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miaaluvspaige · 12 days

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Parring Kelsey Plum x volleyball player!reader

Title: Set for Love

You’d met Kelsey Plum at a college sports event when your volleyball team was being honored, and she was representing the basketball team. Both of you had been so focused on your sports careers that there wasn’t much room for anything—or anyone—else. But something about Kelsey’s energy drew you in. She had that infectious competitive spirit, a fiery determination you could relate to. And after a few run-ins at athlete events, you exchanged numbers and quickly became close friends.

Both of you were at the height of your careers now—Kelsey excelling in the WNBA, and you playing volleyball professionally. Even with your demanding schedules, you made time for each other, whether it was catching a game or having FaceTime calls from across the country.

One weekend, with your season on a break, you decided to surprise Kelsey by showing up at one of her games. You hadn’t told her you were coming, but you couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when she spotted you in the stands. The energy in the arena was electric as you watched her dominate the court, weaving between defenders with that unstoppable drive of hers.

After the game, you texted her, telling her to meet you outside the locker room. When she came out, still in her jersey, her face lit up in surprise.

“What are you doing here?” Kelsey exclaimed, pulling you into a tight hug, her arms lingering a little longer than usual.

“Wanted to see my favorite basketball player in action,” you teased, grinning. “You were incredible out there.”

She beamed, still holding onto you as if she wasn’t ready to let go. “I’m so glad you came.”

Later that night, after grabbing dinner, you both found yourselves back at her place, lounging on the couch, talking about the pressures of your respective sports. It was one of those rare nights where you could both relax and just be yourselves, away from the spotlight.

“I feel like I don’t get to see you enough,” Kelsey admitted, her tone more serious than usual as she turned to face you.

You laughed softly. “I know, but that’s the price we pay for being elite athletes, right?”

“Yeah, but sometimes I wonder…” Kelsey trailed off, looking like she was searching for the right words. “If we weren’t so busy, maybe we’d have more time for... other things.”

Your heart skipped a beat as you noticed the way she was looking at you, her eyes soft yet intense. “Other things?” you asked, your voice quiet now.

Kelsey sat up, moving a little closer to you. “Like this,” she said softly, before leaning in, her lips meeting yours in a kiss that was tender but filled with emotion.

You kissed her back, your hand gently resting on her cheek as the moment deepened. The kiss felt right, like something that had been building between the two of you for a long time.

When you finally pulled away, Kelsey smiled at you, her eyes bright with a mixture of relief and affection. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while,” she admitted with a shy chuckle.

You laughed, your heart racing. “I’m glad you did.”

For the rest of the night, you stayed close, talking and laughing like always, but with a new layer of closeness. Maybe balancing your careers and your feelings for each other would be tricky, but you knew one thing for sure: you’d figure it out, together.

Mia speaks

This is my 3rd draft!!! More coming soon make sure to send in some requests (I don’t do smut)

#las vegas aces #wnba x reader #wnba imagine #wnba players #wnba #kelsey plum #lv aces

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leilanihours · 4 months

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imagine r and nika wanna take the next step in their relationship but theyre not sure on what that next step is, so nika comes back from dawg class w the puppy she was assigned saying thats their next step😭 j bringing back a whole ass dog and insisting her gf lets her keep it

# EVERYTHING

pairing: nika muhl x reader

word count: 1215

warnings: a cute pup idk..

summary: the day you and nika become dog moms.

⭑ from lani: cute cute fluff tn for nika ☺️ also i changed the ask a little bit bc i forgot to look back at it while i was writing but i hope u still like it anon!

masterlist !

YOU SAT QUIETLY on your bed wrapped in blankets as you read the book in your hands. normally you would be spending the day with your girlfriend, nika muhl, but she was currently participating in kelsey plum’s "dawg class" before the wnba season started up.

you allowed yourself to zone out as you think about your relationship with the brunette. the connection had been brewing for years, some might say, but it was just labeled official just over six months ago. the two of you were victims of the honeymoon phase, and it was obvious with how you were practically attached at the hip all the time.

there was never any questioning of your relationship nor your love for each other, but as you two began to approach the one year milestone, you started wondering what the next step would be. you understood that nika would be busy with her basketball career, of course, and you would be occupied pursuing your own major in grad school, but you just recently discussed the topic of a possible roadblock.

it was a long, serious conversation that consisted of mutual respect, honesty, and communication. that was one of the things you loved about being with nika. she was always willing to work things out when it came to you. she typically comes off as headstrong to anyone else, but her guard immediately lets down in your presence.

she valued what you had to say and responded with her own kindness, comforting you undoubtedly. you knew you were in it for the long run with her, but was she in it for you as well?

sighing in contemplation, you gently close your book and set it down on your bedside table as you make your way over to your closet. wordlessly slipping into one of nika’s uconn hoodies, you walk over to the kitchen of your shared apartment to make yourself a cup of tea.

you connect your phone to the soundbar speaker planted on the wall underneath the tv and shuffle one of your favorite albums of all time: blue water road by kehlani. the soothing melodies of “everything” fills your ears as you pad through the kitchen and living room out to the balcony. you observe the beautiful sunset before you, the serene view calming your messy web of thoughts.

you knew nika was it for you. everything about her drew you in, physically and emotionally. her contagious laugh, charming eyes, hypnotizing touch, perfect hair. her undivided love, true devotion, loyal attentiveness, selfless acts of service. no one made you feel this way before you met her. she was everything to you. everything.

you subconsciously smile at the thought of spending the rest of your life with this girl. you pictured what your future would look like next to her and your heart swelled like the music at the end of a cheesy rom-com movie. the love you had for nika was truly immeasurable, and right now you just hoped she felt the same.

speaking of your girlfriend, you hear noise coming from the front door of the apartment. it’s not a key in the door, however, more like…scratching? you curiously walk over to the kitchen as you continue to hear the odd noises.

maybe it was just one of the neighbors’ pets, you think. but nika should be getting home soon…

before you can begin to question the situation further, the door is unlocked and eagerly pushed open by a small creature that was definitely not your girlfriend. with wide eyes, you observe the small brown and black puppy that is now padding happily across the floors, tail wagging excitedly.

you crouch down onto your knees as the dog immediately rushes into your arms, taking in your scent and licking your face. you can’t help but grin at the interaction despite not knowing the source or story behind it.

“hi, baby! surprise!” nika says with a bright smile.

“who’s this little guy?” you mirror her expression as you ruffle the pup’s ear softly. you’ve always had a weakness for dogs, ever since you were little and got one for your 13th birthday. she was a pomeranian named flora and she was your best friend. you loved her so much that you dedicated your many aspects of your life to her.

and, of course, nika knew about your obvious love for the animals, which is why she felt the urge to make this big decision.

