Renee Montgomery is a name that resonates deeply within the world of sports and social activism. Her journey from being a talented WNBA player to becoming the first former WNBA player to be both a co-owner and executive of a WNBA team is nothing short of remarkable. This article delves into her inspiring story, highlighting her achievements on and off the court, and the impact she has made through her activism.
Born in West Virginia, Montgomery grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood. Despite the challenges she faced, she found support in her family, which encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Her determination led her to attend the University of Connecticut, where she won a national championship her senior year. This achievement not only solidified her place in basketball history but also set the stage for her future endeavors.
Montgomery's career in the WNBA spanned over 11 seasons, during which she played for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Dream. Her success on the court was matched by her dedication to her craft. As a smaller player, she had to work extra hard to be an effective WNBA player, but she dug in and did the work, ultimately winning two WNBA championships.
However, it was not just her athletic prowess that defined Montgomery. Her transition from player to business owner was a bold move that showcased her commitment to social change. In 2020, during the George Floyd protests, Montgomery decided to take a year off from basketball to focus on social activism. This decision was sparked by the protests against police brutality in downtown Atlanta, where she joined in by handing out water bottles to protesters.
Montgomery's involvement in the protests was more than just a gesture; it was a powerful statement. She felt a sense of community and unity among the protesters, which inspired her to continue advocating for social justice. Her wife, Sirena Grace, documented much of this period, capturing the essence of Montgomery's activism in the documentary A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery. A third of the video in the documentary comes from Grace's footage, providing an intimate look at Montgomery's journey.
The documentary, produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment, highlights Montgomery's remarkable career shift. After the Atlanta Dream's owner, Kelly Loeffler, complained about the team honoring the Black Lives Matter movement, Montgomery and her teammates rebelled. This led to Loeffler selling the team, and new owner Larry Gottesdiener brought Montgomery into the fold, making her the first former player to become both an owner and executive of a WNBA team.
Under Montgomery's leadership, the Atlanta Dream has experienced significant growth. The team has sold out all 20 of its home games this season, with 18 games at Gateway Arena and two at State Farm Arena. This surge in attendance is part of the broader momentum the WNBA has seen with the arrival of popular college players like Caitlyn Clark, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso. WNBA attendance has increased by 48% year over year.
Montgomery's role extends beyond the court. She has become a prominent figure in Atlanta's sports scene, with celebrities like 2Chainz frequently attending her games. Her commitment to creating a better experience for fans has been evident in her efforts to engage with the community. She has had to say no to free tickets requests from celebrities, but her influence is undeniable.
The documentary also explores Montgomery's upbringing and how it led her to her current position. She reflects on the love and loss that have shaped her journey, including her decision to leave basketball and focus on social change. LeBron James was impressed by her move and asked her to join his get-out-the-vote movement. He also hired a documentarian to follow her around as she used her athletic success to spread the word.
Montgomery's story is one of resilience and determination. From overcoming challenges in her youth to becoming a trailblazer in sports ownership, she has inspired countless individuals. Her activism continues to make waves, both on and off the court. As she navigates the complexities of team ownership while advocating for social justice, Montgomery remains a beacon of hope for those seeking to make a difference.
The documentary A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery is now available on Roku, offering viewers an intimate look at Montgomery's journey. This film is not just a tribute to her achievements but also a testament to the power of activism in shaping our world. As we continue to navigate the complexities of social justice, Montgomery's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have.
1. The Documentary: A Radical Act
The documentary A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery is an inspirational feature film produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment. It captures Montgomery's journey from her early days as a WNBA player to her current role as co-owner and executive of the Atlanta Dream. The film provides an intimate look at her transition from athlete to business owner and her commitment to social activism.
The documentary highlights Montgomery's decision to take a year off from basketball during the George Floyd protests. This period marked a significant turning point in her life, as she became more involved in social activism. The film features footage from this period, showcasing Montgomery's involvement in the protests and her subsequent decision to focus on social change.
