Cameron Brink on Empowerment, Facing Adversity & Elevating Women Sports

At age 23, Cameron Brink has quickly become one of the biggest names in basketball — and she’s just getting started.

During her freshman year, Brink helped bring her team a national championship title. When New Balance signed Brink to their roster while she was still in college, the two made history — she was the first women’s basketball player to be signed to the company in 2023. Brink has continued to dominate the conversation as a four-time all-American, a defensive player of the year and 3 vs. 3 most valuable player and gold medalist.

As the number-two pick for the 2024 draft, Brink will now join the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league next year. While Brink was initially selected to play in Paris for the U.S., an unfortunate ACL injury left her benched.

Off the court, Brink has been a major player within the fashion space — working with stylist Mary Gonsalves Kinney and wearing head-turning looks arriving at her WNBA draft, in Paris, attending fashion shows and more.

Throughout Brink’s career, she’s been an advocate for destigmatizing mental health, been vocal about change within the WNBA and about inclusion of women in sports.

Here, Fairchild Studio catches up with Brink about women uplifting each other, her resilience in overcoming mental and physical challenges throughout her career thus far, her time at the NBA Paris Games and more.

Fairchild Studio: What does women’s empowerment mean to you? 

Cameron Brink: It means that women should have the same opportunities as men — women need to feel empowered to seek out education and roles in the workplace at the highest levels.

Basically, we can do whatever we put our minds to.

Fairchild Studio: Why do you think it’s important for women in sports to uplift and support each other? 

C.B.: We must be each other’s biggest supporters. For too long, we’ve been told by men — and sometimes women — that we aren’t equal. I think it’s important to have each other’s backs.

We can compete between the lines and still be supportive of growing women’s sports. The wave of support that’s happening now can lift all ships.

Fairchild Studio: How do you choose which brands you align and partner with? What are the qualities you look for in these brands? 

C.B.: I like to partner with authentic brands that share my values and are brands I would actually use. And I like to partner with brands that support women in sports!

New Balance has such a great track record of doing that. They don’t just say they believe in supporting women; they actually do it. With myself and athletes like Coco Gauff, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas — among many others.

Fairchild Studio: How have you used style as a medium of showcasing your personality and identity off the court? 

C.B.: I’ve always been interested in style and fashion thanks to my mom. I want to show people that you can be many things at once — an athlete, a businesswoman and involved in style and fashion.

Fairchild Studio: How was your recent trip to the New Balance headquarters? What do you enjoy the most about being part of the New Balance family of athletes? 

C.B.: I always have such a blast when I visit my New Balance team in Boston! They treat me like family and are truly interested in my point of view on product and brand. New Balance has always been committed to helping me perform on the court and to look good while doing it. New Balance is the perfect blend of form and function for me.

Fairchild Studio: What was your experience attending the NBA Paris Games? 

C.B.: It was one of my most memorable trips — it was full of amazing moments with my mom, family, friends and team at New Balance. I hope I get to do it again in the future! 

Fairchild Studio: During setbacks and challenges during your career thus far, how have you overcome and faced adversity?

C.B.: I’m blessed to have so many people in my life I can rely on — my fiancé, my family, my friends, my team, CAA and New Balance. I’m surrounded by the best of the best. I’m so lucky to have so many people who come together to support me when times are tough. I’m never alone when I’m going through tough times.

This article was paid for by New Balance.