Dribble Podcast: Perth Lynx star Robbi Ryan talks the challenges of being a WNBL import
Perth Lynx import Robbi Ryan initially put too much pressure on himself to follow in the footsteps of WNBA stars Jackie Young and Marina Mabrey.
But focusing on their own strengths has allowed them to thrive after a difficult start.
The Lynx signed Ryan as their only import this season after watching her dominate NBL1 West competition.
The Melbourne Boomers took aim at Ryan in the season’s opener and the point guard struggled to deal with the pressure.
However, she responded with a brilliant game against the Boomers last weekend with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals to be included in the WNBL Team of the Week.
Ryan said there was no point in trying to be Mbrey and Young’s replacement.
“No one has told me directly that they have these expectations or put this pressure on me, but of course it’s in the back of their minds,” Ryan told The West Australian’s The Dribble Podcast.
“Obviously as an athlete I want to play well and I want to play at the highest level. Maybe I was putting some of that pressure on myself behind the scenes.
“That along with the headspace I was in which was being readjusted was definitely in the back of my mind.
“As the weeks started I became more focused on myself and the type of player I am and what I can bring to the team to help us win.”
A multi-athlete selected on underage state teams in basketball, soccer and volleyball, Ryan was diagnosed with depression and anxiety while in college and still faces mental health issues on a daily basis.
The American said she’s constantly looking for ways to live with her condition.
“It’s an ongoing journey. It’s not something I’ll ever be fully behind,” she said.
“It’s an everyday thing. I sort of go through the seasons. My relationship and where I stand with my mental health will change over the months and even weeks.
“I focus on everyday things like meditation and breathing. The last few months have not been my best. I really had to be mindful and refine myself with these tools. “
The Lynx are bolstered by the return of captain Sami Whitcomb from a back injury for Wednesday’s home game against the Townsville Fire. The Lynx have won their last seven games and are close to finishing in the top four, while Townsville has five straight wins to their name.
Wednesday is the first of two home games in a row against Townsville, with another game scheduled for Saturday.
