Cheyenne Parker-Tyus is in a difficult recovery process with the goal of returning to the court and contributing to the success of the Las Vegas Aces this season. The 11-year veteran signed with the team in the offseason, aware that she would be out for much of the year due to her pregnancy. After giving birth to her second child, Yoshua, on July 1st, Parker-Tyus is focusing on a quick recovery, setting September 9th as a tentative date for her return to the game. Inspired by the examples of Napheesa Collier and Candace Parker, who returned to the game in the same season after giving birth, Parker-Tyus seeks to achieve her goal in a similar timeframe.
The 33-year-old player, who gave birth naturally, believes this accelerated her recovery. Her initial goal is to play the last two games of the season, although there is a possibility she will return sooner, even this weekend when the Aces face the Chicago Sky. Parker-Tyus acknowledges the importance of her contribution to the team, which is currently second in the standings and seeking the championship. The Aces won consecutive championships in 2022 and 2023, before losing in the semifinals last season. The uncertainty about her future with the Aces arose when she communicated with coach Becky Hammon and team president Nikki Fargas during her stay in China. Parker-Tyus shared her pregnancy with them. In their conversation, the player expressed gratitude for the support received, especially after the experience of her friend Dearica Hamby, who has an ongoing lawsuit against the Aces for alleged unfair treatment due to her pregnancy. Hammon and Fargas reassured Parker-Tyus, assuring her that they were waiting for her and that they considered her a key long-term piece for the team. Coach Hammon emphasized Parker-Tyus’s importance to the team and her desire to integrate her into the game.“I researched to see how quickly other players returned. Can it be done? I always have the mindset that I’m built differently.”
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus
