Interview: Azurá Stevens, WNBA Player for the Chicago Sky
In this episode, Shireen Ahmed interviews WNBA player Azurá Stevens about her Wubble season with the Chicago Sky. They discuss Stevens and the Sky's efforts to raise awareness about racial inequity, the team's prolific Tik Tok videos, and spending the off-season at home on "chop duty" at her family's food truck Same O Dame O's Shrimp, Fish and Grits. On Instagram you can follow Stevens @azura_stevens and her family's food truck @sameoshrimps
This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network.
Transcript
Shireen: I’m so excited to have my favorite player in the WNBA on Burn It All Down, Azurá Stevens! Famous UConn player, she was actually 6th in the 2018 draft class, she’s a joy to watch, started off her career at Dallas and now she’s with the Chicago Sky. I’m so excited to have you here! You were on our show for episode 59 two years ago, and we’re thrilled to have you back.
Azurá: Yeah, thanks so much for having me, it’s great to see you. I remember when you came to UConn and it was such a joy watching you and just hearing you speak. Then we got to actually meet you, and now to be able to work with you a couple years after has been really sweet. So, thanks for having me.
Shireen: Every time you slay those shots I’m just like, this is all me! This is all me! [laughter] But can you give us an update on the last two years? When I spoke to you last you were running your hustle, you were working real hard at Dallas, and then we found out you went to Chicago. What was that like for you and how are you at Chicago? How is that going?
Azurá: Yeah, so that happened…It seems like it was a long time ago, but actually technically this year I was traded from Dallas to Chicago. So, obviously getting traded is kind of a bittersweet situation. I got drafted by Dallas so I really enjoyed my couple years there. When I heard I was getting traded to Chicago I can’t say I was super sad, like, I actually got to know some of the Chicago team pretty well throughout my first couple of years because me and Gabby are such good friends, and then just, you know, a new beginning, a fresh opportunity – I’m always looking forward to that, to grow and learn through that. So this year was kind of weird, I think, than how it would’ve been if it was a regular year. But we started Zoom calls and stuff once we knew we were gonna be in the bubble just to try to get to bond and try to know each other a little bit more. I mean, instantly I felt like a part of the family, which really stood out to me because usually when I meet new people it takes me a little while to open up and feel comfortable, but I think just with everything going on, you know…Coach Wade really set the precedent for our team to be really open and just be a space where we could talk about all of the stuff going on on the news, with COVID, even just with all the racial inequality and all that stuff, we were able to really bond and talk through those things. To be able to have that outside my family was really really special.
So we did that kind of leading up to the bubble, and then I went up to Chicago for a couple of weeks. We all did, just kind of pre-Florida, just to start training and stuff like that. So that was really fun for me. I was coming off of an injury last year, so to get back on the court was really fun for me, and then with a new team, a new system and new organization, and just kind of get to know them better was really cool. And it was fun! I think we had a lot of fun in Chicago, which has been really helpful for me. You know, when you’re in rehab and trying to come back you’re just slaving away and it’s kind of hard to have fun through that process, but then when you’re able to get back on the court, just to be able to be somewhere where Coach Wade really makes the environment a fun one was really cool. Then the team is just awesome, we have so much fun together off the court and on the court. But even being in the bubble, like, it wasn’t an easy situation, I must say, but it kind of felt summer-camp-ish almost, sometimes. [Shireen laughs] We have a really good group, so we were doing taco nights, game nights, we were just trying to make the most of it and I’m really happy to be in Chicago.
Shireen: I felt so honored to be able to see that through IG, just because of the fun you were having. Y’all were watching the Challenge Cup–
Azurá: Yeah!
Shireen: It was great to see the crossover. I mean, y’all were going for Red Stars obviously, but it was so much joy to watch you hold that joy, particularly in extremely difficult times.
Azurá: Yeah.
Shireen: In a year that’s been emotionally grueling for many many athletes, and I just wanna talk a little bit about that. The wubble – and nevermind that we’re existing in this pandemic – but also what happened, the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and deciding to dedicate that season to her. Tell me a little bit about that. What were the conversations like in team?
Azurá: Yes, I mean, I think just the decision in general to go to the wubble was something we all had to come to. But that was one of the things that we decided as a team, like, we were gonna do, that was gonna make this season a little more special. We knew the league would set aside some stuff for us to raise awareness and really bring attention to these issues through our platform, but we wanted to take it a step further and make sure that as a team we were doing something outside of whatever the league had in place for us. So we came up with the campaign where we donated to a few different organizations – I think it was 5 or 6 different organizations that we were donating to. So we had some videos made up for that. I think Gabby and maybe Diamond spoke a little bit more in depth on it as the front for our team, but we really were using that kind of as our way to raise awareness.
