my story
I believe in the power of the game of basketball to transform lives; to provide an outlet for good energy and a motivation to stay in shape and feel young.
Unlike many basketball players, I didn’t grow up learning the game. I actually never picked up a basketball until I was 19 years old. I grew up in Jamaica playing cricket and when I moved here was drawn to the courts. Underestimating the skill required, I came to play and was severely embarrassed by my underwhelming performance. I actually didn’t even realize how lacking my skills were until a young girl on the sidelines announced that others should, “watch out for that guy!” I had been chucking the ball overhand at the basket.
After that experience, instead of being turned off by the game, I was energized by the challenge to find a way to get better. I found a quiet court and practiced and practiced. Eventually, I gained enough confidence to face my peers. Not only was I able to keep up, but soon, I was able to beat my cousin who had grown up playing basketball.