Dream guard Renee Montgomery Opt-Out of 2020 Season ; “ There’s work to be done off the court in so many areas in our community.”

Photo courtesy of @litawins

It was announced today that 11-year veteran and two-time WNBA Champion, Atlanta Dream guard Renee Montgomery has chosen to sit out the 2020 WNBA season and focus on off-court initiatives.

Montgomery will be utilizing her time to growing the Renee Montgomery Foundation and focusing on social justice reform.

After much thought, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2020 WNBA season. There’s work to be done off the court in so many areas in our community. Social justice reform isn’t going to happen overnight but I do feel that now is the time and Moments equal Momentum. Lets keep it going!

— Renee Montgomery (@ReneeMontgomery) June 18, 2020

“After much thought, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2020 WNBA season,” Montgomery said. “There’s work to be done off the court in so many areas in our community. Social justice reform isn’t going to happen overnight but I do feel that now is the time and ‘Moments equal Momentum.’ Let’s keep it going.”

“While I am saddened Renee will not be in a Dream uniform this summer, I am incredibly proud of her passion for her foundation, her outreach in the community and her chance to impact the Black Lives Matter movement with her platform as a WNBA athlete,” Head Coach Nicki Collen said in a statement.

“We fully support Renee’s off-the-court efforts and know that she can help facilitate change in Atlanta and around the globe.”Dream President & General Manager Chris Sienko said.

The WNBA announced a 22-game schedule without fans will be played at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. beginning in late July. All 12 teams will report in early July to begin training camp.