WNBA- Emma Cannon and her endless fortitude.

American basketball player Emma Cannon had been training hard and was confident she had what it takes to be drafted into the WNBA. But as the draft progressed and her name wasn’t called, Emma started to feel anxious.

Cannon, 33, is one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history. She is a two-time champion, a three-time All-Star and the league’s all-time leading rebounder. But her journey to the top was anything but easy.

Cannon went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2008 and was cut by the Minnesota Lynx, Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm before finally catching on with the Atlanta Dream in 2010. She spent two seasons in Atlanta before being traded to the Washington Mystics, where she won her first WNBA title in 2019.

Last season, Cannon was dealt to the New York Liberty, where she averaged 6.1 points and 5.4 rebounds in 23 games. She is now a free agent and uncertain of her future in the WNBA. “It’s definitely been a roller coaster,” Cannon said of her career. “But I love this game and I’m not ready to give it up yet. I still feel like I have a lot to give.”

Cannon has always been an undersized post player, standing just 6-foot-3, but she has made a living with her toughness and tenacity. She is a two-time WNBA rebounding champion and has led the league in rebounding five times.

“She’s one of the most fierce competitors I’ve ever been around,” said Dream coach Nicki Collen, who coached Cannon in Atlanta from 2016-17. “She just never backs down from anyone. She’s always going to give you everything she has.”

Cannon has also been an excellent shot blocker throughout her career, averaging 1.6 blocks per game. She is one of just four players in WNBA history with 1,500 points, 1,000 rebounds and 200 blocks.

Emma’s agent told her not to worry, that there were still free agency opportunities available. But she was determined to be drafted. She knew that if she wasn’t drafted, it would be much harder to make a WNBA roster as a free agent.

It’s a feeling all too familiar to the WNBA veteran, who has been cut by four teams and played for six in her 11-year career. “It doesn’t get any easier,” Cannon told The Athletic. “You always have that doubt in the back of your mind, like ‘Am I good enough?’ But you have to push through it.”

Cannon shared her thoughts on Twitter “It’s kind of funny how I always have to explain my WNBA dreams to people,” Cannon began. “I’m not trying to be the next big thing. I just want to play in the WNBA and be happy doing it.”

Emma Cannon’s story is one of endless fortitude. She didn’t let her anxiety stop her from achieving her dream of playing in the WNBA. Emma’s story is an inspiration to all young girls who have a dream and are willing to work hard to achieve it.