Jewell Loyd has been devoted to basketball since she was a kid. After playing at Notre Dame in college, she was drafted as the first overall pick by the Seattle Storm in 2015 and spent the next decade becoming one of the most decorated players in the WNBA. Her resume includes three championships, six All-Star selections, and a 2023 run in which she broke the league's single-season scoring record. In 2025, she joined the Las Vegas Aces, took home a third ring, and hasn’t looked back.
With a nickname like "Gold Mamba" — given to her by her mentor, the late Kobe Bryant — Loyd’s career embodies the “Mamba Mentality.” She’s in constant pursuit of excellence, and never gets comfortable. Basketball is in everything she does, filling “the little moments just as much as the big ones,” she says. It’s exactly why Foot Locker’s latest campaign, "Hoops Lives Here," resonated with her.
Below, Loyd shares what it really means to eat, sleep, and breathe the game, including the one sport she says she watches more than basketball.
On showing up when nothing's working
"Showing up is the job, especially on the days when you push yourself the hardest. I've learned to trust my preparation and always go back to the basics: my footwork, my breathing, and trust in my routine. [I] remind myself that basketball is ingrained in me, even when it feels hard."
On what winning in a WNBA title in Vegas meant
"It was all about the journey and the work we put in together as a team. There were moments when [people] doubted [us], but being able to come out on top was an incredible feeling to share with my team."
On her friendship with A'ja Wilson
"A'ja is a great friend who always keeps it real and knows how to uplift those around her. Our relationship is [a] lot of laughter and smiles — just joy."
On staying focused through a cold streak
"I just stay present and focus on what I can control in the moment. I trust my preparation and don't let a stretch define how I approach the game."
On what would surprise people about her life during the WNBA season
"I watch more tennis than basketball."
Rapidfire
A handful of fast getting-to-know-you questions, with no overthinking required.
Hype artist?: Justin Bieber.
Perfect tunnel fit?: Clean, elevated, paired with a fresh pair of Nikes. I want to walk in feeling like me: confident and comfortable in my own skin.
Most Vegas thing that's happened to you since joining the Aces?: Seatbelt burning my arm.
What are you streaming on the road?: The Pitt.
One hot take you'll defend with your whole chest?: A hot dog is not a sandwich.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.