From top-five WNBA pick to fashion model and multifaceted creative, Kysre Gondrezick refuses to be boxed in or confined by labels. Defined by resilience and powered by a purpose far beyond the game that made her famous, Kysre is blazing her own trail with unapologetic authenticity and style. The Michigan native has transformed profound personal tragedy—losing her father just before being drafted and surviving domestic violence—into an unshakeable foundation of faith and purpose. Today, Kysre commands attention wherever she goes, while inspiring young women to embrace their authentic selves. In this intimate conversation, she opens up about how she’s letting go of others’ expectations, and why she believes God is preparing her for a platform bigger than she ever imagined. This is her story—bold, unfiltered, and in her own words.

Interview by Shannon Elize

Shannon: Tell us about how your upbringing has influenced the woman you are today.

Kysre: My upbringing has definitely solidified where my life is today because of the grassroots coming from my parents, both my mom and my father. It’s funny because I now train at the same gym my dad used to train us in with professional basketball players at the time. So now just being back in the same space, the guys have watched me grow, and while they’re unfamiliar to me, the environment is not foreign.

The most important relationships I have today stem from my mother’s and father’s relationships with their peers, who are now in positions to help elevate me toward the things I desire. I think the foundation of someone’s life speaks volumes, especially when you can look back at who you’ve become and separate what was instilled in you from the work you put in yourself.

Shannon: Growing up in a family of athletes must have been such a unique experience. I imagine it was nice having people around you who could actually relate to what went through and provide a sense of support. How would you say that helped shape your career?

Kysre: The foundation laid in terms of my preparation, muscle memory, and routine has great influence on how I maneuver in daily life. I truly believe my father paved the way for me in basketball by laying that groundwork and base. Although I lost him right before I got drafted, I had everything I needed from him to take to the next level.

Looking at the family heritage I come from, I definitely would not be half of who I am today without them.

Shannon: Losing your father right before getting drafted must have been such an insane mix of emotions. What was it like achieving that dream, while knowing everything he instilled in you had come to fruition? And how did you manage to pull through during that time?

Kysre: Ultimately, it came down to trusting someone higher up. After my rookie year, I surrendered my life over to Christ, but I believe losing my dad was the introduction to let me know I wasn’t alone anymore. I had placed so much faith in my dad and in myself—he assisted me in pursuing my dreams, but I’m the one who still had to put in the work. That’s something I carry into every facet of my life, whether it’s basketball, modeling, or relationships.

As overwhelming and uncomfortable as it was, it was new territory. The way I look at it now is just an introduction to the peace I have in my life today because of my faith in who I serve.

Shannon: While on set, your mother mentioned something interesting to you about “doing versus trying.” Can you elaborate on that?

Kysre: Oh yeah! I always say when I use the word “try,” she would stop me every time and say, “There are two things you can do when you try—either do or you don’t. Which one are you gonna do?” That has helped me change the language of what I put out there for the universe to give back to me. Having her wisdom, no matter what environment I’m in, is definitely a testament to the woman I am today.

Shannon: You grew up surrounded by so many inspiring figures—would you say one person in particular stands out as your biggest inspiration, or is it more of a combination of people?

Kysre: No one has asked me this question in a while, and typically it’s expected to start throwing out familiar names. I respect everyone, honestly, no matter who they are, what their craft is, or what they’re trying to pursue. Anyone who wakes up every day wanting to live in their purpose is inspirational to me.

There’s not a person I look up to thinking I need to emulate them to become Kysre—I’m already her. Whenever I see anyone else waking up with the same desire and passion about their purpose, that’s inspirational enough for me.

Shannon: How do you deal with the highs and lows of your career? And how have they shaped your mindset?

Kysre: The same way my success has helped shape me to keep growing, if anything, I cherish more of those challenging moments because I know His work in me is not done. There’s always room to continue getting better. When I find myself in difficult situations, I think, “Okay, I’m being prepared right now.” I have no reason to believe I won’t win—I just need to stop focusing on the win and trust that I will.

Read Kysre’s full cover story in our Metamorphosis Issue.