League affiliate for the Los Angeles Clippers, remembered Chamique as acting funny on that special day, so she said she knew something was up.
“Chamique is not able to keep things from me so she was so out of character!” she said. “I knew something was up but definitely wasn’t thinking it was going to be a proposal.”
They finally made it official this past weekend and couldn’t be happier.
This happily-ever-after moment comes years after Chamique was dealing with personal turmoil. Back in 2012, she was facing a slew of charges for vandalizing and firing a gun at the car of an ex-girlfriend. Thankfully, she wouldn’t face a day in jail for the incident after pleading guilty and obtaining probation. She also talked openly about her mental health issues, particularly struggles with depression, as well as her family history that contributed to those past actions. Thankfully, Chamique has found a partner who encourages her to share the ups and downs of her journey with the world.
“I am so proud of Chamique for sharing her story and being a voice to the voiceless, advocating to end the stigma of mental illness,” Cara said. “Her growth in sharing her story is amazing and her capacity to listen and start the conversation about mental health awareness is incredible.”
Such understanding and care is what Chamique loves about her new bride.
“Her compassion for people is inspiring and she encourages me to be my true self,” Chamique said. “Cara always makes time to make me feel heard and appreciated.”
You can check out photos from their private Tennessee wedding (and of their bridal party) below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlBWDatnSUh/?hl=en&tagged=holdsclawchosewright
