Slaying on the Court with Sydney Carter

Written and Interviewed by Feleccia Turner

Imagine getting your dream role as a Player Development Coach at your alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin, and then deciding to show up as yourself—a curvy black woman with an eye for fashion that turns heads—rather than following the status quo. Meet Sydney Carter: From WNBA player to viral fashion sensation and Texas basketball coach. Discover how this unapologetically authentic leader breaks stereotypes and redefines women’s sports culture.

Sydney Carter, also known as Boots, exudes black girl magic both on and off the court—as a retired professional basketball player, a dog mom, and an auntie to many. Rising to over 1.5 million followers on social media after a viral moment wearing pink patent leather pants during breast cancer awareness month in 2022.

I love how she shows up on the court—fierce, unapologetic, and confident. The photoshoot took place in Desoto, Texas, where she went from being a ball player to becoming an internationally known fashionista.

In a revealing two-part interview on the “Brick by Brick” podcast by The Brownstone Experience, Sydney Carter, a former professional basketball player turned coach, shares her inspiring journey through the worlds of sports and fashion. We dive into Carter’s multifaceted career, exploring how she’s challenging stereotypes and paving the way for authenticity in women’s sports.

From the Court to the Sidelines: A Basketball Journey

Sydney Carter’s life has been intertwined with basketball since she was four years old. Her journey is a testament to dedication and passion. Sydney started playing on an all-boys team as a child and later earned a full scholarship to play college basketball. After college, she was drafted into the WNBA. She went on to play professionally overseas for seven years.

Now serving as a Player Development Coach, Carter emphasizes that her role extends beyond the court. She’s passionate about preparing athletes for the real world, focusing on community service, life skills development, and basketball training.

The Viral Moment: Fashion Meets Basketball

In February 2022, Carter unexpectedly found herself in the spotlight when her sideline outfit, particularly a pair of pink pants worn for a breast cancer awareness game, went viral. This moment sparked a nationwide conversation about appropriate attire for female coaches and brought to light issues of sexism and body shaming in sports.

Despite facing criticism, Carter received overwhelming support from her tribe, some old and some new. WNBA players came to her defense along with women across the country wore pink pants to work in solidarity. The incident sparked discussions about self-expression in professional settings.

Carter views this moment as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and encourage authenticity. She advises, “At the end of the day if you look in the mirror and you’re happy with what you put out there as yourself, that should be all that matters.”

Fashion: A Lifelong Passion

Carter’s love for fashion isn’t new – it’s been a part of her identity since childhood:

– Her mother bought her first pair of knee-high boots in third grade

– She attempted to become a “Just For Me” model as a child

– She was known for her stylish boots throughout elementary school

***Sydney Carter in Sergio Hudson Styled by Feleccia Turner***

Now, Carter sees fashion as integral to her future:

– She aspires to have her own fashion line

– She wants to design comfortable heels for coaches to wear on the court

– She draws inspiration from fashionistas like L’Oreal Sarkeesian, Rihanna, and Sue Bird

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Black Girl Magic

Carter’s experiences playing overseas opened her eyes to different cultures and challenges. She recalls being the only Black person in some areas of Eastern Europe, facing moments of culture shock and subtle discrimination.

These experiences have shaped her. When I asked the staple TBE question, “How do you define black girl magic?” Ms. Carter replied, “It’s being true to oneself without compromising. It’s embracing your melanin and accomplishments. It’s overcoming the unique trials of being a Black woman and breaking through glass ceilings.”

***Sydney Carter Styled by Adrianne Ross***

Looking to the Future

As she looks ahead, Carter sees herself:

– Continuing her coaching career, which she describes as her true passion

– Launching her own fashion line

– Balancing her love for basketball and fashion

She remains committed to helping young athletes achieve their dreams while staying true to herself and her style.

A Message of Authenticity

Throughout our conversation, Sydney emphasizes the importance of authenticity. Her advice to young women struggling to show up as themselves is powerful: “You can’t base everything you do off of what other people are going to think. There’s always going to be somebody that is not going to like you, there’s going to be people that will, and at the end of the day, if you look in the mirror and you’re happy with what you put out there as yourself, that should be all that matters.”

Sydney Carter’s story illustrates the evolving landscape of women’s sports, where athletes and coaches can increasingly showcase their personalities, pursue diverse interests, and challenge long-standing stereotypes. Her journey from professional player to coach and her fashion-forward approach inspire a new generation of athletes to embrace their multifaceted identities.

As women’s sports continue to gain recognition and support, stories like Sydney Carter’s highlight the importance of representation, perseverance, and authenticity.