Montgomery's role in the Atlanta Dream has been instrumental in the team's growth. Under her leadership, the team has seen a significant increase in attendance, with all 20 home games sold out this season. This success is part of the broader momentum the WNBA has experienced with the arrival of popular college players.
The documentary also explores Montgomery's personal life and how it has influenced her career. Her relationship with her wife, Sirena Grace, is highlighted as a key factor in her decision to document her journey. Grace's footage provides an intimate look at Montgomery's activism and personal struggles.
LeBron James's involvement in the documentary is significant. He was impressed by Montgomery's move into social activism and asked her to join his get-out-the-vote movement. James also hired a documentarian to follow Montgomery around as she used her athletic success to spread the word about social justice.
The film's release on Roku marks a significant milestone in Montgomery's career. It provides an opportunity for viewers to learn more about her journey and the impact she has made through her activism. As we continue to navigate the complexities of social justice, Montgomery's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have.
2. Renee Montgomery's Impact on the WNBA
Renee Montgomery's impact on the WNBA extends beyond her playing career. As the first former WNBA player to become both a co-owner and executive of a WNBA team, she has set a new standard for female athletes in sports ownership. Her leadership has been instrumental in the Atlanta Dream's growth, with the team experiencing significant increases in attendance and fan engagement.
Montgomery's role in the WNBA has also been marked by her commitment to social justice. Her involvement in the George Floyd protests and subsequent activism have made her a prominent figure in the league. Her decision to take a year off from basketball to focus on social change has inspired many young athletes to follow in her footsteps.
The WNBA has seen a surge in popularity with the arrival of popular college players like Caitlyn Clark, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso. This increase in attendance is part of the broader momentum the league has experienced, with WNBA attendance rising by 48% year over year. Montgomery's leadership has been instrumental in this growth, as she has worked tirelessly to create a better experience for fans.
Montgomery's influence extends beyond the court. She has become a prominent figure in Atlanta's sports scene, with celebrities like 2Chainz frequently attending her games. Her commitment to engaging with the community has been evident in her efforts to make the WNBA more inclusive and accessible.
The documentary A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery provides an intimate look at Montgomery's journey and her impact on the WNBA. It highlights her transition from athlete to business owner and her commitment to social justice. As we continue to navigate the complexities of social justice, Montgomery's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have.
3. Social Activism and Community Engagement
Renee Montgomery's decision to take a year off from basketball during the George Floyd protests marked a significant turning point in her life. Her involvement in the protests was more than just a gesture; it was a powerful statement. She felt a sense of community and unity among the protesters, which inspired her to continue advocating for social justice.
Montgomery's wife, Sirena Grace, documented much of this period, capturing the essence of Montgomery's activism in the documentary. A third of the video in the documentary comes from Grace's footage, providing an intimate look at Montgomery's journey. This period marked a significant shift in Montgomery's focus from basketball to social change.
LeBron James was impressed by Montgomery's move into social activism and asked her to join his get-out-the-vote movement. James also hired a documentarian to follow Montgomery around as she used her athletic success to spread the word about social justice. This collaboration highlights the power of celebrity influence in promoting social change.
Montgomery's activism continues to make waves, both on and off the court. Her commitment to creating a better experience for fans has been evident in her efforts to engage with the community. She has had to say no to free tickets requests from celebrities, but her influence is undeniable.
The documentary A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery provides an intimate look at Montgomery's journey and her commitment to social justice. It highlights her involvement in the protests and her subsequent decision to focus on social change. As we continue to navigate the complexities of social justice, Montgomery's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have.
4. Conclusion
Renee Montgomery's story is one of resilience and determination. From overcoming challenges in her youth to becoming a trailblazer in sports ownership, she has inspired countless individuals. Her activism continues to make waves, both on and off the court.
The documentary A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery is now available on Roku, offering viewers an intimate look at Montgomery's journey. This film is not just a tribute to her achievements but also a testament to the power of activism in shaping our world.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of social justice, Montgomery's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have. Her legacy extends beyond the court, inspiring future generations to follow in her footsteps.
