Chamique Holdsclaw

Champion for Mental Wellness & Breaking Stigma, Olympic Gold Medalist & WNBA Hall of Famer

Chamique Holdsclaw

Champion for Mental Wellness & Breaking Stigma, Olympic Gold Medalist & WNBA Hall of Famer

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Biography

Hailed as the “female Michael Jordan,” Chamique Holdsclaw was a basketball superstar. From leading The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to three straight NCAA national championships with her team and legendary Coach Pat Summitt to the Olympics to the WNBA, nearly no one has had more focus or drive on the court. And yet underneath, she was pushing down mental health issues that eventually led to a total mental and physical breakdown.

Chamique suffered from serious bouts of depression and manic episodes, a suicide attempt, and an incident in Atlanta involving a firearm. After the episode in Georgia, she became open to getting help and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety.

After a long journey of learning to manage her illness, Chamique has come back just as fierce. But this time, she has dedicated her life’s work to mental health and wellness activism, sharing her personal struggles with depression as depicted in her documentary, Mind|Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw.

Chamique was raised in Queens, New York, in a middle-class neighborhood. When her parents were no longer able to care for her, she moved in with her grandmother in the projects in Astoria. Her grandmother’s rule to keep her and her brother on track was simple: get involved in something positive. For Chamique, that outlet was basketball, and she poured herself into the game.

She first made her mark as a high school basketball star at Christ The King High School. She later accepted a full athletic scholarship to play for Tennessee, where she helped lead the Lady Volunteers to three consecutive NCAA national championships—the first time that had ever been accomplished in women’s college basketball.

After a standout college career, Chamique was a three-time First-Team All-American and the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, a record she held for more than two decades until Caitlin Clark surpassed it in 2024. She was selected No. 1 overall in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics, earned Rookie of the Year honors, became a six-time WNBA All-Star, and won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Drawing on her journey as an elite athlete and mental health advocate, Chamique speaks with schools, universities, and organizations about resilience, mental health awareness, and the importance of seeking help. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, she encourages audiences to break stigma, support one another, and prioritize wellness. Chamique Holdsclaw works in partnership with APB Speakers for speaking engagements worldwide.

Chamique is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an ambassador with Laureus Sport for Good and the JED Foundation, and an advocate for mental health and wellness. She is also a member of the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame.

Speaker Videos

It's Not Where You Are Right Now, It's Where You're Going

16th Annual Prechter Lecture featuring Chamique Holdsclaw

Chamique Holdsclaw: outer success and inner turmoil. 2023 Women's Empowerment Conference keynote

Chamique Holdsclaw on depression and fame | Edge of Sports

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Speech Topics

The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw: A Message of Hope & Healing

In this powerful and deeply personal keynote, Chamique Holdsclaw shares her journey from basketball greatness to personal struggle and ultimately, healing. From dominating courts in New York City to leading the University of Tennessee Lady Vols under Coach Pat Summitt to three NCAA championships, Holdsclaw rose to become one of the most celebrated players of her generation and the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft. But behind the success, she was quietly battling mental health challenges that would later disrupt her career and nearly cost her life. With honesty and courage, Holdsclaw opens up about her experience with depression, the importance of seeking help, and the reality that success does not make anyone immune to struggle. Her story is both sobering and hopeful, reminding audiences that healing is possible and that no one has to face their challenges alone.

Audiences will learn:

Why mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of success or achievement.
The importance of self-care, vulnerability, and asking for help.
How resilience, support, and awareness can lead to healing and hope.

Breaking Barriers: Why Mental Health Is an Essential Human Right

In this powerful and purpose-driven keynote, Chamique Holdsclaw explores why mental health must be recognized, protected, and treated as a fundamental human right. Known as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time, Holdsclaw brings the same passion she showed on the court to her advocacy off it. Drawing from her own journey with mental illness, she speaks candidly about the realities of stigma, silence, and the barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Holdsclaw challenges audiences to rethink how we view mental health, emphasizing the importance of empathy, education, and open dialogue. She also offers a clear call to action, showing how individuals, institutions, and communities can work together to create environments where mental well-being is prioritized and supported.

