The friendships I’ve created over the years have been a huge part of my own self-discovery journey within the LGBTQ+ community.
DiannaPrince
What first got you interested in playing basketball, and how did you find your way into the LGBTQ+ basketball community?
My love for the game started as a kid, like most, with my first goal being to dribble between the legs—LGBTQ+ sports weren’t something I knew existed until I moved to Austin, where I found the community while learning to embrace my authentic self.
Can you remember your very first game with an LGBTQ+ team? How did it go, and what do you remember most about it?
My first LGBTQ+ league experience was with AGBL (Austin Gay Basketball League). I can’t say that I remember my very first game, but the connections and friends I made through the league are things I’ll never forget.
What's your favorite memory from any of the LGBTQ+ basketball tournaments you've participated in?
2024 NGBA Women’s+ Inaugural Season: The Camaraderie.
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition that you always follow before hitting the court?
Celine Dion: It’s all coming back to me now.
How has being part of the LGBTQ+ basketball community impacted your life off the court?
It’s provided me with a sense of self, helping me stay connected to others who share similar experiences. The friendships I’ve created over the years have been a huge part of my own self-discovery journey within the LGBTQ+ community, which is why I’m passionate about helping others find that same sense of inclusion and connection through the sport.
What's one piece of advice you would give to young LGBTQ+ athletes just starting out in their basketball journey?
Stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid to embrace who you are. Basketball, like life, can be challenging at times, but the connections you make and the lessons you learn along the way are what make the journey worthwhile. Find your community, and know that you belong.
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