Azurá: So, we were posting it before every game and trying to raise a certain amount of money, and then we each were gonna donate a certain amount at the end, so we did that as well. That was pretty much our thing, on top of everything that we were doing, but making sure that we were actually making a concrete difference and I think raising awareness is a good thing to do though our platform. Obviously a lot of people, they see us on games, they’re watching us, they’re following us, but we wanted to make sure that we were doing something a little more hands-on as much as we could through the pandemic and all of this stuff. So that was really fun and special and just made this season that much more emotional. Like, before every game they played a little tribute to Breonna Taylor, different people who have been killed this year, and there’s so many different names. It was kind of crazy honestly, before games during that, and then for a moment just emotionally being taken to another place and then you kind of have to just gather yourself together and get ready to go and play.
Shireen: So that’s my question, like, how did you shift, pivot so quickly from being in that space, being cognizant in that moment, and then going and slaying like you did? How do you do that?
Azurá: It was really tough. I think it's kind of just one of those things where you’re in the moment, so, you’re getting ready for games but, I mean, it was really hard for me before each game hearing that over and over again. I would just be praying or say a quick prayer right after they were done to just kind of say a prayer for the families that have been affected and then try to switch my head into a different mindset. But I think definitely this season, on top of the pandemic and stuff, but with all of that it made it really emotional. But it made it that much more worth it to go there and play and try to raise awareness for these families, even for all the little African American young boys and girls to look up and see us on the platform…I think professional athletes on these stages, we’re an example. So I think even within that it felt just great to be like, you know what? Even though this may be hard – I don’t wanna leave my family, I don’t wanna be out here in the pandemic, all of that – I’m doing this to be a role model for younger kids who are at home looking up to me, and they’ll see me on this stage.
Shireen: And not only I think young African American kids, I think the WNBA really set a blueprint for how to do things differently. I’m just wondering if you the impact that you’ve had personally too. In addition to this I can’t help but remark that when I was watching the games – because I ended up buying a WNBA pass because I was like, I need to see these! – the commentary was just that you were also a really lovely person. [Azurá laughs] Almost every commentator was like, “And Azurá…!” – they would talk about your high school, and I was just like…But also in addition to you being delightful and lovely and smart was just that you were doing this work. Your team is dedicated to grassroots work, which is imperative, but also the impact you’ve had on other sports leagues. Like, I know the NWSL was completely completely moved, like everyone else. Now the NHL is struggling to kind of even begin to follow, you know? Women’s hockey, basketball, you know, the NBA actually was, I think, a step behind. They were there front and center in many ways, but it was Black women leading this way. How do you feel? You’re very very humble and whatever, [Azurá laughs] but if you could just tell me what that is like, being that kind of a role model?
Azurá: Yeah, and I think we were all personally touched by the Breonna Taylor situation. That could’ve been any one of us. Realistically, when I was in Dallas…I mean, Chicago, we were in the bubble, but when I was in Dallas I was in an apartment by myself. That could’ve been me. So I think that we all personally felt some sort of relation to that, and I think just in general all the stuff that’s been going on, we’re finally this year realizing the power that we have as Black women in these positions that there’s no more time to not speak up and say what we need to say. We’re given this platform for a reason, so use it to raise awareness, use it in any way that you want. I think it looks different for different people, you know, not everyone’s gonna be the one to stand up and say a bunch of stuff. There’s certain people who are really good at that, but I think that for everyone just being a WNBA player, you have such an impact that you can make on your community. That’s something that I try to do the most is being here, mentoring young Black female athletes coming up, really taking them under my wing, share my experiences with them, look out for them a little bit more. But even in general just young female basketball players around here, I try to really give back to my community in that way, but I think it just looks different for everyone. I think after this year, all of the tragedy and stuff, it’s kind of like you have a moment where you’re like, “Dang, what can I do?” But I think the one thing I learned from this whole year and how crazy it’s been is that everybody has a platform. It’s one thing to be an athlete and say that because, yeah, we have one on TV and stuff, but once we’re back at home…We’re not like regular people, but kind of. [laughs] We’re just back in the normal grind of life and stuff. I always tell people that yeah, I know I’m an athlete and I have a platform, but if you go down to the coffee shop and you see someone you can use that ten seconds to raise awareness, spark up a conversation. Everybody has some sort of platform, so just use it to your advantage and try to bring a little more good into the world.
