More Than Meets the Eye
By Kenyuoe Ondaan
When people look at me, they see a big and strong athlete and assume that’s how it’s always been. They see a player who’s been called into the National Team and traveled across the world to play, and assume I am naturally gifted. That I was born this way. That I didn’t have to work for it.
This is far from the truth.
While it’s easy to judge me based on the end result, my underlying story has been defined by resilience.
I am from the Netherlands, and grew up as the only black kid in the area. On top of that, I was on the heavier side. From an early age, I had to learn to be tough. I had to learn to stick up for myself even when on the inside, I was crumbling.
Basketball was my way out.
I began a strict regimen of working out meticulously when I was 12. I would bike for 30 minutes in the morning, run for an hour on the treadmill after school, and then bike for another 45 minutes at night. I did this for 6 months and lost 30 kilos. I would also make 150 shots before school and every practice. About 6 to 7 hours a day became devoted to basketball and my body transformation. It became an obsession.
Even as I grew physically and mentally, it wasn’t until I was 16 that I was able to play at the highest level. It was then that I was able to play for the Amsterdam club team and where I got more exposure. The coaches there were the first ones to tell me that I could play collegiate basketball. Playing in the United States became my sole focus. I ended up committing to a junior college. It was my way out.
And then, of course, COVID happened. The embassy closed for four months and I couldn’t get my VISA. I didn't know if I would even be able to get to the US. But I trusted my guy and kept pushing, knowing that it was going to be worth it.
I eventually made the trip and am learning to get on by myself. I’m making my own choices, and my mistakes aren’t anyone’s but my own. I’m learning to be accountable to what happens to me and how I handle the situation. I know there are people who have supported me that I am forever indebted to and need to keep going for them. I want to make it the NBA and be able to give back to my family.
Outsiders may see the end result, but they don’t know the work it took to get here. They don’t know the discipline or persistence I had to have. The confidence to remain unwavering in my pursuit of my goals regardless of the circumstances or the people telling me I couldn’t do it. I am proud of my journey and the mindset I have developed.
No one can stop me or tear me off my path.