$43.8Bn German Brand Trapped Kysre Gondrezick That Ruined Her Basketball Career

The definition of celebrities expanded over time, and gradually athletes too came into this fold. Games, criticism, and celebration weren’t enough that endorsements and commitments to brands got added to the list. Yes, a lot of them enjoy it, while for some it becomes a burden. The likes of LeBron James, and Serena Williams have figured out how to juggle their sports careers and public personas. But just ask Kysre Gondrezick. Her journey illustrates how the pressure to live up to expectations can extend beyond her doing it on the court — it can touch on how you’re supposed to look, behave, and what you’re supposed to reflect!

Gondrezick spoke out about her experience in an episode of Straight to Cam with Cameron Brink and Sydel Curry-Lee, letting viewers in on just how much pressure came with being expected to succeed. “I had, you know, just signed with Adidas, and so the narrative was, you know, she’s this pretty basketball player. I kind of fell into that trap and, um, lost the art of, you know, not realizing that I was already enough when I got there; that I didn’t need to change to fit what everyone else saw.”

She was emerging as a star in the WNBA, but the media’s coverage of her beauty or her clothes often took precedence over her play, and it was hard for her to stay true to herself.

It wasn’t just the external pressure that took a toll. Gondrezick also recounted the difficulty of living a dual life as a professional athlete and a model. “I was 24 at the time, and it just kind of grew on me, living that double life. I got tired of it, you know? Seeing myself on billboards and seeing myself at home in a mirror, and I’m like, ‘That’s not me.’ You know, I felt like I had to continue to chase that illusion of beauty that is never-ending. So when basketball was on break, I got a chance to just kind of figure out who I am away from the game.”

The young lady seemed to have it all. She was the fourth overall selection by the Indiana Fever in the 2021 draft. Gondrezick quickly became one of the WNBA’s most touted players. She signed with Adidas and appeared to have a bright future ahead of her. Like with a lot of athletes, however, it didn’t pan out the way Gondrezick hoped. Injuries and playing time limited her WNBA impact. She was out of the league. Her dream of being a standout WNBA player unofficially ended.

But Kysre Gondrezick’s story didn’t just end there. Once basketball ended for her, she reinvented herself and enjoyed success in an entirely different field. Fast forward to today, and she has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. At 27 years old, Gondrezick works as a style influencer, partnering with companies like Skims, Victoria’s Secret, and even Porsche USA. Undoubtedly, Gondrezick’s bounce back following such adversity has been the key to her reinvention.

Kysre Gondrezick’s success beyond basketball

Her change in focus from basketball to fashion was not an overnight phenomenon. Gondrezick once called herself a “tomboy” who didn’t care anything about fashion and put everything into basketball. Fashion ultimately became an extravagant method of self-expression for her, but it was through mentors like Skylar Diggins-Smith and her mother, Lisa Harvey-Gondrezick, that she began to understand the significance of style. “I always say that fashion isn’t just clothing. It’s not just style. There’s an art behind beauty. And it starts from within first,” she said.

As her fashion career took flight, she began attending some of the industry’s most important events, such as New York Fashion Week and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She showed the world that it’s possible to stay true to oneself while entering the world of high fashion. Her authenticity, her confidence, and her ability to explore different passions have made her an inspiration for anyone looking to follow their heart.

Kysre Gondrezick’s story is proof that even when life doesn’t go your way, you can find a way to reinvent yourself. Despite the pressure of being both a WNBA player and a fashion icon, she persevered. Gondrezick cracked the proverbial code of how to have it all — on her terms.