Stories
Letter To My Senior Self: “Just Play”
After taking the Ivy League by storm in her freshmen debut, Skye Belker details what she hopes to get out of her college experience while recounting memories from the past.
My Hometown
Founder of The Sideline Post, Kayla Padilla, announces where she will be taking her grad year in a small note titled “My Hometown.”
One Label Does Not Identify Me
In “One Label Does Not Identify Me” Karina notes her ability to “transcend(s) titles… The goal is to pinpoint that I have so many dimensions that I can’t be defined by a single title only what people label me with. The most fitting title is the one people give me in that moment.”
For Little V
Vanessa de Jesus, a standout point guard for Duke, reflects on the path that led her to become the first Asian American basketball player to represent the Blue Devils.
Defying The Odds
To mark the beginning of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month, Kaylynne Truong of Gonzaga Women’s Basketball shares about the adversity she faces as an Asian-American college basketball player and how she and her sister continue to defy the odds.
It’s Okay To Not Feel Okay
Solomon Jones, an incoming freshman at the Air Force Academy, details the mental and physical hurdles he overcame en route to securing his future at the school. For Solomon, mental health is the most important thing, and there is always beauty to find in the struggle.
Be Extraordinary
Lucas Monroe reflects on the start of his basketball journey, specifically on the heroes who inspired him to love the game. By looking up to figures like Kobe Bryant, Pete Maravich, and his older brother, Lucas was able to commit to the sport and unlock his potential.
Making It Through
Joonha Ko reflects on his high school basketball career and how he learned the most important lessons in his life. After an unforeseen ending to his high school basketball career, Joonha realized the power of self worth and resilience and soon found a home on Emory College of Oxford’s men’s basketball team.
How to be a Walk-on
Sam Beskind details the life, sacrifices, and habits of a Stanford walk-on. It’s a testament of his journey, as well as his hard work and success.
Born to Run
From Ivy league’s Rookie of the Year and the founder of The Sideline Post, Kayla describes how music and basketball have shaped her purpose. She is so much more than just a star athlete; she is a workhouse in the classroom, a role model to the Asian community, an entrepreneur, and a risk-take.
What Basketball Has Given Me
Despite a lost season, Christina reflects on and appreciates all the things basketball has given her so far.
More Than Meets the Eye
Kenyuoe speaks on the assumptions people have despite his work ethic. It took mental and physical toughness for Kenyuoe to continue his basketball career at New Mexico Junior College.
More Than Me
Joel discusses his childhood and unique family dynamic while growing up in Canada with a deep love for the sport of basketball. As one of Canada’s top recruits, Joel experienced the importance of your circle when moving away from home.
Staying The Course
In “Staying The Course,” Zach takes us through his recruitment journey and how he ended up becoming a member of the Princeton Tigers basketball team amidst a pandemic.
The Price to Play
Audrey Nicholson attended Boston University where she served as a member of their women’s basketball team for two years. In “The Price to Play”, Audrey tells of the several setbacks she faced due to consistent injuries that ultimately lead to many influential life lessons.
Confidence
Dejanee is a member of University of La Verne basketball team. In her story “Confidence”, Dejanee details the ups and downs of her recruitment process and emphasizes the development of her mental strength over the years.
Made to Be Me
Jasmine is a basketball player at Concordia University Irvine. In “Made to Be Me”, Jazzi brings us along her journey of how she found her voice being a biracial athlete.
That Could Be Me
Chiara is a rising junior on Boston University’s women’s basketball team. In “That Could Be Me”, she elaborates on her childhood and some of the things she began to take notice of as she became more cognizant of our society in hopes of igniting change regarding racial issues.