“this is ivan,” she starts as she joins you on the floor, “he was one of the rescue dogs from class today and needed a new home…” she says with a shy tone in her voice.

“did he?” you smirk at the girl, enjoying her timid behavior.

“yeah, so when kelsey told us…i had this idea…for us.”

“i’m listening…”

“i love you, y/n, and our relationship. and that’s not gonna change anytime soon, so i figured that this would be the next step…for us? i just think that-” she sighs in thought, “i can’t stand the thought of ever being without you and i know it’s still pretty early into this new chapter of our lives but i wanna spend the rest of my life with you, y/n. so i hope you’ll accept this adorably precious puppy as a promise symbol? at least until i can put a ring on your finger?” she finished with a smirk.

your lips have parted in delighted shock, a speechless look on your face as tears of joy fill your eyes from nika’s words. before you get the chance to reply, your girlfriend worriedly cuts you off.

“you hate it. oh my gosh you hate the idea. i’m so sorry, baby, i should’ve asked you about it first and talked about it i-“

you interrupt her ramble with a giggle as you look down at ivan jumping in your lap. “nika,” you reach out for one of her hands, “i love it. the idea, the pup, you. i love you,” she lets out a sigh of relief at this, her shoulders relaxing automatically, “i feel the exact same way and i need you to know that. i knew you were the one for me from our very first date. i never doubted it- us for a second.”

“really?” there’s a glint of hope and joy in her beautiful brown eyes as you nod, “then why are you tearing up, my love?” she gently wipes a couple stray tears from your pink cheeks that happened to fall.

“because-“ you breathe out with a small laugh, “you just make me so happy, like- words can’t explain it. and i was scared that you would want something different for us, so just hearing you say those things made me happy.”

“so happy that you had to scare me by crying?”

“yes, that happy.”

you both laugh as you lean your head on the brunette’s shoulder. your gazes are trained on the tiny dog that has now fallen asleep in your lap. a comfortable silence fills the atmosphere - the only sounds to be heard are the little snores from ivan and the angelic voice of kehlani still playing on the speaker.

“our little family,” nika whispers as she places a warm kiss on your head and wraps a loving arm around your frame.

yourusername's story

— leilani signing off ! 📁

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jareaul0ver · 5 months

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Come With Me

Summary: Nika gets drafted to a team all the way across the country, and you're terrified of what's coming next, but she has everything planned out.

inspired by this request

wc: 917 warnings: angst if you squint, nothing else really pairings: nika muhl x fem!reader

After being with Nika for the last three years of your life, spending almost every single day with her, sleeping in her bed every night, you couldn't imagine how life would be if she got drafted to somewhere far from you.

You were hoping she'd be drafted to the Connecticut Sun, so you two could stay together after graduation. If that didn't happen, you at least hoped for a team on the east coast.

Of course, your hopes and dreams were shattered, but momentarily put on pause, when you heard her name called as the Seattle Storm's first draft pick.

Pushing down any emotion but happiness for Nika, you jump up and hug her tightly. "I'm so proud of you." You whisper against her ear. She pecks your cheek before hugging a few others and heading up to the stage.

You can't help but let a few tears fall down your face as you watch her. You're overwhelmed with pride, excitement, sadness - pretty much every emotion ever.

Your girlfriend is going to be a professional basketball player. How many people get to say that?

When she comes back over to you, your arms wrap around her neck and you pull her body close to yours. The two of you have never been much for PDA in the past, but in the moment, neither of you cared.

"I am so incredibly proud of you, my love." You mumble before pressing a sweet kiss on her lips. She can't help the smile forming on her face, and she kisses you back before pulling away.

Her hands settled on your waist and she spoke softly. "I love you."

"I love you, Nika."

The next few days felt like a blur. Nika was packing her things to head to Kelsey Plum's Dawg Class training camp. As you watched her from the doorway of the bedroom, a small frown etched itself on your face.

Nika glanced over at you and saw your expression. She stopped what she was doing and immediately walked over to you. "What's wrong, bebo?"

You shook your head. "You're leaving."

Her hands settled on your waist and pulled you towards her. "Only for a week. Then I'll be back and-"

"And then you have to go to Seattle. Not just for a week or two, but for good." The tone of your voice was sad, and Nika found herself frowning.

"That's only if I make the team." Her thumbs gently stroked the fabric of your shorts her shorts that you stole.

You laughed in a bit of disbelief. "You're making the team, don't be ridiculous." You stared at her and felt your eyes beginning to water. "I really don't want you to go. To leave me." Your voice was low and shaky.

She placed a kiss on your forehead and pulled you into a tight hug. "I don't want to leave you, either. If I could stay, I would."

You sniffled and nodded. "I know. You're just-" You took a deep breath. "You're gonna be so far."

Nika pulled away and looked at you, her soft brown eyes not leaving yours for a second. A brief light lit up in her gaze, and you noticed it. "Then come with me." She spoke quickly, like she was ripping off some sort of metaphorical band-aid.

"What?" You looked up at her.

"Come to Seattle with me. After graduation, we can move out there, and- We won't have to be apart." Her words came out so delicately and you found yourself mentally falling apart.

Uprooting your life and moving to the other side of the country? It sounded insane, almost. "Nika.." But you would do anything for her.

"I'm serious, we can get an apartment- or even a house- and it'll be perfect!" You had never seen her so genuine about something in her life. Your heart was pounding against your chest, you felt like at any moment it would leap out and expose to Nika how she was making you melt.

You stared at her for what felt like forever as you contemplated your choices. You could either go with her after graduation, and live the life you've always wanted with her, even though you'd be throwing everything in Connecticut behind. Or, you could stay here, losing the best thing that's ever happened to you.

You'd lose the one person that kept you grounded, that knew your coffee order without having to ask, knew what temperature you liked the bedroom to be at night. She was the only person in your life that had ever given you so much security to where you felt like, maybe, you just could give up everything else for her.

"Okay." You nodded, tears spilling from your eyes. "Yeah, okay."

Nika could’ve screamed at your answer. "Really?" Her eyes widened and she brought a hand up to wipe your tears. "You really want to?"

“I do.” You sniffled, angling your head to lean into her hand.

Her smile was wide as she leaned in and pressed your lips together, only for a split second before pulling back and pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“I love you, bebo.” She mumbled.

You tucked your head under her jaw and took a deep breath. “I love you.”

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mopopshop · 4 months

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hello hello!! absolutely love your fics! i was wondering if you write for kelsey plum? if so could you write an age gap fic where reader gets signed to lv and kp automatically takes a liking to her and casually flirts her way to a date with reader

Flirt (Kelsey Plum x OC)

i wrote this high, i’m still high so i hope it eats😝 please enjoy and give feedback if you’d like!!

