Kym Hampton, a pivotal figure in the evolution of women’s basketball, recently reflected on her experiences as a player for the New York Liberty during the inaugural WNBA season in 1997. Drafted as the fourth pick, Hampton is not just remembered for her achievements on the court but also for the indelible mark she left on the budding league.
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Looking back on that first season, Hampton expressed a sense of palpable urgency and a shared understanding among her teammates about the significance of their mission. “We were there to take care of business,” she recalled, emphasising that no one had to articulate the historical importance of their undertaking. The awareness was instinctive, evident in the way they approached every game.
The formation of the WNBA involved a meticulous draft process to build the eight franchises. Initially, top players were allocated to ensure immediate star quality, followed by an elite draft of professional athletes, most of whom had experience playing abroad. Hampton was selected during this second phase, adding depth and maturity to a Liberty team that, at the time, faced skepticism.
As the oldest roster in the league, the Liberty’s identity quickly became distinguished as a “blue-collar” team. Hampton shared insights about head coach Nancy Darsch’s initial reservations, noting that Darsch had a preference for younger collegiate players. However, as the team began to find its rhythm, particularly after a strong start of seven consecutive victories, perceptions shifted. “Nancy was like, ‘Oh, okay. That’s what it is,’” laughed Hampton, recalling the coach’s change in attitude.
Alongside Hampton were notable players like Rebecca Lobo, Teresa Weatherspoon, Sophia Witherspoon, and Vickie Johnson, each contributing to the team’s blend of experience and grit. This combination allowed the Liberty to carve out a distinctive playing style focused on tenacity and defensive strength. “We didn’t have the big names like Lisa Leslie, but we forged our own path,” she stated, underscoring the team’s commitment to collective effort rather than individual accolades.
Hampton etched her name in Liberty history by becoming the first player to score for the franchise. Reflecting on the culture that was being established, she recognised they were building something revolutionary. Although she played for only three seasons, her influence persisted long after her retirement in 2000 due to a knee injury.
In a poignant moment, Hampton described the joy she felt witnessing the New York Liberty clinch their first championship in 2024, a victory that brought tears to her eyes. “We have always been one of the premier teams in the league,” she affirmed, expressing pride in the franchise’s resilience and success. The achievement was not just a personal milestone but a significant moment for women’s basketball as a whole.
As she continues to observe the evolution of the league, Hampton expressed her pride in the athletes who now represent the WNBA. “These women are the best in the world at what they do,” she asserted. The growth in spectator support and recognition of women’s basketball is a testament to the hard work and dedication of players past and present.
“I feel proud of how the game has developed and how the athletes present themselves,” Hampton added, emphasising the importance of showing up and performing at every opportunity. Her sense of pride is compounded by the affection she feels for the current generation of players, whom she views as torchbearers of the legacy she and her contemporaries helped create.
As the WNBA continues to garner attention and respect, Kym Hampton’s reflections serve as a reminder of the struggle and triumph that has shaped women’s professional basketball. Her journey, marked by resilience and a pioneering spirit, highlights the importance of acknowledging history while celebrating the present and looking towards the future of the league.