The Seattle Times Articles on LJ - Series 3

Shootaround with Storm star Lauren Jackson

Storm star Lauren Jackson opens up about life on and off the court every other Tuesday in an exclusive Q&A.

Originally published June 21, 2010 at 10:01 PM | Page modified June 22, 2010 at 7:05 PM

Today she talks about dyeing her hair red and why she writes on her sneakers.

Q: Why did you dye your hair red?

LJ: It's something I've been wanting to do for ages and ages. My goal used to be to grow my hair down to my lower back and then dye it black like my mum's was when she was playing. I wanted to be like her. But I think black might be too much for my pale skin. ... I thought, "No, I'm going to dye it bright red instead." So I did it.

I had to dye it like four times because my hair was so white it wouldn't hold. I did it on the road, the day before the game at San Antonio (May 29). Actually, Abby (Bishop) my teammate did it. First it went pink, then it went pinky-orange, light orange, like strawberry blond. Then it went bright orange, then the color I wanted.

I was scared. ...

But I love my hair, love my locks. It's something new. I'm enjoying it. ... I want it to stay red for a few years now and get used to the new hair color.

Q: What do people think of it?

LJ: I think people think I'm completely crazy. I took a picture and my mum and dad said, "It looks great. You look really pretty." ... Then my mum saw a game that weekend on TV, and she said, "Oh, Lauren, your hair is soooo red!" I said, "Yeah, I know, but I love it."
I'm getting used to it. I think it fits my personality better, in terms of fiery. People don't know what tricks might come from me.

Q: Can you tell us what the writing means on the toes of your sneakers? Is "Have Fun" a personal philosophy?

LJ: Always. Yeah ... As long as I'm having fun while I'm playing, I'll be playing forever. I absolutely love it ... When you're smiling and laughing and enjoying it and winning, there's nothing better.

Q: What about the rest? What does "JW" mean?


LJ: Secret. Secret. Secret. I don't even know, to be honest with you. "TH"? That's the initials of where my family lives on the ocean. It's a way for me to escape there when I look at it. I can go home. "HE" means high energy.

Q: What size shoe do you wear?

LJ: I wear 12 men's. Big foot. Yeah, they're really big.