You never imagined you'd be here, standing in the middle of the Michelob Arena, with your name freshly signed to a WNBA contract. It felt surreal, like a dream, and your heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As you finish the final paperwork, you catch sight of Kelsey across the facility. The realization sends a thrill down your spine. You've heard stories about her intensity on the court and her infectious charisma off it. What you hadn't anticipated was the way her eyes would light up when they met yours.

"Hey, Leah, right?" Kelsey's voice is smooth, confident. She walks over, her stride effortlessly casual, and extends a hand. "Welcome to the Aces. I'm Kelsey."

You shake her hand, trying to keep your composure. "Thanks, It's an honor to be here."

Her smile widens, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "The honor's all ours. We’ve been keeping an eye on you. Impressive stuff."

Your cheeks heat up at the compliment. "Thank you. I'm really excited, you know— for all of this."

Kelsey nods, her gaze lingering on you a bit longer than necessary. "How about I give you a quick tour? Show you the ropes?"

"Yeah, that’d be great" you reply, grateful for the chance to get to know her better and to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

As she guides you through the facilities, pointing out various areas and sharing stories, you find yourself relaxing in her presence. Kelsey had a way of making you feel at ease, her natural charm and wit drawing you in. Her gaze intense and alluring.

"You know," Kelsey says as you both reach the locker room, "you're going to fit in just fine here. But there's one thing you need to know about me."

You raise an eyebrow, curious. "And what’s that?"

"I'm a bit of a flirt," she admits with a playful grin. "So if you ever feel like I’m coming on too strong, just let me know. I promise I can tone it down."

You laugh, the sound light and genuine. "I'll keep that in mind."

Over the next few weeks, Kelsey stays true to her word. She flirts casually, making little comments that send your heart fluttering. She compliments your game, your style, even the way you tie your shoes. It's never over the top, but always enough to keep you on your toes, wondering if there's something more behind her words.

One evening, after a particularly grueling practice, you find yourself alone in the gym, shooting some extra free throws. You're focused, determined to improve, when you hear footsteps approaching.

"Up for a game of HORSE??" Kelsey's voice echoes through the empty space.

You smile, turning to face her and fake a grimace “You really wanna do that? Cause I’ll beat your ass and it’s not gonna be cute"

“Damn, rookie. Trash talking me now?”

“Just warning you” you shrug sarcastically.

She rolls her eyes playfully “Fine, but let’s up the stakes for whoever loses” you look at her and she stares back expectantly.

“Set your price, rookie”

Finally realizing what she’s saying, you respond quickly “If you lose… you have to let me style your pre-game fits for the next— two weeks”

She grins lightly “Okay, okay, I’ll take that. But if you lose— you gotta… let me take you out sometime”

You freeze and your breath catches in your throat “…Okay.. but don’t hold your breath” you tease as you calm down.

She laughs, grabbing a ball and joining you on the court. You play your game of HORSE, the tension between you palpable but unspoken.

The game winds down, leaving Kelsey with a win. She approaches you sheepishly, spinning the ball between her hands.

“So… about that date..?” she smirks.

You chuckle, shaking your head at her persistence. "I guess a date wouldn’t be that bad”

She grins triumphantly, tossing the ball aside. "Tomorrow night? We can grab dinner after practice."

You consider it for a moment, a rush of excitement mingling with nerves. "Tomorrow night sounds good."

"Perfect," she says, her smile widening. "I'll pick you up at seven."

As she turns to leave, you call after her playfully, "But don't think this means I'm going easy on you in practice!"

Kelsey laughs over her shoulder. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Leah"

#ncaa women’s basketball #women’s basketball #ncaa #wnba #wlw #las vegas aces #kelsey plum #kelsey plum blurb

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fruitbasketball · 3 months

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wnba recap 7/2

okay life is so hectic but i want to yap ab the fever aces game so bad so that’s all y’all are getting for today

las vegas aces vs. indiana fever

thank you christie sides 🙏🏽🙏🏽 for not starting crusty wallASS. oh my god 12 minutes on the floor just to go 1-4 you actually make me sick. double doubles for caitlin and aliyah, both valid all star picks yupppp! i loved the little interactions between the aces players and caitlin it was so adorable.

temi was CRASHING THOSE BOARDS during her lil 16 mins on the court loooove to see it :)

GODDAMN A’JA. idc if it’s stat padding bruh leave her in for 1 min to get that last board for the double come onnn but! KELSEY PLUM?? PLUM DAWG??? good LORD i cannot imagine how this team has lost 6 WHOLE games when this is how they play even when chelsea gray doesn’t contribute that much.

kate martin 11 minutes 0 points 😭😭 y’all always have this girl panicking dear god imagine how embarrassing it would’ve been if she’d ended up on that all star roster 💀💀💀

okay anyway enjoyed that game i will be back on my recap grind soon y’all!! promise!!

#wbb #wnba #women’s basketball #las vegas aces #indiana fever #caitlin clark #wnba recap by mina

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bballlvr8 · 3 days

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do we think that Kelsey Plum is re-signing with the aces? I can’t imagine her anywhere else honestly

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kevinbriansatterwhite · 4 months

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I don’t watch sports that much. I kind of lost interest in it. When it comes to music and film - even if you don’t like an artist - every now and then there’s a performance or a song that really picks you up. Sports is not art. What you see is what you get. They’re human beings. As an artist myself - I just think about - Indiana Jones - talking about - fortune and glory. I think as a society - we focus too much on - fortune and fame. Chasing fame is not an admirable quality - no matter how many songs we hear about it - or how many movies we watch - where it looks cool. To me - a part of glory - is the honor bestowed upon another by the world - allowing someone to use their fame for good. Sports is great because - you could possibly see someone’s great deeds - reflected in their game - live. This literally makes it a dangerous game - unlike Liam Hemsworth, Michael Douglas, and Ice-T - who were portraying characters in movies with dangerous plots. When someone is chasing fame - you don’t really see anything - it’s just a player playing a game. I think sports has great potential. I think someday men and women could compete together on the same teams - with a few adjustments to the rules and regulations. I remember when I used to watch basketball players talk and I used to get nervous - like when watching a “black” person read the prompter at a fancy award show. Things have gotten better - society is improving. We have found time to care about things that don’t seem to matter - like speech and teach. It’s not just about wasting money anymore. I don’t recall exactly. I vaguely remember seeing Kelsey Plum talking about the importance of managing money and making the money she deserves. It’s something that people need to understand. How to save money, how to get the money you deserve, and how to spend money. I’ve heard of too many athletes going broke after making millions. It’s not just athletes that need this information. I think Kelsey Plum should be the face of the WNBA. By that I mean - she should be in a leadership position - to help promote the league.

