Michelle Reed

About Me

Michelle Reed's remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of sports and business. Growing up with a deep passion for athletics, Michelle discovered basketball at an early age, quickly realizing it was more than just a sport—it was her calling. Her determination and talent on the court propelled her through high school and collegiate athletics, ultimately leading to a successful career as a professional basketball player.

Michelle made history at Grossley Jr High School, where she was the only girl on an all-boys basketball team from her freshman through senior year, contributing significantly to the team's winning legacy. Her prowess continued in high school and college, where she earned numerous championships and accolades, solidifying her reputation as an outstanding athlete.

Following her collegiate success, Michelle took her talents overseas, playing professionally in Croatia and Finland. Her international career further enriched her skills and expanded her global perspective, adding invaluable experiences that would shape her life beyond the court.

Michelle also played with the Los Angeles Sparks in 1998 and was a valuable player on the Pro-Am Women's Semi-Pro Travel Team. These experiences further highlighted her exceptional talent and dedication to basketball.

Throughout her basketball journey, Michelle experienced both exhilarating triumphs and challenging setbacks, each moment teaching invaluable lessons about discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Her experiences as an athlete deeply shaped her character and provided the foundational skills necessary for her future endeavors.

After retiring from professional basketball in 2002, Michelle transitioned seamlessly from sports to Director of Programming thru out NYC, entrepreneurship, leveraging the same tenacity that defined her athletic career. Becoming a published author of , "What Happens After The Game: A Memoir," candidly explores this transition and the lessons learned along the way, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams beyond their playing days.  This book was written at Michelle’s lowest point, when she almost gave up on herself, as she battled the depths of depression while recovering from multiple surgeries.  After work-related injuries derailed and literally stopped her life and career she spent a lifetime building.  She is forced to redefine her identity and discover what remains when physical mobilities and a beloved profession were stripped away.  She finds herself at a crossroads as she searches for her purpose beyond her limitations.  Determined to find her place again in this new world, she has faith of one day returning to the work that matters most: building her legacy and leaving an indelible impact.  A reality she faces everyday.

Still, Michelle has a goal of someday running her own nonprofit she calls Dream In Vertical Network Inc., she created as inspiraction to not give up on her dreams even if she cannot pursue this goal right now.  She wants to empower female athletes by bridging the gap between sports, business, and personal development. As a respected philanthropists, and advocate for girls in sports, her ultimate goal one day is to get back to hosting basketball clinics, mentorship programs, and empowerment events that's aimed at fostering confidence, leadership, and success among girls and women in sports.  She just hope the wear and tear on her body hasn't permantely halted her dreams.

Michelle’s vision remains clear: to share her experiences, uplift others, and demonstrate that the end of one career can be the powerful beginning of another. Her story is a profound example of passion, adaptability, and continuous growth.