Shireen: So, speaking of being at home and normal people – you know I’m gonna ask you about this! [Azurá laughs] Okay, who is the better TikToker: you or Gabby?
Azurá: [laughs] Okay, so I have a little backstory about Gabby’s TikTok journey. [Shireen laughs] So, I was on TikTok last year when it was like, no one really talking about it, when you’d say, “Oh yeah, TikTok!” and people were like, “What! You’re on TikTok?!” I was on it then. I texted her and I was like, dude, you have to get TikTok! I know you’d make the funniest ones, I just know you. So for the longest time she was like no, no, I’m not gonna get on it, I think I’ll be addicted, all this. I’m like, dude, just trust me! [Shireen laughs] The minute she got on, all her videos were amazing! They’re so funny! They’re so funny. So I think we’re both good. Hers are more of the comedy ones and I’m more into the dancing videos.
Shireen: Yeah.
Azurá: So we make a good pair with that.
Shireen: Are you trying to tell me you’re the better dancer? [Azurá laughs] Because you’re very diplomatic.
Azurá: Yeah, I would have to say I’m the best dancer.
Shireen: Oh, OKAY! Okay! We went there, alright! [laughter] That’s incredible.
Shireen: It was so much joy to watch you. So, who choreographed the team TikToks in the wubble? Who did that?
Azurá: Well, some of them I’d be like, “Yo, this TikTok is so good! We have to it!” and I’d show people on the team. People would be working and I’d go like, “Are you practicing your TikTok? Make sure you’re on your TikTok!” and we’d do it together. But our intro video, I don’t know if they posted that, where we’re riding on the bikes in the ‘V’ –
Shireen: Yes!
Azurá: I can’t remember who came up with that.
Shireen: That was awesome.
Azurá: I think Gabby maybe, and Diamond a little bit, and maybe CP a little bit. I can’t remember who for sure, but yeah, that was pretty cool. That was a whole choreographed thing. It was a whole thing. But it was really fun though. [laughs]
Shireen: So, I definitely want you to talk to me about the food truck in Raleigh.
Azurá: Yeah.
Shireen: Do you prepare the food? Because I saw one of your IG Lives and you weren’t actually in there cooking but I know how dedicated you are. So, tell me about this.
Azurá: Yeah, so it’s actually crazy – my parents and I have been watching Shark Tank so much recently, [Shireen laughs] and you just learn so much from them. From the people who get up there and get ripped to shreds to the people who get up there and…Hopefully one day we’ll be on that show. But yeah, since I've been home it’s been great because I’ve been able to actually help out more. I usually go with my dad to the kitchen before he goes out. I don’t always go on the truck but I always go and help prep. So I definitely know how to make all of the things on the menu but he’s been having me on chop duty lately. [Shireen laughs] So I’m kind of like…I have a bone to pick with him a little bit on that! But yeah it’s been great, being home.
Shireen: Chop duty! [laughing]
Azurá: [laughs] Yeah. I’m usually just chopping up vegetables. I’m like, okay, I know how to do a little bit more than this, but I’ll let you take it, whatever. But yeah, if he needs help on the truck…It’s not a small truck, but one person can pretty much run a shift depending on how busy we are. But it's crazy that we haven’t even been open long but business has been steady and we’re just learning as we go, which is really cool. I think about opening up the food truck, it’s like, you just keep learning things as you go along – how to do something better, what works for you, different spots that are hotspots…
Shireen: And what's your favorite thing on this menu?
Azurá: My favorite thing is the regular shrimp and grits with the spicy southern sauce. It has a little bit of kick in it. The sauce is like a red sauce with some ‘nduja sausage in it. Like I said, it has a little bit of a kick, so it’s really really good. But everything on the menu is so delicious, I love all of it. [laughter] But things have being going really well, so I’m grateful for that.
Shireen: That’s amazing. If I ever get to North Carolina I’m gonna go specifically for that, 100%.
Azurá: You have to, yes. You let me know, even if I’m not here! You’ll get free meals on us. [laughter]
Shireen: You’re so sweet. I’m so excited to talk to your dad about cooking.
Azurá: Yeah!
Shireen: I think that’d be amazing. So, y’all are gonna be at home for a while until season starts up again?
Azurá: Yeah, for the most part. I’m not sure when things will start next year, what we’re even doing. We’re all just kind of waiting around to hear that, but some people are overseas, some people are here.
Shireen: And you’re training at home?
Azurá: Yeah. Well, actually I was injured at the end of last year so I’m doing a lot better.