Women have been through some serious stuff when it comes to beauty. Dorothy Dandridge, Elizabeth Taylor, and Barbara Streisand. I can’t imagine the stuff they went through as women. Not just stretching the mold, but breaking it - so other people could fit into it. I remember growing up - Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jonathan Brandis, Cory Haim, Luke Perry, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Jaleel White - they were all the standard of beauty in the nineties. I didn’t fit the description, but I was okay with it. It didn’t offend me. I don’t think it’s fair to look back and say it was wrong for society to put them up there like that. Unfortunately, we lost Cory, Luke, and Jonathan. We don’t hear much about Taylor Thomas anymore. The world was starving for purity and innocence and it didn’t seem to pan out. The “black” community was really into Denzel Washington. I wonder if that’s why it went from - Brad Pitt to George Clooney, Ryan Renyolds, and Ryan Gosling. Denzel, Ryan, Ryan, and George seem like a more heartfelt and wholesome choice than pure and innocent. Brad Pitt may have let everyone down - when he didn’t seem to be what people expected. The world got fed up with purity and innocence - because it just kept fading away. Then it all felt wrong because it wasn’t diverse enough. But, was there a bigger picture? There are no racial slurs worse - to me - than the ones against Asian people. Gook and chink - they sound more like a direct aim at someone’s features. If you think about Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Tyson Beckford, Taylor Lautner, and Taylor Swift - they have features that I believe - everyone can relate to. Their universal beauty provides healing and protection. It also allows us to see ourselves as more beautiful - by practicing on someone else. I think Kelsey Plum as the face of the WNBA will open humble doors - that we didn’t realized were closed. It’s like - “white” culture back in the nineties was not just tripping. They were up to something. The popularity of BTS - may be proof that there’s something going on. The world has to address the negative and hold ourselves accountable for our actions - before we plan the positive. The best we can do in the meantime is prepare for something better.

#Hello Kitty #Sanrio #Wikipedia

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female-buckets · 2 years

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uw has landed big recruits recently? they got ladine who was instrumental in beating stanford and stines and they’re getting chloe briggs if i remember correctly and she’s pretty highly touted?

True. But compared to Kelsey Plum and Aari Mcdonald? There was a moment back in 2016 when it felt like UW would leave the mid-majors behind. There was a moment where it felt like UW could become a big consistent program.

And then Adia took Aari to Arizona and UW hired the worst coach they could find lmao. Jody Wynn's record as UW head coach was 25-57!!! Imagine what could've been if UW gave Adia a competitive offer and made her head coach? We would've seen UW in the NCAA championship game! But instead we got Jody Wynn... 25-57. But it's okay. Wynn is gone now.

The brand new UW coach, Tina Langley, is impressive. The 9 losses on Washington's record this year no longer count because they beat Stanford 😌

#WSU is still better than UW but... we'll discuss that another day. For now let's celebrate the Huskies #ncaa wbb

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outsideratheart · 3 years

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Is That A Plum? (Kelsey Plum x reader)

Anon request: Can you do a Kelsey Plum and tattoo reder fluff if possible

It was announced that the 2020 olympics would now happen in 2021, meaning that you would finally have national team training camp.

This meant that you would be able to play the sport you love with some of your closest friends and most of all your girlfriend.

Arriving in South Carolina you were informed that you have to quarantine for 10 days and the only time you were allowed to leave the room was for COVID testing. During those 10 days you had seen Kelsey twice and you were instructed to keep your distance but now quarantine was officially over. You were finally allowed to see you girlfriend and practice with the team.

The morning of the first practice you had slept in which wasn’t surprising, everyone knew how much you loved your sleep. What you didn’t expect was that Jewel slept in too which meant you were now both late and by the time you got to reception the rest of the team had already left to go the arena.

“Great way to start camp” Jewel says.

“Oh, they expect if from me. What is your excuse?” You tease

“What can I say, I didn’t want you to face the team alone” she says causing you to laugh.

Over the years you have become close with Jewel as you both play for the storm.

You call one of the coaching staff and they tell you that you have to make your own way to practice. You and jewel leave the hotel but not before getting a coffee. You were already late, at least this way you would arrive to practice awake.

Meanwhile at the arena the rest of the team arrive and Dawn notices your absence straight away.

“You seem to be missing two players Sue” Dawn says.

“They overslept, Y/N texted to say they are on there way. They shouldn’t be too long”

Sue was right because 5 minutes later you and Jewel walk into the arena.

“You’re late” You are about to respond when Dawn notices your cup “and you stopped for coffee” She says.

“Of course she did” Kelsey says under her breath

“I thought it would be best if I was more alert when I arrived” you say hoping she would buy your excuse.

The rest of the team laugh at your words. This is how you was, always having an answer. You liked to have a joke but when it came to playing your were focused.

“How about this” Dawn pauses as she passes you a ball “Score from there and your off the hook. Miss and you and Jewel have to run the stairs”

Jewel sighs from beside you. She had faith but you hadn’t even been up an hour and you hadn’t warmed up.

“Deal” you say handing Jewel your coffee.

“and if you miss I get your coffee” Dawn raises the stakes.

You laugh at her bet “Ooo now it’s on, I don’t share my coffee. Anyone else want to place a bet, we might as well make this interesting”’ you say looking at your team mates.

“I bet $50 you miss” Diana says and bring your hand to you chest acting offended.

“I’ll match you but I say she makes it” Kelsey says.

“Thank you baby” You send her a wink.

“Anybody else” you ask and take the the silence as no” Fine by me, set the shot clock”

You bounce the ball three times and take the shot. Just like in the movies, it feels like the ball is in slow motion but low and behold you watch as the ball goes in the net.

You jokingly bow at your team before taking your drink from jewel.

You walk towards the bench where the rest of the players are now sitting. You see a sign with your name on next to Kelsey and you mentally thank whoever set the seats up.

“Good Morning” Kelsey says leaning over to kiss you.

“It is now” You say returning the kiss.

“No kissing on the court, COVID rules” you hold you hands up in defeat.

You take you sweatpants off so that you are in your shorts and when you look up you see Kelsey taking a sip of your coffee.

“I thought you said you don’t share your coffee” Diana says.

“What’s mine is hers” you reply causing Diana to laugh, she is about to walk away when you stop her “I’ll be collecting my $50 after practice, I accept cash, card and Starbucks gift cards”

Diana just shakes her head at your words.

You go to take your hoodie off but then remember that you have a new tattoo which you are keeping hidden for the time being.

“Hoodie off Y/N” Dawns says.

“I will once I warm up” you reply.

“That’s not like you. Normally you love to show your arms off” Kelsey says and you wave her off.

It felt like a good idea at first but now here you were half an hour into practice and sweat was dripping off you.

