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Lilly and Grace stand on the court, basketball in their hands, smiling brightly.

Celebrating the next generation: these girls are breaking the bias one swish at a time

 Give a girl an opportunity to thrive in basketball, and there’s no limit to what they can accomplish both on and off the court. 



Inspired by their athletic Mom’s before them, Lilly (age 16) and Grace (age 18) both took to basketball at a young age. “I love that basketball is fast paced and full of adrenalin rush moments, like when you’re down one point with only two seconds left in the game” shares Lilly. Similarly, Grace loves the game for its intensity too. “There are high-pressure games when you’re putting it all out there, diving for the ball and sprinting almost to the point where you can’t breathe afterwards!”



Both Lilly and Grace play for the love of the game, but it’s no secret to them the physical, mental and social benefits playing competitive basketball gives them.



Grace’s role as a player and coach has taught her what true responsibility looks and feels like. “You can’t not show up, even if you’re having a bad day.” It’s also shown her that you won’t get results if you don’t work hard.

“You won't get better just showing up to practice. You must constantly push yourself, even if it’s hard. You get back what you put into it.”

Grace holds a basketball while on the basketball court

Coaching has taught Grace the importance of discipline and showing up, even when it's a struggle.



Lilly has learned the importance of staying calm when under pressure: “Nothing goes well when you’re rushed and doing things out of frustration or anger. Slowing down, taking a deep breath and getting into a positive mindset helps a lot.” 

 

Lily proudly holds on to her basketball

For Lilly, triumph on the court starts with keeping cool under pressure.



Lessons like these help female athletes like Lilly and Grace develop a strong character. Plus, they’re learning how to be there for one another. “Female athletes are good at communicating as a team. If someone messes up, we’re there to support them, not get angry” says Lilly.  



Basketball is not an easy sport, but these teen athletes are motivated to prove themselves. Grace is committed to a university basketball team for next year, and at only 16, Lilly has already reached out to a couple of schools. “I definitely want to play at the post-secondary level. I want to try for a competitive school. I won’t settle for anything less than what I deserve.”

Both Lilly and Grace are motivated to show the world what female basketball players are capable of. “I love proving people wrong, especially at the gym” shares Grace. When lifting weights in front of boys, Grace admits she feels underestimated. “If I do something impressive then guys act surprised, but they don’t when a guy friend does the same thing. It’s still an issue. Women aren’t thought of as strong. It’s more attractive to be pretty, not strong.”

 

Lilly and Grace square off on the court

Breaking barriers in basketball, and having fun doing it.



With this year’s Northwestel sponsorship of NWT Basketball, the Yellowknife Youth Basketball League can give every player their own jersey for the first time. The league is in its 5th year and runs for approximately 6 months between October and March. 

Break the Bias

For International Women’s Day 2022 (IWD) we’re celebrating women and girls involved in sports programs supported by Northwestel’s Community Investment program.

By sharing these stories and celebrating girls’ achievements in sport, we hope to inspire the next generation of northern female athletes and contribute to this year’s IWD goal to #BreaktheBias. Check out these other stories about women and girls who are breaking the bias in their own hometowns:

Did you miss last year’s IWD stories? Read our 2021 IWD community articles featuring some of Northwestel’s powerhouse female employees:

Tags: Community