Tina Charles returns to the United States to play in Athletes Unlimited
The prominent basketball player Tina Charles expressed her enthusiasm for competing in the United States during the WNBA offseason, after a decade of playing abroad. Charles has decided to join Athletes Unlimited, the 5-on-5 basketball league that will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, this winter.
Charles also highlighted the charitable component of Athletes Unlimited, something that appeals to him. For the past 12 years, he has worked to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest through the Hopey’s Heart Foundation. Charles is close to reaching the goal of donating 500 AEDs (automated external defibrillators).“It was an opportunity to take advantage of the possibility of playing at home,” Charles said in a phone interview. “I heard very positive things from players who participated in AU. And most importantly, the camaraderie, the friendships and the opportunity to make an impact playing in AU fits with my current stage in my career.”
Tina Charles
Earlier this month, the 36-year-old player received the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award from the WNBA.“Being able to raise awareness, locate AEDs, and keep that conversation going is important,” said Charles.
Tina Charles
Charles, an unrestricted free agent and the WNBA’s all-time leader in rebounds and field goals made, will join several WNBA players at Athletes Unlimited.“It was very special for me, in memory of my aunt,” said Charles. “The Dawn Staley award means a lot. The first time I received the award, I was helping to build a school in Africa and impacting those children. It’s more about my parents and how they raised me, even though my name is on the award”.
Tina Charles
- Alysha Clark
- Isabelle Harrison
- Lexie Brown
- NaLyssa Smith
- Ariel Atkins
- Odyssey Sims
Charles signed a one-year contract with the Connecticut Sun, and before the season ended, she expressed her desire to return to the WNBA next season.“I’m excited, excited to learn from the players and help other players being one of the veterans there,” Charles expressed.
Tina Charles
“God willing, I would love to play another year in the WNBA”, she concluded.
Tina Charles