Audiences will learn:

Why mental health should be treated as a fundamental human right.
How stigma and discrimination impact individuals living with mental health challenges.
Practical ways to promote understanding, encourage conversation, and support mental well-being in everyday life.

Supporting Kids & Families: Building Healthy Conversations Around Mental Health

In this heartfelt and impactful keynote, Chamique Holdsclaw speaks directly to children, parents, and caregivers about the importance of open and honest conversations around mental health. Drawing from her own experience of struggling in silence, Holdsclaw shares how difficult it can be for young people to express what they are going through—and how easily those feelings can go unnoticed. She helps families understand the emotional pressures kids face today and why creating safe spaces for communication is essential. Through relatable stories and practical guidance, Holdsclaw offers simple ways to build trust, encourage openness, and support children before challenges become crises. Her message is clear and accessible for all ages: when families talk, listen, and support one another, healing and connection can begin.

Audiences will learn:

Why children and teens often struggle to talk about their mental health.
Simple, practical ways families can start supportive and age-appropriate conversations.
How strong communication and trust can create healthier, more resilient family environments.

Authenticity at Work: Why Bringing Your Full Self Matters

In this honest and empowering keynote, Chamique Holdsclaw shares how hiding parts of her identity—especially her struggles with mental health—impacted her performance, well-being, and overall career. While success on the court came naturally, being open about her challenges did not, and that disconnect took a toll on her mind, body, and work. Through her personal journey, Holdsclaw reveals how authenticity is not just a personal choice but a professional advantage. She challenges individuals and organizations to rethink how they view vulnerability, identity, and mental health in the workplace. With powerful storytelling and practical insight, she shows how embracing your full self can lead to stronger performance, healthier environments, and more meaningful connections at work.

Audiences will learn:

Why authenticity is essential to both personal well-being and professional performance.
How hiding challenges, including mental health struggles, can impact success and engagement.
How individuals and organizations can create environments where people feel safe to show up as their full selves.

Testimonials

"Yesterday was the first prayer breakfast I attended. I walked out of there inspired and blown away by what Chamique talked about. I feel that especially now more than ever Mental Illness needs to be talked about. Thank you for putting on such a wonderful event. I thought that this was an excellent event. "

- YMCA of Greater Des Moines

"Chamique was incredible. She was approachable, personable, humble and poignant. Our attendees raved about her and had a wonderful time. She was really wonderful- one of my favorites from speakers over the years."

- East House

"Wonderful human being – she was a hit. I escorted her out – she had SO many that wanted pictures etc."

- Association for Behavioral Healthcare (ABH)

"Everything was great! She was engaging and a sweetheart. She was so warm and friendly and truly genuine. And she spent a lot of time after talking to our attendees."

- Clifford Beers Community Care Center

"Chamique was a big hit with everyone who met her. She was gracious, accessible, and kind throughout, and I think she really enjoyed meeting our students. Her keynote was very heartfelt and perfectly pitched, and she connected well with the emcee in conversation. I personally really loved the energy and openness Chamique brought -- it was truly a pleasure to be in her company. I would highly recommend Chamique to anyone who is thinking of bringing her as a speaker."

- University of California, Santa Cruz

“Chamique’s event with us was so good—she was perfect. Authentic. Funny. Kind. Patient. Additionally, she took so many pictures. We need her to come back and visit. We need more Chamique. Thanks to APB for all your help!”

- WellStone, Inc.

"She did a great job for us with her compelling and genuine presentation. And, please share with her how much we appreciate everything she did. Guests are saying it was the best Carry the Torch yet! And, most importantly, we raised much needed funds for our programs!"

- The Volunteer Ministry Center

"We had a great event and we loved Chamique. She did an amazing job and she was so approachable and kind. You entire team helped everything run smoothly."

- Ivy Tech Community College