Laureen Irat

Freelance sports writer and digital journalist. Founder of Beyond The W.  Featured on Yahoo!, ESPNW, Excelle Sports, and Bleacher Report. Basketball enthusiast. Music aficionado.  Makeup junkie. 

Is Sylvia Fowles the Most Dominant Center in Basketball?

That's the best way to describe Minnesota Lynx center and reigning WNBA MVP Sylvia "Big Syl" Fowles—but for reasons that, these days, you'd never think. While this era of basketball leans toward three-point shooting and positionless players, Fowles still holds true to a more traditional center role. Her shot-blocking, superior defensive consistency and post play—which prioritizes back-to-the-basket moves—reach back to the origins of the sport. That classic-with-a-modern-touch game puts her in a

#NYFW: Chiney Ogwumike Talks Her Personal Style, Michael Costello, Nigerian Ankara, and More!

It’s hard to deny that the WNBA is one of the most diverse pro sports leagues in the world, and it’s evident on the court as well as off court. One way that the league’s diversity is displayed is through the players’ sense of style. While some ladies have a more simplistic style, some ladies express themselves through a mix of edgy prints, classic fabrics, trendy footwear, and chic jewelry. Connecticut’s Chiney Ogwumike is quickly emerging as on of the shining stars of the WNBA both on-the cour

A Peek Inside Her Agenda: LaChina Robinson | HER AGENDA

On any given game day, while most journalists are still at the office, LaChina Robinson is already at the arena. Often she’s there before the players even arrive. Dressed down in jeans and comfy sneakers, she uses this quiet time to prepare. Fast forward to game time and the towering 6’4” beauty, now wearing a killer pair of heels, heads to the court to bring the excitement from the sideline that many of us fans look forward to when we turn on the TV.

#NYFW: Crystal Langhorne Talks ‘Crystal’s Closet’, Places to Shop, and More!

It’s hard to deny that the WNBA is one of the most diverse pro sports leagues in the world, and it’s evident on the court as well as off court. One way that the league’s diversity is displayed is through the players’ sense of style. While some ladies have a more simplistic style, some ladies express themselves through a mix of edgy prints, classic fabrics, trendy footwear, and chic jewelry.

Teyana Taylor on her cameo in Kanye West's 'Fade' video, workout regimen and loving her post-baby body

Teyana Taylor is having one heck of a year. In fewer than 12 months, the 25-year-old embarked on a successful multi-city tour, got engaged to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert and gave birth to the couple's first child, Iman "Junie" Tayla Shumpert, Jr. She became the living embodiment of 'having it all' -- the theory developed and popularized in the early 1980s by former "Cosmopolitan" magazine editor-in-chief Helen Gurley Brown -- which proclaimed that the modern woman could balance car

Interview: Nia Long Spotted At Nets Game; Talks New TV Show & Movie

Everything that you’ve ever heard about actress Nia Long’s beauty is true…and then some! The Brooklyn native was spotted yesterday sitting courtside at the Brooklyn Nets game supporting her fiancé, San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Ime Udoka. The two have been dating for a number of years and parent a son together, 3-year-old Kez. We had the pleasure of catching up with the gracious veteran actress, where she gave us a quick update on what she’s been up to, as well as what to expect from her t

Best Twitter Reactions to Browns' Loss

The Cincinnati Bengals managed to keep their winning streak intact after defeating the Cleveland Browns 31-10 at home on Thursday night. Although the Bengals were the favorites to win Thursday night and, at times, more superior on the field, the Browns allowed them to advance to an 8-0 record due to some poor plays and lack of offensive power. There was a lot of excitement and intrigue heading into Thursday night's game. For the Bengals, their clean, undefeated status was on the line.

Unheralded NBA Rookies Most Likely to Shine This Season

With the 2015 NBA preseason underway, many teams all across the league are looking to return to dominance in hopes of taking the title out of Golden State's hands. The teams on this list have gone through significant (and some painful) changes over the last few seasons: player injuries, coaching changes, entire roster overhauls, etc. With the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks looking to make a splash now, perhaps the following members of th

ICYMI: The New York Liberty Are Probably Having The Best Week Ever

While other teams in the league have had all eyes on them throughout the season, the New York Liberty have silently made their way to the number one spot in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2001, holding a 12-5 record. After last night’s win against the Sparks, the Liberty completed a sweep in their West road trip by beating the Mercury (75-73), Storm (81-77), and Sparks (59-53), and are officially on a 5-game winning streak going in to kick off the All-Star break.
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