The other day I thought I was having a heart attack. What triggered this episode was a seemingly innocuous video clip on a major sporting goods manufacturer’s website. When a product looking remarkably similar to the Zone190 basketball training aid I had invented, patented and was currently marketing flashed before my eyes, everything. Just. Stopped.

When I recovered from my initial shock I forced myself to look again. Yes, the product uncannily resembled mine. If this image (see screenshots of both products, below) was not painful enough what furthered the blow was that the company behind the product was one of the very same companies with whom I had previously communicated about Zone190.

Before I get too ahead of myself, let me explain.

I never set out to be an entrepreneur. I was happily living out my dream playing division one college and professional basketball overseas. While recovering from a devastating knee injury that sidelined me for a full season my creative juices started running. I was all alone in the gym intent on getting back in shape and in the game but I had no coaches or teammates to rebound or pass me the ball. With a traditional pitch back all I could do was catch the ball head on, a scenario which rarely occurs in a game. I wished at the time that I had a three dimensional pitch back that would allow me to catch the ball from various angles so I could train in actual game like situations.

The concept behind what would eventually be called The Zone190 was born: a multi-angle basketball training device which helps players improve all aspects of their game from shooting, ball-handling, passing and conditioning. The Zone190 is like having a crew of coaches working with you, passing you the ball from all over the floor, when in reality it is just you and the Zone190 in the gym.

Once it became brutally apparent that I would no longer be physically capable of playing basketball professionally due to my injuries, I was left with what seemed to be just a shattered dream. That is when I decided to move my idea for the Zone190 out of a back closet in my mind and into my actual garage. The way I saw it, bringing the Zone190 to market would enable me to help other players improve and would allow me to stay part of the game I loved so much but could no longer play.

I became an entrepreneur and the Zone190 became my child. I took all the physical, mental and emotional energy and resources that I once invested in training and playing and channeled it towards the creation of this product.

I started out building an initial prototype in my garage, my hands bleeding as I attempted to connect metal tubing with just my bare hands and some basic tools. At that time I was not yet acquainted with the proper tooling that I really needed and which would soon become my constant companion. I pored over my computer doing research, talking to patent attorneys, speaking to coaches and players, architects, manufacturers, painters, net makers, shipping and box companies.

Not to mention the thousands of dollars I spent on legal fees and the endless hours driving through the night and sleeping at road stops, away from my family, just to demo the Zone190 to one more coach and to one more team. I bought a trailer, lined the interior with blankets, and attached it to my minivan. Now I could personally haul the Zone190 from gym to gym, from state to state, while ensuring that my cargo would not suffer even the slightest scratch.

I got my first sale. And another. The blood, sweat and tears began showing signs of sweetness. When high school and college teams purchased the Zone190 I was only slightly less ecstatic than when I closed a deal with my first NBA team. Seeing players of all levels using my device, improving their game, brought me tremendous satisfaction and meaning.

I cried when the Zone190 received testimonials and shining praise from top basketball experts, players and coaches. I was so proud when the Zone190 was written up in Sports Illustrated magazine and even prouder when it was selected as a featured product at the Women’s Final Four Convention in 2014.

I was at the point where I was actively working on taking my Zone190 to the next level, to mass market. I believed in this product with all my heart and I was in it for the long haul.
Fast forward to a few days ago. The crushing moment when I first caught sight of the imitation product on the video. The company connected three of their one dimensional pitch backs to create what looks and acts like the Zone190. They are also marketing it very similarly to the Zone190 as a device which allows players to catch the ball at various game like angles. After the initial flash of shock subsided a heavy dark cloud of devastation set in. A part of me feels taken advantage of, violated and robbed.

Of course I have long been aware that things like this happen. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey I tried to do all the right things to prevent this horror story from becoming my own. I received an issued patent, I worked closely with my attorney and I paid for a detailed non-disclosure agreement. I went to no end to protect myself and my product from becoming prey to a powerful corporation.

I am by nature a positive and spiritual person, the kind of person who tries to find the good and the godliness in each situation. But the truth is I would be lying if I said I wasn’t struggling now. As a former pro-athlete, I oftentimes have the privilege of speaking to groups of people of all ages and backgrounds. I use my words to encourage people to reach for their dreams, pursue their goals, become entrepreneurs and make a difference in this world.

But is it worth the risk and the agony when it can all be taken away so easily?

Specifically at this painful juncture I have come to the conclusion that the answer is yes. The answer that is providing me with a measure of comfort is simple but true nonetheless.
I am indeed living my worst entrepreneurial nightmare but I am still standing proud that I went after my dream with all I had. I have made an irrefutable positive contribution to the world and to the next generation of basketball players which is what I set out to do. This is a truth and no one can steal the truth away from me. Even if they are attempting to steal my product. ‪#‎GoAfterYourDreams‬