Inside Look: U.S. Olympian Kahleah Copper Reflects on Her Journey at WNBA Live

At the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend, Kahleah Copper, a WNBA All-Star and U.S. Olympian, shared her inspiring journey from the streets of North Philadelphia to the pinnacle of women's basketball. In a closed, candid fireside chat presented by American Express, LOOP had the pleasure to attend as Copper delved into her upbringing, career challenges, and triumphs, offering fans a glimpse into the resilience and determination that define her.

U.S Olympian and 2021 WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper joins American Express for an exclusive fireside chat at WNBA Live.

Credit: American Express

From Philly to the Finals: A Story of Perseverance

Copper began by paying homage to her roots in North Philadelphia, crediting her hometown for shaping her into the tenacious competitor she is today. She recounted her early days at Rutgers, getting drafted, and then traded from Washington to Chicago during her rookie year. This transition was marked by limited playing time and the need to find her role on the team beyond just scoring. Copper emphasized the importance of preparation and seizing opportunities, particularly highlighting her breakout in 2020.

When asked about winning the WNBA Finals with the Chicago Sky in 2021 and being named Finals MVP, Copper spoke about the honor of leading a talented team, including stars and veterans like Candace Parker, Allie Quigley, and Stefanie Dolson. She described the experience as a culmination of hard work and a testament to her ability to step up in crucial moments.

Kahleah Copper shouts out fellow Philadelphia natives during her fireside chat with American Express.

Credit: Mark Peterman, AP

Copper’s Olympic Journey: Overcoming Adversity

Copper’s journey with USA Basketball has been a rollercoaster. She recalled not making the team in 2021 but using that setback as motivation. Her persistence paid off when she secured a spot on the FIBA World Cup team in 2022, winning her first gold medal. Now, she is set to compete in the Olympics, eager to showcase her skills on the global stage.

This past off-season was challenging for Copper, involving intense training and a stint in Turkey to stay in peak form. Joining the Phoenix Mercury, the organization she earned WNBA Finals MVP against back in the 2021 NBA Finals, she expressed gratitude for the organization's support and the excitement of playing in a new environment.

Due to limited practice time, copper acknowledged the unique challenge of building chemistry with the USA team. She also took a moment to reflect on her "trash talker" personality, attributing it to her Philly upbringing. Copper encouraged fans to dream big and pursue their passions relentlessly, just as she did.

Kahleah Copper hoists her 2021 Finals MVP trophy with her Chicago Sky team after capturing the franchise’s first WNBA championship by defeating the Phoenix Mercury 3 games to 1.

Credit: Matt Marton, USA Today Sports

Kahleah Copper Acknowledges Her Influences and Inspirations

Copper idolized players like Candace Parker, Seimone Augustus, and Ivory Latta, whose passion and competitiveness inspired her. She recalled that as a child, she would use computer printouts of WNBA players to make posters that she would hang on her wall. Copper humbly reflected that it has been an honor to compete with and be mentored by those very same players, particularly Candace Parker.

Now a veteran, Copper is passionate about coaching and mentoring the next generation of players, emphasizing the importance of having trusted mentors.

Kahleah looked away with a subtle chuckle when LOOP’s Jarrett Smith asked her to share the best advice Candace had given her while playing together. As teammates for two seasons in Chicago and a lifetime role model of Copper, she certainly has a few gems in her arsenal from the 2-time MVP and future Hall of Famer. However, she kept it “light” for the fans, acknowledging that Parker introduced her to not just wine — but grown people's wine.

Copper shared more lighthearted moments with the fans as the interview ended. She highlighted the importance of staying ready for opportunities. She also expressed her excitement for competing alongside and against the best in the league, particularly looking forward to playing with Chelsea Gray on this year’s Olympic team in Paris.

Copper advised young athletes, like a 12-year-old fan in the audience, to dedicate themselves to their passions, continually work to improve, and be consistent. She shared that the most significant obstacle in her career was staying prepared despite not always getting the chance to play, underscoring the importance of perseverance.

Copper concluded with reflections on her favorite moments, such as a game-winning shot against Minnesota early this 2024 season, and the importance of respecting the trailblazers who have paved the way in the WNBA as the league has experienced a surge of new fans over the past few months. Her story is a powerful reminder of the value of hard work, resilience, and the impact of staying true to one's roots.

As Chicago Sky teammates, Copper told Chicago Magazine that Candace Parker was a “life coach” and hoops mentor to her as she navigated her young professional career.

Credit: Stacy Revere, Getty Images