“Y/N I know want to show her your sleeve in private but you are doing to pass out if you don’t take your hoodie off” Stewie says.

You had gotten a new sleeve after the play offs and you had yet to show your girlfriend. You wanted to show her in person and you hadn’t seen her since you got it.

“I know” you pause “you’re right. I am sweating buckets” You take your hoodie off. Perhaps nobody will realise.

That hope is short lived.

As soon as you take your hoodie off, Brittany comes over to you. This was the thing you had in common, you both loved tattoos.

“That’s new, what is it?” She asks.

You look around and thankfully Kelsey it too focused to notice you.

“Some letters. I got it after the finals. Please keep it down, Kelsey hasn’t seen it yet” You laugh as BG pretends to zip her lips.

The rest of training you and Kelsey are on opposite ends of the court. You were both to focused on practice to really notice the other one.

Dawn calls you over the bench to go over the next drill. You are too busy concentrating on what she is saying, you don’t even realise Kelsey is by your side checking out your new ink until she says something.

“This is new, I like it” Kelsey tells you.

Thankfully she doesn’t notice what the tattoo was. You would be able to have your reveal when you got back to the hotel.

The second half of training you were on a team with Kelsey and Brittany. This is what you loved about national team, BG wasn’t on your ass and Kelsey was on your team so the points she scored were your points too.

You, Sue and Diana do some 3 point shots. You three were the top scorers in the league and were also the most confident at taking the shots.

“So Romeo did your girl see your tattoos?” Sue asks.

“She did but she didn’t realise what they were” you reply.

“What are you talking about” Diana asks.

You show your sleeve to D whilst sue takes her shots.

“these are from her” You nod as Diana inspects your arm. “I think this one is my favourite” she tells you.

“Mine too”

After you finish your shooting practice Dawn tells you all to call it a day and to head back the hotel.

Everyone meets in the hotel restaurant after showering and getting changed.

When you get there you notice a seat free near Kelsey so you sit there.

You made sure to wear a short sleeved t-shirt so that your tattoo is on show.

Kelsey takes a closer look at the tattoo and you just watch her. You loved her, you were completely smitten. 2020 made you realise that Kelsey was it for you. Not being able to see her was horrible and it made you think about the future, and that was what she was to you, she was your future.

“Are these?” Her voice breaks and she can’t finish her sentence.

“They are” you say.

Kelsey’s hand was resting on your bicep so you leaned down to place a kiss on her knuckles.

“I really struggled in the wubble. I have always being a people person and to be isolated for that long was really hard but your letters was the highlight of my day. I would wait every morning for your knock and then I would read them over and over again, I swear that by the time I stopped I would have been able to read them back to you from memory”

By now some of the team has come back to the table with their food and was listening to you talk to your girlfriend.

“This one is the first one you gave me” you point to the one at the top of your arm.

“This is from the morning after my horrible game, I was beating myself up but you knew exactly what to say to calm me down. Now I look at it every time I am hard on myself”

You feel your nose tingle as you continue explaining what each letter meant you.

“What is this one?” She asks not recognising the words.

This is the one tattoo on your arm which for her from you.

“It says ‘In all the world there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world there is no love for you like mine’”

You blink and a tear falls down your face. Kelsey moves her thumb over your face, wiping the tear away.

“Who said that?�� She asks.

“I did but I am pretty sure Maya Angelou said it first” you say trying to laugh off your tears.

“Is that a plum” She asks and you laugh remembering how you got it.

“That was my idea” Stewie says proud of herself.

#WNBA x reader #WNBA imagines #WNBA one shot #Kelsey plum imagines #Kelsey plum x reader #Kelsey plum one shot

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junker-town · 3 years

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Stefanie Dolson on winning gold in Tokyo, the challenges of 3x3 basketball, and more

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

Sometimes overshadowed on the Chicago Sky, Stefanie Dolson stepped out onto the international stage this summer, winning a gold medal in Tokyo.

The debut of 3x3 basketball at the Summer Olympics was a rousing success, especially for the United States women’s team composed of Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. The Americans went 8-1 and came home with the event’s inaugural gold medal.

The pace of the game seems suited for quicker guards, and yet 6’5 Dolson — known as Big Mama Stef — played some of the finest basketball of her career en route to the gold, making 72.3 percent of her field-goal attempts and just being a general nuisance for any opponent trying to get to the basket.

Dolson spoke to SB Nation about what it took to winning gold and the role her UCAN energy products played in getting her to her physical peak.

Note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

SB Nation: How does it feel to be an Olympic gold medalist? Has it sunk in yet, do you call yourself that when you answer the phone? How does it work?

Stefanie Dolson: I don’t. I got to see Allisha (Gray) yesterday, we played Dallas. And I said, “What’s up Gold Medal Lish?” cuz she said she only wanted to be referred to as that. I did not, but it’s been really great. I mean, my family, friends, my teammates, it’s just, I don’t know, just overwhelming with how much love and support and excitement everyone’s given me. So it’s definitely set in. I think at this point now it’s like, I almost have to put it to the side because now I’m focused on just our Chicago games, but I mean it’s pretty amazing. I still look at it, I’m like, wow, that really happened.

SBN: Do you have any special plans for the medal?

SD: I don’t think so. I’m gonna get a tattoo though, I just have to get it. But not the medal. I mean, I’m trying to figure out what to do with it, to be fair.

SBN: are you gonna get the Olympic rings tattoo?

SD: Yeah, I’m thinking about getting the rings or actually getting the Olympiad that’s on the back, like the angel-looking thing. I saw a tattoo like that, it looked really cool, so up in the air.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stefanie Dolson (she/her) (@bigmamastef)

SBN: I wanted to ask you a little about 3x3 because I know USA, obviously when you’re part of — especially the women’s basketball program — for five on five, there’s an expectation of winning, and I was curious if you guys had that same sort of expectation going in for 3x3 given that it was a new tournament.

SD: Yeah, I think there was because, you know, not only just USA basketball, but just the WNBA, like all of basketball in the U.S., there’s an expectation of being really great at it. So for us it was just like, we’re WNBA players. We almost put on ourselves that pressure, like we need to be the best. So going into it I think I was really nervous, I mean the first game of the Olympics I was — we were all freaking out. I was thinking it’s so different compared to the qualifying tournament. So there’s definitely that pressure and expectation of wanting to be the best, wanting to win the gold. It was there.

SBN: What was the day like when you guys found out that Katie Lou Samuelson wasn’t gonna be able to come and Jackie (Young) was gonna be taking her place?

