Angel McCoughtry isn't just a basketball legend—she's a force of nature. A two-time Olympian, former WNBA Rookie of the Year, and five-time WNBA All-Star, Angel has shattered barriers, dominated the court, and inspired generations.
McCoughtry began her college career at Louisville in 2005. At that time, watching most women's sports, including college basketball, was nearly impossible. Now, the women's college game is breaking viewership records across all sports. Although some of the newfound interest in women's basketball can be attributed to the dawn of the social media era, McCoughtry believes her generation set the tone for women to be more vocal. "We spoke up,” she says.
THE BLUEPRINT
"If we had to take a little bit of the whopping for these young girls to be successful, so be it because that was the goal.”
Through the lens of her own struggles to feel supported she becomes, unapologetically vocal about what is needed most, “There has to be a humane side of sports where we care about players. We check on people. We check on these girls or guys when they're depressed and hurt. When I was hurt, it was very lonely. Because nobody's checking on me." It is this mentality and advocacy for compassion and equity that empowers the leader inside the champion.
ANGEL INVeSTOR
Reminiscent of her early years of learning the sport of basketball, Angel has made herself a self a student of the film game, methodically studying under industry experts to sharpen her skills. Through her lens, the future looks to be a page already embedded with success, merely waiting on her to call action on her blockbuster moment.
Angel embodies the limitless power of Black women. A true advocate, she is now on a mission to shatter the notion that woman have to live a monolithic existence.
“When I was trying to come back to the league, my agent told me, there's this reputation on you. I'm like, what? Everybody's like, you're all over the place.
I said, so! Nobody says LeBron is all over the place when he's doing movies, music, acting, this, that. Stop that when women are powerful and doing their thing. Stop.”
This thinking has set the tone for her next creative endeavor. McCoughtry has her sights on creating more spaces to amplify multi-hyphenated women like herself. During the interview she shares that she has been tapped to host the upcoming podcast, Beyond the Bounds, set to launch Summer 2025 on Circle Of Greats. The series sits down with today’s Black women athletes who are breaking records on the court—and breaking boundaries beyond the game. From business ventures to passion projects, uncover the dope stories of how these women are redefining success on their own terms.
Whether she’s dominating the court to bringing a story to life on screen, Angel McCoughtry's entrepreneurial spirit is a beaming example that Black women are boundless.
Her desire to uplift, inspire, and make life more equitable is evident in everything she does. Angel McCoughtry is living proof that when a person has various gifts and talents it is not only their right but their duty to share them in full with the world. Be sure to be on the lookout for Beyond the Bounds on CircleofGreats.com or wherever you consume podcasts.
Rewrite the Story
After being the main character in such a movie-esque journey, that Angel feels to be divinely written, it makes absolute sense that filmmaking has become her next quest. "I think that's the direction that God is leading me” Angel recalls when reflecting on her efforts to return to the league.
“I kept asking God, what's my next journey? I only know basketball. And film stuff really fell into my lap.”
Under her business venture, McCoughtry Entertainment, she is embarking on a whole new world of opportunities, for herself and others. The visionary juggernaut tells Circle of Greats that she is currently wrapping a film with former WNBA player and coach Le'Cole Willingham, and is actively working to secure major distribution. McCoughtry has been involved in projects such as "Lanier" (2023) and "Surviving Lake Lanier" (2024). Her directorial debut, "Bygones," is set to be released soon.
McCoughtry dominated the court becoming a WNBA All-Star in the years 2011, 13, 14, 15, and 2018. Yet in 2017, as the pursuit of excellence can often cause - she became mentally and utterly drained. It was time for a break. While most might have taken the time to reset and release the pressures of achievement, Angel found herself investing in a new and happier venture - McCoughtry’s Ice Cream. Though the outcome was sweet, it was no smooth ride. She had to first overcome the mental and emotional challenges.
She has solidified herself as a multi-hyphenate talent on and off the court. McCoughtry is the first WNBA player to have a song on NBA2K by simply asking for what she wants. Now at the helm of a diverse portfolio of businesses and investments she plays a new kind of position, boss. From tech to treats, from fashion to philanthropy Angel has never allowed the limitations of the status quo to be the ceiling of her potential.
The shooter
“I do not want to be in a box. I don't want to stay in my lane.
Do it all people. Life is not that long.
I want to do it all. Act, produce, write, direct, everything.”
That goal came at a cost. McCoughtry says she was labeled an “Angry Black Woman" when speaking up for herself.
"Black women are leading the charge in a lot of things: Education, six-figure salaries. So that goes to show you that us speaking up maybe does get something done,” she says.
"Call me what you want! I'm gonna get it done. And I'ma get it done my way.”
Through the lens of her own struggles to feel supported she becomes, unapologetically vocal about what is needed most, “There has to be a humane side of sports where we care about players. We check on people. We check on these girls or guys when they're depressed and hurt. When I was hurt, it was very lonely. Because nobody's checking on me." It is this mentality and advocacy for compassion and equity that empowers the leader inside the champion.
"Basketball [can] get selfish,” she tells Circle of Greats. “It's about what can you do for me?...help me, make money. And that's the part I want to get rid of.” It is apparent that Angel understands, the best way to change the rules is to build your own game. She has solidified herself as a multi-hyphenate talent on and off the court. McCoughtry is the first WNBA player to have a song on NBA2K by simply asking for what she wants. Now at the helm of a diverse portfolio of businesses and investments she plays a new kind of position, boss. From tech to treats, from fashion to philanthropy Angel has never allowed the limitations of the status quo to be the ceiling of her potential.
PRODUCTION
Production: Beyond Castings & Productions Photographer: J. Paschal Web Design: Gabriela Latacela UX: Agustin Fleitas
Talent: Angel McCoughtry Writer: Jackie Rae Editor: Free Warren & Latia Glover-Gyamera Creative Director: Latia Glover-Gyamera & Free Warren
Production: Beyond Castings & Productions Photographer: J. Paschal Web Design: Gabriela Latacela UX: Agustin Fleitas Talent: Angel McCoughtry Writer: Jackie Rae Editor: Free Warren & Latia Glover-Gyamera Creative Director: Latia Glover-Gyamera & Free Warren