My interest in basketball is rooted in family. Some of my best memories include competitive pick-up games with my sisters and cousins. Ever since then, the love of the game just grew on me. I think I just always wanted to beat my sisters and cousins. That motivation to be better allowed me to play through high school and in college. It was pretty heartbreaking to hang up the jersey after college. Down the road, I luckily found an LGBTQ+ league on social media to keep me going. This was my first exposure into the LGBTQ+ basketball community. It was after the pandemic, so this link to basketball and the community was such a critical time. I’ve met the most amazing people through the organization and have gotten to expand to other LGBTQ+ leagues since.

I absolutely remember my first LGBTQ+ team! I still play with some of them. My first game was amazing, it was so inclusive and everybody was so friendly. It was still a competitive atmosphere, but it had that family feel to it. What I remember the most is how freeing it felt to be myself and to have others do the same. I still play in the same LGBTQ+ league and have now decided to be a captain in the league. I think that shows how important the community has been to me.

My biggest inspiration in the LGBTQ+ basketball community would probably have to go to Diana Taurasi. Growing up in Arizona, she was definitely a prominent figure, and somebody that I used to watch a lot as an athlete. She’s got this energy to her. She does what she wants, and she doesn’t care what people think. That kind of attitude helped me to be just a little bit more comfortable in my own skin. I appreciate how outspoken she is for our community and the advocacy she brings.

My favorite memory is the 100% the community. I’ve gotten to meet so many different people from so many different places. I’ve built deeper connections with my teammates. Plus traveling to different cities is always a nice perk!

Hopefully nobody saw, but a funny moment would be from the Vegas tournament when I tripped over the refs foot and totally ate it. The ref was a good sport and helped me up but I couldn’t help but sit there and laugh myself for a second.

I for some reason believe that chewing gum makes me play better. As a result, I carry a large pack of gum in my hoop bag to ensure maximum performance. When I played more competitive ball, I used to always write a note in my shoe that said “I can, I will”. Now I have it tattooed, so it’s always with me.

Diana Taurasi without a doubt. She’s the GOAT. Her game is so well-rounded. The shot, the handles, the finishes at the rim. Plus, she seems like she’d be a fun smack talker. I would love to learn a thing or two from her.

We’re going WNBA: Give me Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Seimone Augustus, Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart

Being a part of this community has been profound off the court. It has opened up the door to so many new friendships. It’s taken me to new cities. It’s created an environment that I look forward to. An environment where I know I can show up as authentically me and be accepted for just that. It is truly powerful.

You belong as you are. Stay true to yourself. Believe in yourself. Work hard and the rest will follow.