Look. It's Tamika Catchings with makeup

Sweat and grit. That's usually what's seen on the face of Tamika Catchings.

In a rare sighting last week, the Indiana Fever player was caught all glammed up.

We know. We know. That's not a story, really.

But when we called to chat with Catchings about the photo, we found an almost giddy woman whose life is changing -- in big and little ways.

One little way? The makeup. She never ever wears makeup. Of course, this was temporary, for a photo shoot for a WNBA youth initiative.

Catchings, who said she only wears makeup when forced to, had taken about 30 seconds to put on mascara, blush, a touch of eye shadow and lip gloss for the shoot.

When she showed up, makeup artist Laura Machieraldo had other ideas.

"She said, 'I'm going to have to put more makeup on you,'" Catchings said. "She hooked me up. I liked it though."

She liked it enough to post a photo of her and Machieraldo to Instagram, saying: "Thanks @lauramachieraldo for getting me all dolled up today : ) #SoBlessed #IHateMakeup."

Nearly 500 other people liked that photo. And, perhaps, one of the most important people in her life liked it, too – her boyfriend.

Yes. Catchings is no longer a single woman. That's one of those big ways her life is changing.

She met him ("him" because Catchings is keeping her boyfriend out of the limelight, for now) in Los Angeles in July. The two hit it off. He was from Indianapolis and came back to live here and to be with Catchings.

Is he a basketball player?

"No. Thank God," she said. "He used to play ball overseas. He's a computer IT (guy) now."

Catchings, 35, has been outspokenly single, so much that she was named an Indy Star Super Single in 2013. At the time, she said she was looking for "somebody who is driven by God, lives life the right way, is loyal, honest and can have fun.

"He fits that and more," she said. "He's just a really good guy. My family even says, 'Just don't run him away. He might be too nice for you.'"

That's doubtful. Catchings is known for her charitable work. Her foundation, Catch the Stars, is in its 11th year of empowering youth to achieve their dreams, helping them set goals that promote literacy, fitness and mentoring. Right now, she's busy with the foundation's Brackets for Good competition.

She's also involved in the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team, composed of college women's basketball student-athletes who are recognized for their contributions in volunteerism and civic involvement. .

"I love being a part of it because it focuses on young women and the positive things they are doing," she said. "In their communities, hometown, all over. I always tell girls, 'Some people will remember you for the things you're doing in basketball. But the things you do off the basketball court are what really matter.'"

And then there is Catchings' retirement. It's coming up quickly and she's trying to prepare. The 2016 season will be her last. That's a big life changer.

"I'm not sad. I'm excited," she said. "You get to that point. I love what I do, I'm passionate about playing basketball, but I'm excited for the next phase of my life."

That next phase, she hopes, will land her in the front office or as a general manager of a team.

How about a coach?

"No, thank you," she said. "No. No thank you."

That's one life change Catchings says she just doesn't see happening.

Follow Dana Benbow on Twitter: @DanaBenbow.