Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff Visits USA Women’s Basketball Practice Ahead of Olympics

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff made a special visit to the USA women’s basketball practice in Phoenix on Friday, ahead of the team’s journey to Paris for the Olympics. Emhoff spent time with the players at the Phoenix Mercury’s state-of-the-art practice facility, offering words of encouragement and support.

“It’s so special. One of the great things about being Second Gentleman, I get to represent the United States of America and to cheer on Team USA right before they leave to Paris to represent all of us,” Emhoff expressed to The Associated Press. “I’m here to see them and hopefully will get to see them again in Paris. It means everything. This is who we are as a country, we come together to root on our teams.”

Vice President Kamala Harris had previously visited the men’s USA Basketball practice in Las Vegas, but was not present at the women’s practice in Phoenix. Emhoff shared heartfelt moments with players like Brittney Griner, whom he and the Vice President had met following her return from being detained in Russia in 2022.

“The VP and I got to meet Brittney Griner shortly after she came home and see her first game back in LA. It was really emotional. It was great to see her again and represent the country,” Emhoff recalled.

In addition to Griner, Emhoff also embraced player Kelsey Plum, who has visited the White House with her Las Vegas Aces teammates after winning back-to-back WNBA titles. Emhoff’s support for women’s sports and representation of the country at major sporting events like the Olympics highlight his commitment to unity and national pride.

Emhoff will lead the U.S. delegation at the closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Paris, setting the stage for the upcoming Olympics in his hometown of Los Angeles in 2028. His dedication to representing the nation and supporting his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, shines through in his involvement with the sports community.

“The next Olympics will be in my hometown of Los Angeles so to represent again our nation on the big stage in Paris at the closing ceremonies with our amazing athletes will be really special. I think it will really bring our country together. Sports is one of the great things in our country that brings people together,” Emhoff expressed.

As a gesture of his continued support for women’s sports, Emhoff also planned to attend the WNBA All-Star skills and 3-point competition following the women’s basketball practice. His engagement with athletes and dedication to promoting unity through sports showcase the important role he plays as Second Gentleman and a representative of the United States.