SD: That day was just a roller coaster. It all kind of happened so fast, too, you know, finding out that she tested positive and then next it was like, “okay well now what do we do?” And then an hour later, we’re like, okay Jackie Young’s on the plane right now coming, like straight from a vacation. So it was really sad, my heart just went out for (Katie Lou) and it just broke for her because I know how hard she worked to get us to that point and how much time she put into it. So it was really really hard, but Jackie was amazing to just come straight from vacation. She knew all of the plays the first day, we worked out with her and stuff, so I was just really impressed with the way that she was able to jump right into it with us.

SBN: So it doesn’t seem like there was much of an acclimation process once Jackie got there?

SD: We didn’t have time for it. She had to be acclimated quickly.

SBN: I read about all the physical transformations that you had to undergo to get ready for this. I know you said you stopped drinking and you lost all this weight — did you also have to change the way you play your game to be ready for 3x3, or was it more just like getting ready for the speed?

SD: Yeah, I think it all kind of intertwines. For me, honestly my entire career, my biggest battle has been conditioning, you know my ability to be quick on my feet and just agile. So, after quarantine and all that stuff, being at home, it was rough, and then I got injured. So I had to kind of change everything: my diet, my lifestyle. I focused so solely on basketball, I put everything aside because of 3x3, but also because of, you know, the WNBA. Either way it was for my career. And part of it was 3x3 because the way the game is played. It’s so quick. Half the time I’m guarding a guard. If I didn’t do that, I don’t know that we would have been as successful as we were.

SBN: How did the UCAN factor into your physical transformation, for lack of a better word?

SD: Yeah it’s been perfect, honestly. It goes right in with kind of that just healthy living, that healthy lifestyle, because it is natural and plant based, and it’s zero sugar. A lot of the things that I usually use are like really high in sugar and I’ll usually crash, but when I’m training, and even the last few games here in the WNBA, I’ve been using the UCAN during the games with the electrolytes and everything and it’s just like, I feel a difference because I don’t crash. And then on top of that I don’t feel kind of that guilt of like, ughhh I just had so much sugar with whether it’s like Gatorade or whatever you’re drinking or eating. So the UCAN products have been kind of that perfect product to fit into this new lifestyle, if you will.

SBN: You’d been using them for a little while before you got to Tokyo?

SD: Yeah, a couple of weeks.

SBN: And then, obviously, you must have felt the difference while you were in Tokyo because you killed it.

SD: We were training, we were doing heat training in Vegas, to kind of prepare for Tokyo because we knew how hot it would be. So I was using the products there in Vegas to kind of stay hydrated, and protein-wise because the food they had for us was pretty heavy most of the time, so I was able to use the UCAN products for protein before we were going to work out.

SBN: What was the most challenging part of that experience in Tokyo? Was it the heat or the diet or the caliber of the opposition, like what really stuck out to you?

SD: I just think it was all of it. I don’t think we all were fully prepared for it until we got there, you know, even the heat training, it was like oh it’ll be fine, and then we get there and it’s not only the heat training, but the sun is, you’re literally shooting with the sun in your eyes. So there’s like so many different elements that kind of hit you. One day we’re shooting, and we’re playing in the rain, obviously there’s some cover over us, but it’s humid, things are wet and slippery, so it’s all just the elements. And then of course the teams that we were playing. I don’t think we realized how hard playing them would be, so just the overall experience was extremely difficult.

SBN: I mean you guys only lost once, and that came after you’d already set your place in the knockout rounds, so what do you think was the the biggest key to you being so successful?

SD: I feel like it was just staying the course. We knew every team was gonna give us their best game and play as hard as they could. And for us we just focused on ourselves, like it didn’t really matter who we were playing, it was just play our game, you know, play strong, don’t get caught up with the refs, and even the games that we won, they were close. It was because we just stayed the course, we focused on what our ultimate goal was. And then we were just able to kind of pull out those games because yes, we lost one, and everyone kept saying that, but a few of them were real close, because these teams were just so incredible and it was for a gold medal, you know it’s not supposed to be easy. So, it was really tough.

SBN: Yeah, I feel like every time I checked a score, it was like 21-17 or 21-18.

SD: It was close, yeah. Real close.

SBN: Yeah, it’s so nervy because with the clock too, just everything feels so compressed and so heightened and I mean I imagine just like the experience of competing in pressure situations helps prepare you for WNBA and other leagues that you play in, but like at the same time it just felt so different, like, oh my god, things are happening so quickly.

SD: Hundred percent. Our first — the Austria qualifying tournament — that was the first time I had ever actually played 3x3 in that type of tournament. And when I tell you my anxiety and nervousness the night before a game, or like 20 minutes before a game. It’s just extremely heightened because of what you just said, everything’s so compressed and short, that you could lose the game in the first minute, compared to a 40 minute game that’s up and down. So it’s a quick game and it’s high anxiety, but very fun.

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

Dolson had 5 points and 4 rebounds in an 18-16 semifinal win over France, which had four of the top-5 3x3 players in the world.

SBN: How did you make that decision that you wanted to be a part of 3x3 because I’m sure you had thoughts about playing in the 5-on-5 national team pool at times in your career?

SD: Yeah well, 5-on-5 obviously, there’s so many amazing players. I’ve been in the pool and just been with USA basketball for a long time. And so I think they’ve seen how much hard work, and how much time I’ve put in with USA basketball, so it was really them giving me that opportunity. There are so many players in 5-on-5, but we have this opportunity with 3x3, would you like to try it, and I was like yeah, of course. So I tried it, I didn’t know if I would like it or if I would be good at it. But once I played, it kind of fit pretty seamlessly with the way that I play basketball. Because at UConn we were really taught like 3-on-3 and then you have 2-on-2 games, so I kind of just fit in pretty naturally and I really enjoyed playing it.

SBN: I guess we should talk about the Sky. How do you feel like you’ve become a better player like through this experience over the last year, and how does that translate to your performance with Chicago?

SD: I just think for me it’s my confidence. You know a lot of times that goes up and down with the way that I play. But I think it’s just like that confidence and knowing what I bring to the table, and what my role is on a team. And for me with the Chicago Sky it’s like, you know I may not always score, but I’m a big facilitator, I screen a lot for our players to score. So it’s really just growing into that role of what type of player they need me to be. But yeah, it’s just like that maturity of knowing what you bring to the table.

SBN: You guys have a really diverse and talented from court in Chicago, like I’m thinking about Astou (Ndour) who was just killing it in the Olympics with Spain, and obviously Candace (Parker) and Ruthy (Hebard)’s there now and Azura (Stevens). There’s just so many different pieces, what is your role fitting into all of that?

SD: Just being kind of that big body that can do anything that they need me to. If it’s screen, cool, if they need me to score, I’ll score. Facilitate, great, defense, great. Just whatever they need me to do, you know, I think that’s the best part about our team is that we’re so versatile. In different games and different teams, our matchups are going to be different because we’re all really good at different things. So it’s kind of like, you know keeping other teams on their toes with what kind of Chicago team they’ll get.

