Cheyenne Parker-Tyus Stuns WNBA with Rapid Postpartum Comeback Two Months After Birth

WNBA Star Cheyenne Parker-Tyus Makes Stunning Return Two Months After Giving Birth
By Jake Nisse, US Sports Writer | Updated: 03:09 BST, 10 September 2025

[Photo: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus warming up for the Las Vegas Aces]

Las Vegas Aces forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus has made an extraordinary return to the WNBA just 69 days after welcoming her son, Yoshua, on July 1. The 32-year-old, who also shares a daughter, Naomi, with husband Keevin Tyus, debuted for the Aces Tuesday against the Chicago Sky, meeting her self-imposed September 9 comeback deadline.

Rapid Recovery Defies Expectations
Parker-Tyus, a one-time All-Star, prioritized a swift return despite the physical demands of childbirth. After delivering Yoshua naturally—unlike her C-section with Naomi in 2021—she began light training at just four weeks postpartum, two weeks earlier than typical medical advice. “I did the research. Can it be done? I always think I’m built differently,” she told the Associated Press. Her determination paid off: she dominated drills weeks ahead of schedule.

[Photo: Parker-Tyus with her son Yoshua in a July Instagram post]

Aces’ Unwavering Support
Signing with the Aces in February while pregnant, Parker-Tyus initially feared backlash, given teammate Dearica Hamby’s ongoing pregnancy discrimination lawsuit against the organization (the WNBA portion was dismissed in May). But the team embraced her. Coach Becky Hammon recalled Parker-Tyus’ emotional disclosure: “We were all crying. We said, ‘We’ll wait for you.’ We see her as a long-term piece.”

Balancing Motherhood and Athletics
Parker-Tyus credited her natural delivery for accelerating recovery, focusing on core workouts early. The Aces’ training staff tailored her regimen, ensuring she regained strength safely. Now, she rejoins a title-contending roster—the Aces sit second in the Western Conference at 28-14—bolstering their frontcourt depth.

[Photo: Parker-Tyus cheering on the Aces sidelines days before her return]

Inspiring a New Chapter
On Instagram, Parker-Tyus shared a video of Yoshua sleeping, captioning, “He don’t know it yet, but mama finally gets to play basketball again.” Fans and peers flooded her posts with support, celebrating her resilience.

A Landmark Moment for Women’s Sports
Parker-Tyus’ comeback highlights evolving attitudes toward athlete mothers. While Hamby’s case underscores lingering challenges, her story reflects progress. The WNBPA’s 2023 maternity protections—including paid leave and childcare stipends—have empowered players to prioritize family without sacrificing careers.

[Photo: Parker-Tyus during a 2023 game with her previous team]

As Parker-Tyus steps onto the court, her journey resonates beyond basketball: a testament to grit, motherhood, and the rising support for women in sports.