I joined a league when I was in 5th grade and never looked back. I found my way into the LGBTQ+ basketball by a friend sending me a message about a league in Los Angeles called LAMBDA. I met some really awesome people my first open run they had in downtown. Then Jason Jaramillo told me about tournaments, gay games, league and I was hooked.

My first game was with the then Metrostars playing against some other teams in LA. I felt so out of shape but had such a good time. I remember feeling a sense of community at the time that I needed at that point in my life.

I have a ton but honestly James Kim, Julius Farr and Mike Brown really took the time with me and we formed a special bond.

I have two favorites. One was gay games 2018 in Paris. Playing basketball in Paris is just unreal. It was my first time out of country and it felt special being a group of guys that felt like family. Second is the tournament in 2021 in Chicago. It was my first tournament since I moved from Los Angeles and I was coming off my 3rd shoulder surgery. I went in 9 months before the tournament and lost 60+ pounds to prepare. I had one of the best play off games I have ever had against a certain team that I really wanted to beat. It was also the first time my now husband ever saw me play.

My pregame is showing up early to prepare. I try to show up usually 30-60 mins to get my head right and my body stretched.

It helped me by putting me with some people I would never thought I would have hung out with. I talk to people I would never met without the game of basketball and for that I’m grateful.

Be yourself. Surround yourself with positive people. Stay positive. If you have to focus on you then take the time for yourself and be the best version of you.