“Don’t be afraid of hard work or failure. Both are absolutely necessary to achieve success”
Samantha Allison Whitcomb is an American-Australian professional basketball player for the Perth Lynx of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) and the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She played college basketball for the Washington Huskies before making a name for herself in Australia with the Rockingham Flames in the State Basketball League (SBL). She made her debut in the WNBA in 2017 and won championships with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and 2020. She became an Australian citizen in 2018 and made her debut for the Australian Opals.
In September 2018, Whitcomb debuted with the Opals at the FIBA World Cup. She won a World Cup silver medal.[39] In June 2019. In September and October 2021, Whitcomb captained the Opals at the FIBA Asia Cup. She helped the Opals reach the bronze medal match, where they defeated South Korea 88–58 behind Whitcomb’s 15 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. In February 2022, Whitcomb captained the Opals at the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Serbia. She was named in the All-Star Five for the tournament.
Career highlights and Awards
2× WNBA champion (2018, 2020)
3× WNBL All-Star Five (2016–2018)
WNBL Top Shooter Award (2017)
2× SBL champion (2014, 2015)
3× SBL MVP (2013–2015)
2× SBL Grand Final MVP (2014, 2015)
4× SBL All-Star Five (2013–2016)
SBL All-Defensive Five (2016)
3× SBL scoring champion (2013–2015)
First-team All-Pac-10 (2010)
Medals: Basketball: Representing Australia
FIBA World Cup
Silver medal – Second place 2018 Spain
FIBA Asia Cup
Bronze medal – Third place 2021 Jordan
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up Sami Whitcomb, an exceptionally talented, Australian Professional basketball player, FIBA World Cup Silver Medalist here she talks about her fitness regime, diet, hair care, skincare and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You were born in Ventura, California, USA. You played basketball from a young age of twelve years. While at Ventura’s Buena High School, you were a four-year letter winner and one-year team captain for the basketball team. While playing for Seattle Storm in the 2017 WNBA season you scored a career-high 22 points and hit six three-pointers in 15 minutes off the bench in an 87–81 win over the New York Liberty. This propelled your career to the height where you have been at the top of the world as a leading women’s basketball player. Tell us more about this journey of hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Sami Whitcomb:
My career has definitely been a slow burn. I haven’t taken the most obvious path to the WNBA but it’s a journey I am proud of. I’ve played in Europe and Australia for years working on my game and fitness before finally getting an opportunity to play for the Storm. I think the struggles I have experienced have really shaped me and prepared me for anything.
Namita Nayyar:
You won from 2016-2018 WNBL All-Star Five and in 2017 WNBL Top Shooter Award (2017). Tell us more about what had been a catalyst to make you the Australian leading Women’s Basketball Player?
Sami Whitcomb:
I think preparation. I have worked really hard at becoming a great shooter. I get lots and lots of reps and that has given me a lot of confidence.
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2022 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
You won the silver medal playing for the Australian Team in the 2018 FIBA World Cup in Spain. Elaborate more about this exceptional achievement of your basketball playing career?
Sami Whitcomb:
This was a really special experience with a really incredible group. I was so fortunate to be included in this group and play at that level, in that environment. The crowds and level of competition was absolutely insane. I will never forget standing on that podium alongside my teammates.
Namita Nayyar:
In The 2021 FIBA Asia Cup at Jordan you won a Bronze medal playing for Australia. Tell us a memorable moment in this tournament matches and how this win in your career means special to you?
Sami Whitcomb:
This was a really fun experience too because so many of the girls were representing Australia for the first time. We played hard and tough and had so much fun. We celebrated so hard after winning that bronze together and really just enjoyed each other’s company.
Namita Nayyar:
You have won many awards Two times WNBA champion (2018, 2020), Three times WNBL All-Star Five (2016–2018), WNBL Top Shooter Award (2017), Two times SBL champion (2014, 2015), Three times SBL Most Valuable Player (2013–2015), Two times SBL Grand Final Most Valuable Player (2014, 2015), Four times SBL All-Star Five (2013–2016), SBL All-Defensive Five (2016), Three times SBL scoring champion (2013–2015) and First-team All-Pac-10 (2010). How these awards are landmarks in your spectacular career to motivate you to reach greater and greater heights of achievement in your professional basketball playing career?
Sami Whitcomb:
I think anytime you achieve something or reach a goal, it’s satisfying but only briefly. I find it just sparks larger goals and makes you want to win even more! It’s addictive!
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Sami Whitcomb:
I love lifting. It’s a big part of my routine and fitness lifestyle. For functional basketball work, I like to do lots of single leg exercises. I also really like to mix up what I do for cardio purposes to keep it fresh!
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Sami Whitcomb:
I try to be pretty flexible, but I do rely on a healthy diet to stay fit and fueled. I love fish and eggs and veggies and fruit!
Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your hair care and skincare
Sami Whitcomb:
I don’t have much of a routine for either really. I have tried to implement more of a routine for my skin care the older I get and use nighttime moisturizers and day creams as well as always using sunscreen.
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding basketball-playing girls, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in the field of playing basketball?
Sami Whitcomb:
Don’t be afraid of hard work or failure. Both are absolutely necessary to achieve success! And it’s never too late to accomplish a goal so if you love something, stick with it!
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Sami Whitcomb:
Pilates!
Namita Nayyar:
Five foods you absolutely love and five you keep to a minimum.
Sami Whitcomb:
Love: Salmon, eggs, kiwis, sweet potato, broccoli
Avoid: Chips, sweets, cheese
Namita Nayyar:
Five athletic leisure brands you love to wear.
Sami Whitcomb:
Lulu Lemon, PE Nation, Athleta, Alo.
Namita Nayyar:
Five travel destinations on your wish list.
Sami Whitcomb:
Maldives, New Zealand, Portugal, Brazil, Tokyo.
Sami Whitcomb Social Media Presence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bamsam32/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/sambam32
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2022 Women Fitness