Shireen: Yeah, so you’re rehabbing.
Azurá: I’m rehabbing now, and hopefully soon within the next couple of months I’ll be ready to go. So, I’ll just be training. I think I’ll probably stay over here this year and then try to get overseas next year. But just trying to heal up now.
Shireen: And keep chopping!
Azurá: Yeah! [laughs]
Shireen: Keep chopping. Your dad’s a smart man! This is what it is. He’s keeping your agility, your dexterity…So, I think this is great.
Azurá: I must say, when we had the grand opening I actually helped inside the truck and the kitchen is a whole other beast. It’s a lot playing! I always make fun of my parents like, “Y’all wouldn’t last a day doing my schedule!” But like, the kitchen is definitely a different beast. A lot of respect to my dad and just all the work that he puts in there.
Shireen: Of course. I mean, I think that’s so awesome and I love that. You get so much joy, like, these photos of you with him, you’re just radiating.
Azurá: Yeah.
Shireen: And you just bring so much happiness to those around you.
Azurá: Thank you.
Shireen: So, what’s the name of the truck? Can you tell us a little bit about it and where our listeners can find it if they’re in that area?
Azurá: Yeah, so it’s called Same O Dame O's Shrimp, Fish and Grits, and then if you go to Instagram the @ for the food truck is @sameoshrimps. Also, there’s a website called Street Food Finder and if you go on there and just type in Same O Dame O’s it has our schedule up for months out and it’ll have updated scheduling on if we change or where we’ll be at, all that timing, all that stuff. We kind of move around to different breweries, we’ve done apartment complexes, we do festivals, we kind of do a little bit of everything. I’m brainstorming some stuff for the future. We’re kind of turning it a little bit into a catering thing, so if somebody calls us and they have a birthday party they want us to come to we’re moving in that direction as well. We wanna be able to cover a lot of different areas.
Shireen: Or weddings?
Azurá: Yeah! Anything really that people…Even at my old high school they had before COVID and stuff for graduation they had senior day where they had different food trucks come up, and we were looking to get involved with that. So we’re trying to be kind of open to all different ideas. Then hopefully eventually in maybe the next couple of years we’re gonna try to move to different states and just do like a pop up food truck type of thing. So I’ve been looking into Chicago, even going back to Dallas, New York – just different cities where we can pop up for like a weekend, because we have family all around and stuff like that. We wanna be able to just move to different places. So, yeah, stay tuned for that.
Shireen: Well, if the borders open up, come up to Toronto!
Azurá: Yes! [laughs]
Shireen: We’ll make sure you’re busy. I think Kia’s up here too. We’ll make sure you are busy! But I wanted to thank you so much. Where can I point our listeners to what you’re doing and everything else? What’s your Twitter handle, what’s your IG?
Azurá: So, my IG is @azura_stevens.
Shireen: Okay.
Azurá: Then I actually don’t have a Twitter. [laughs] I had one a few years back but I deleted it. Then I’m on Facebook – I don’t get on there a ton, but I’m on there. It’s just Azurá Stevens.
Shireen: If you could ask, we could ask the listeners to donate to one specific charity that you’re interested in, what would that be for you?
Azurá: I would pick By The Hand, it’s an organization in Chicago that works with kids, just providing opportunities for them and their future. That’s one of the organizations that we donated to over the summer. But I really liked the initiatives that they had just for bettering our children, because I think that’s one of the most important things to do. They’re our future, so we really need to support them and hope that our future is a little bit brighter than what we’re currently in. [laughs]
Shireen: This is wonderful. I’m so happy you were able to come on the show. We’re huge fans and we’re so excited–
Azurá: Thank you so much.
Shireen: Just the joy that the WNBA brought everybody. The numbers are rising and the viewership and now everybody wants that orange hoodie – it’s legitimately the swag piece to have.
Azurá: Yeah, yeah.
Shireen: I just wanted to thank you for sharing that and giving us some insight, but I just really really wanted to thank you again. The stuff you’re doing on the court and off the court, more importantly in some ways, is just phenomenal.
Azurá: Thank you. I appreciate you guys’s support, and even all the people listening, I think I can speak on behalf of a lot of players – we’re really appreciative of all the support that we have around the world, all the people following and that really give us the time of day, because we work really hard and we like to feel appreciated for that. So we’re really thankful for all of our fans. And stay tuned! Hopefully next season, they’ll announce it soon! I know I’m looking forward to being back on the court soon.
Shireen: Can’t wait to see you there. Thank you so much, Azurá.
Azurá: Thank you guys!
Shireen: Bye!