Cypress Woods senior learns to stand tall
Cy Woods’ Mulkey comes to terms with being 6-9, now helps others
At 6-9, Cypress Woods basketball star Nancy Mulkey learns to embrace her height, become more confident and inspire others.
Nancy Mulkey ducks through the door and into the gym. Once inside, she stands tall, smiles and greets her visitor.
As recently as a year ago, this scene would have played out differently. Mulkey would have ducked through the door, kept her head down, and gone straight for a seat on the bleachers, waiting for her visitor to sit next to her — preferably on the row above the one she was on.
Being 6-9 is not easy for any teenager trying to fit in with much shorter peers. For a girl, it is even more difficult.
Mulkey might be one of the nation’s brightest high school basketball stars, but for the longest time she would have traded that for being of similar height to her friends.
“My first year here, I was like a turtle. I was always in my shell,” Mulkey said. “Every time I walked into a room, I wanted to sit down, because I
knew kids haven’t seen a tall female before.”
Everything has changed for Mulkey, now a senior at Cypress Woods. She is a state champion who last season averaged 10.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. She has verbally pledged to play for Oklahoma. She has won two gold medals with Team USA.
Most importantly, she’s more confident. Mulkey still doesn’t like it when people stare and try to sneak photos but is more accepting of it. Rather than dwell on the negatives, she tries to concentrate on the good things.
“When I think about where I am now, all I can think is, ‘Wow. I’m glad I am who I am,’ ” Mulkey said. “I walk straighter. I hold my head higher. I’m embracing my height. It is getting me things I never thought I could do.”
TV show helps
One of those things is an appearance on TLC Network’s original series “My Giant Life.” It aired in July and August and followed four women who are at least 6-6.
The show gave viewers an inside look at the Mulkey family and what they deal with because of their height. Her brothers are 7-footers. Her mother is 6-7. One episode showed Mulkey being asked to prom and going.
Throughout the series, Mulkey discussed her transformation from awkward young girl to confident high school senior and the way she has learned to handle herself.
“It’s part of any young woman’s journey and try-
ing to figure out who you are and what makes you you,” Cy Woods basketball coach Virginia Flores said. “Being a basketball player and being tall is something that defines Nancy. She’s starting to realize it’s more than just that.
“Being able to embrace that journey and saying she’s proud of who she is and where she’s going has been remarkable.”
State champion
Mulkey had been on TV earlier in the year. Many watched as she helped Cy Woods win the Class 6A
championship in February. With three starters back, including Jasmine Williams and Cate Reese, the Wildcats will be in the mix again.
If the Wildcats get far enough, they may play on TV again, though no television appearance will mean as much to Mulkey as being on “My Giant Life.” Basketball likely will take her far, but being a role model for other girls dealing with height issues is a big deal for Mulkey.
“I’m glad I got that opportunity to let people know the struggles that
tall people go through,” she said. “I’ve had so many people in person, on Twitter and on Instagram telling me I’m an inspiration. They tell me I have helped them with confidence.
“You can’t be afraid of who you are. Having that opportunity to help younger people, I’m glad the TV show came my way.”