Ticha Penicheiro: Lady Magic and the craft of a legendary point guard

Ticha Penicheiro changed the game. A true pioneer in women’s basketball, she played in the WNBA from 1998 to 2012, became a four-time All-Star, and earned her place as one of the greatest point guards of all time. In this conversation with Tony Gonçalves, she goes back to where it all started: a little girl with big dreams in a small country.

Ticha’s story is built on beating the odds. She was the only girl on a court full of boys in Figueira da Foz, learning to move the ball fast so she would not get blocked. She became a rising star in a country where basketball was not a full time career. And then, as a young woman, she took a chance on a brand new league in a foreign country and rose to the top of it.

She spent the prime of her career with the Sacramento Monarchs through 2009 and today she is a sports agent committed to opening doors for the next generation. In this conversation, Ticha reflects on her childhood, her path to the WNBA, and the pride she carries for Portugal every step of the way.

Ticha is also the subject of a new documentary called “Feel the Magic: Ticha Penicheiro – Against All Odds.” She shares how the film came to life and why she hopes it will inspire young athletes to take their shot. As she says herself, it is better to go for it than to live with regrets.

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