STEF SAID NAH ‍♀️@bigmamastef | #skytown pic.twitter.com/T7qjxvqpbZ

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) August 22, 2021

SBN: Over the past couple years, I feel like the reputation of Chicago has been just this standout offensive team, the sets you guys run are so gorgeous, and then this year I think your record is about the same, but, you know, the defense has really picked up but the offense has come down a little bit. I’m curious, why do you think that has happened?

SD: I don’t know. I do feel as though we have put a higher emphasis on defense. Unfortunately, it hasn’t led to as much offense as I think we were hoping it would. Plus I think teams are just scouting us well, I mean they know that we love to be in transition, that is our bread and butter, and that has been for the past few years. So I do think that teams are doing a pretty good job of getting back on us when we do get a stop, so it’s just about finding what works for us, you know what lineups work, what matchups work, and kind of sticking with those and just kind of riding it out from there.

SBN: Is there anything in particular that you want to improve on for the last 10-11 games of the season, or for the team as a whole?

SD: I think for me, just being more aggressive. I think since I’ve been back from the Olympics I’ve become a little bit more aggressive. I don’t always — because we have a lot of scorers, or people that are capable of scoring, I usually get pretty passive with my shots. But I think it’s kinda like why not, you know? I know I can shoot the ball so I think I’m just gonna be more aggressive and more versatile in what offensively.

SBN: I have a couple of random questions before we get out of here, but you went to Connecticut with Breanna Stewart, right? I feel like we’re living in the golden age of Stewie right now and I’m curious, did you see that when you were with her in college? Did you see the start of something this special with her?

SD: 100% I mean, she was great back then at UConn, and then she just kept getting better after I graduated. I don’t think I knew it was gonna be this much, you know, gonna be this good, but I knew she was gonna be good. Really good. But I mean, she’s just incredible, and she’s an incredible person, I mean that’s what makes it even better is like getting all the accolades and awards that she’s getting and whatnot, she deserves it, you know, and she’s such a great person and humble that I’m just really happy for her.

SBN: What’s the experience like trying to guard her?

SD: I don’t know, I don’t ever guard her. If I guard her, it’s usually because we switched for some strange reason, and if it happens, I just face guard her. I just look at her, I just won’t even help anyone, because I don’t want you to get the ball because if you get the ball, you’re probably gonna score on me. That’s my way of guarding her.

SBN: And then I also wanted to ask, you know we’re at the point, 25 years of the WNBA, where people who were coming into the league now grew up with the WNBA so they had a relationship with the league ideally when they were growing up. What was your relationship like with the WNBA when you were younger? Did you like have a favorite team, were you dreaming about becoming a pro?

SD: I actually did not. So, for me, I just didn’t know I would be good at basketball like this, or even have this chance. I wasn’t expecting to go to college for basketball, I played volleyball in middle school too, so it was kind of like I always loved volleyball too, so I didn’t think I would do anything with basketball. And then scholarships started happening and I was like, oh, okay, maybe I could be pretty good. And then UConn happened, and then the league. So growing up I just never thought that was a possibility for me until I really got to college, then I was like okay, I think I can make the league and I think I can be a part of it, so. Yeah, unfortunately it was not but it’s really great to know that other girls now are growing up and seeing the league and just our game the other day against Seattle was one of the top-viewed games, so seeing things like that, it just shows how much more viewership we’re getting, which is awesome.

SBN: Where does the nickname Big Mama Stef come from?

SD: Literally nowhere. It’s just like, my friend in college, you know, he just called me Big Mama Stef one day, and it just stuck, I mean I am motherly, like I just want people to be taken care of, like I would do anything for anyone. I don’t know if I want to be a mother, so it’s kinda weird but, yeah, it’s not really much to it.

SBN: It’s funny I was talking to my brother. Yesterday I told him that I’d have a chance to talk to you and he’s like oh, Big Mama Stef, and I was like yeah, Stefanie Dolson.

SD: That’s all they called me in Tokyo and the qualifying tournament, it was like, “Big Mama!”

SBN: I guess 3x3 has a little bit more flair to it, so nicknames kind of work, right?

SD: Yeah, much more flair.

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barcaatthemoon · 2 days

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baller || kelsey plum x reader ||

Kelsey takes you out after a game.

Kelsey made a beeline for the locker room at the sound of the final buzzer. You stayed in your courtside seat as some of her teammates gathered around you. It was always a bit of a party whenever you managed to find time to come to Kelsey's games. She swore that she played better whenever you were in the stands, something that her teammates all also agreed with. Personally, you thought Kelsey played great whether you were there or not, but you'd accept all of the extra love you got from it.

"I am sorry to delay your post-game kiss. Hopefully Becky was good company." Kelsey was panted slightly as she spoke to you. The huddle of girls around you had kept you from seeing her as she sprinted from the locker room over to where you'd been sitting.

"You say that, but I still haven't been kissed yet," you teased. Kelsey pushed past everybody to get to you. Once she was close enough, Kelsey cupped your cheeks and pressed several quick kisses to your lips before ending it on a longer one. You broke the kiss as her teammates whooped and hollered at the two of you. "Take me home now please?"

"Hold on, not yet baby. I wanna take you out," Kelsey said. She helped you out of your seat and walked you out of the arena. After a win like that and with you on her arm, Kelsey felt like she was on top of the world. Nothing could knock her down a peg, not even your potential rejection of her wanting to take you out. "If you don't want to go out, that's okay. I didn't make reservations anywhere."

"Aren't you tired after all that?" Kelsey shook her head as she grabbed your hand to kiss the back of it. "Can I pay tonight or are you wanting to show off?"

"You know me baby, I gotta show off a little. I'd take you dress shopping if it wasn't so late," Kelsey told you. You cracked a smile at her, knowing that was true. She had once kept you out all day with a game, shopping trip, and extravagant dinner before ending it at the club with her girls. "Are you sure that's okay?"

"Absolutely fine by me," you told her. Kelsey bit her lip as she turned back to the wheel. You knew that she was playing a bit, but you didn't mind. Showing off meant more than just throwing around some money with Kelsey. She would do everything she could to make sure that you had a good time, and usually, that meant being a bit over the top with her flirting and jokes.

There were seemingly hundreds of flashy restaurants all over Vegas, but Kelsey knew what you liked. It was the kind of place where you had worked before you even moved here. A hidden gem among the locals, known mainly to the people who found themselves getting off work as all of the parties died down.

Both you and Kelsey were regulars here. The staff knew you both, although they saw Kelsey as an extension of you at times. It didn't matter if the woman came in on her own, which had only happened a couple of times, they'd send her on her way with your usual order. Neither one of you had to even look at a menu, the waitresses already knowing what you'd want.

