Allison Feaster, former WNBA star, is still changing the future of the sport. Her light shines bright, equaled only by her joy at her daughter’s success, Sarah Strong, who celebrates her own accomplishments by lifting other women up. Feaster was a member of the Los Angeles Sparks, Charlotte Sting and Indiana Fever from 1998 to 2008. Beyond her impact on the court, on and off, she has been an impact maker. After retiring from professional basketball in 2016—having played in Portugal, France, Spain, and Italy—Feaster seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role with the Boston Celtics. She was hired in 2019 as their director of player development. Since that time, she has been elevated to her present day position and now serves as a key component of the team’s chemistry.
Feaster’s basketball legacy continues through her daughter, Sarah Strong. The inspiring story of Sarah, an exceptional freshman at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Strong has already secured her legend status as one of the best high school players in the Class of 2024. She’s racked up the honors, including the coveted 2024 Naismith High School Player of the Year award. She is a widely known McDonald’s, Naismith, SLAM and Jordan Brand All-American.
All season long, Sarah Strong has been scoring in the key for UConn. She’s putting up an incredible stat line of 16 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Her performance has set high expectations for her future in women's college basketball, with many anticipating her acknowledgment as the freshman of the year.
Allison Feaster has much to be proud of but more importantly, much to be grateful for as a mother.
“I just have an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” said Allison Feaster.
Feaster, who now goes on the road with her daughter to regularly catch her games, making the 90-mile roundtrip from Boston to Storrs, Conn. She further ensures that she attends every away game. Her engagement is about more than just supporting her daughter. With a very hands-on approach, Feaster trips with the Celtics players to both home and away games as part of her job.
Sarah Strong’s experience with basketball was deeply shaped by her mother. Strong’s love for the game radiated from a young age. She competed on her mom’s club team’s youth league team and enthusiastically modeled her moves while practicing on rainy days when the fields flooded.
“I was playing with my mom’s club team’s [youth team]. That’s when I really began to love it, because that’s what she was doing and I wanted to do the same," said Sarah Strong.
Strong’s seriousness about making a career in basketball was evident right away when she first pledged to play at the next level.
“I said, ‘I want to play basketball. I want to go to college and want do this…’” she stated.
Allison Feaster, in the midst of Bailey’s growth and development into one of the top players in the country at UConn.
“I’m really impressed, first and foremost, by the defensive player that she is. She is leading the team in steals and blocks and those are things that directly impact winning and I couldn’t be more proud," Feaster expressed.
Feaster’s own career highlights include leading Harvard as the first No. 1 recruit in the Ivy League to victory in 1998. During an unforgettable game against Stanford in Palo Alto, California, she scored 35 points and secured 13 rebounds in a 71-67 win. Looking back on these moments, she knows it’s not just about the unforgettable victories — it’s the path that got us there.
“Obviously, the highlight is the upset. But my fondest memory is probably the process that it took to get there," Feaster reminisced.
As Sarah Strong continues to make strides in her freshman year at UConn while playing in the NCAA tournament, her mother remains a constant source of support and inspiration. Feaster's journey from a celebrated player to a mentor and mother witnessing her daughter's ascent is a testament to the enduring legacy of sportsmanship and family bonds.
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