"It's not the Ritz, but I need something good. I hope to have a long night ahead of myself," Kelsey said with a wink. You rolled your eyes at her, but didn't disagree. It was likely that you and Kelsey would be up all night as soon as you got back to her place. You didn't mind that, in fact, you were already having a hard time keeping your hands completely to yourself.

You loved the pre-game outfits and all, but there was something about Kelsey's lowkey post-game outfits that got you. You loved seeing her walk around in the practice shorts and Aces t-shirt that you knew you'd be wearing in the morning. You liked seeing Kelsey comfortable, and maybe, just maybe, you were relieved that she wasn't getting stared at by strangers.

"So, and you can totally say no to this, Chelsea found this big couples' retreat thing. They did it last year, but Darren didn't want to, so I went and coupled up with one of the single girls, which was fun. Anyway, I was thinking that it would be more fun if you came with this year, but you don't have to. I know that I already ask a lot with you coming to my games and shit…" Kelsey trailed off awkwardly. You smiled at her as you leaned across the table to kiss her cheek.

"I'd really like that. Just let me know when it is, and I'll make arrangements," you told her. Kelsey perked up at your agreement, having thought it would be harder to convince you.

The two of you left the restaurant shortly after that, not wanting to go home quite so early into the night. Kelsey knew that some of the girls on the team were planning on going out, but she wanted you all to herself. You had always loved the lights, so Kelsey drove up and down the strip a few times until you started to get very obviously tired.

"Can I carry you upstairs?" Kelsey asked as she pulled into her garage. You quirked an eyebrow at her, but the longer that you looked at her, the clearer it became that she wasn't joking. "Please?"

"Are you ever scared that people think you do too much for me?" you asked. Kelsey scoffed at your question. The idea that there would ever be 'too much' was ridiculous. Kelsey knew that you were going to be the person she grew old with, and if she could make any aspect of your life easier or better, then she was determined to do so.

"Never. I get teased every practice because everybody thinks I'm whipped, but I just love you. You do so much for me that nobody sees or knows about, and I don't think that I'll ever be able to make it up to you, so I try in other ways. I know that it looks like a lot, but it's not. You love me, and you let me love you. Besides, do you know how fucking cool I look running around with you on my arm in all those fancy ass clothes?" You could tell that Kelsey was nowhere near stopping, so you climbed over the center console and into her lap. Immediately, Kelsey got quiet and started to run her hands down your sides until she got to your ass.

"I love you too," you told her. Kelsey grinned into a kiss, much sweeter than any of the others you had shared that night. Kelsey didn't try to push it further, only just pulling away before you buried your head into her shoulder to hide your yawning.

"You're so cute when you're sleepy," Kelsey whispered as she took you out of the car. She carried you upstairs first, knowing that her basketball bag would stay in the car until the morning because she wasn't leaving your side all night.

#wbb fanfics #wbb imagine #wbb x reader #wnba imagine #wnba fanfics #wnba x reader #kelsey plum imagine #kelsey plum x reader

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archeyesmagazine · 4 years

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In 1969, Ladd & Kelsey designed the award-winning, thought-provoking – and controversial – Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena to house the institution’s large and prestigious contemporary art collection. At the time, Pasadena was so influential in contemporary art that its only American rival was lower Manhattan. The museum was previously known as the Pasadena Art Institute and the Pasadena Art Museum.

Norton Simon Art Museum Technical Information

Architects: Thornton Ladd and John Kelsey

Location: 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103, USA

Material: Umber-colored tiles

Type: Art Museum

Area: 500 m2

Style: Late Modern

Project Year: 1969

It was late in the afternoon and the coppery plum colored shadows on the mountains were repeated in the tile of the museum. It was so exciting

– Edith Heath1

Norton Simon Art Museum Photographs

Text by the Ladd and Kelsey Foundation2

The undulating exterior — influenced by Pasadena’s Arts & Crafts tradition, Beaux-Arts City Hall, and streamline and modern design –changes with the light of day. Ladd & Kelsey’s signature white concrete base and white-finished roof crisply contrasted with the blue Southern California sky and green landscape. The curvilinear tiled exterior, a Ladd & Kelsey hallmark, is comprised of 115,000 Edith Heath-designed custom brick red and onyx glazed 5 x 15-inch tiles. They embrace the palette of the San Gabriel Mountains above the structure and their mood still changes with the day’s light. For Edith Heath, the project earned her the prestigious AIA Industrial Arts Medal award from the American Institute of Architects in 1971. This was the first time the award was granted to a non-architect.

The avant-garde interior architecture housed equally avant-garde contemporary art. The interior plan was imagined as a series of pavilions by which one crosses glass-enclosed “bridges” with views to nature outside before entering another Pavillion. The interior was designed to be an unconventional space to house unconventional art by the likes of Robert Irwin, Ed Moses, Ed Ruscha, and Ellsworth Kelly, among others.

A debt-laden Pasadena Art Museum was taken over by the industrialist Norton Simon in 1974, leading it to become the Norton Simon Museum. The structure’s original interior architecture was altered in 1977 by Craig Ellwood and largely lost to a 1996-1999 Frank Gehry redesign. The classical modern reflecting pool central to the plan was demolished in 1999 and replaced with an organic landscaping redesign by Nancy Goslee Power.

History of the Museum

Norton Simon died on June 2, 1993. As a tribute to her husband, Jennifer Jones Simon oversaw the major renovation of the interior galleries from 1996-1999 by the noted architect Frank O. Gehry. The sculpture garden was remodeled by Nancy Goslee Power, and the renovation completed in 2000 when the Museum’s Theater was remodeled by Arthur Gensler, Jr. & Associates.

Norton Simon Art Museum Image Gallery

Map

About Ladd & Kelsey Architects

Thornton Ladd (1924-2010) and John Kelsey (1925-2012) firm operated from 1959 till 1982. Despite its lack of recognition today, the Ladd & Kelsey name is tied to some of the iconic buildings of Los Angeles modern architecture. Other works from Ladd & Kelsey Architects

Notes

The curved exterior walls of the museum are lined with 115,000 vertically stacked umber-colored tiles designed by ceramicist Edith Heath.

Ladd & Kelsey Foundation

In 1969, Ladd & Kelsey designed the award-winning, thought-provoking – and controversial – Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena to house the institution’s large and prestigious contemporary art collection. #americanarchitecture #nortonsimonmuseum #ladd&kelsey In 1969, Ladd & Kelsey designed the award-winning, thought-provoking – and controversial – Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena to house the institution’s large and prestigious contemporary art collection.

#1960s Architecture #1969 #American Architecture #Frank Gehry #Ladd Kelsey #Late Modern #Museum #Tiles

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