Kimoya

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

She loves the connection, challenge, growth, and adrenaline of basketball—the feeling of the ball in her hands, running the court, making a pass that finds her teammate, or taking a difficult shot and watching it fall. What she loves most, though, is the connection between teammates. Sometimes they communicate with words; other times, a look, and movement says everything. Even if they don't see each other outside of basketball, when they return to the court, they reconnect like a family.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

She doesn't have one person she tries to imitate. She believes there is something to learn from many people. She studies different athletes—from local players to college and professional players—learning from their resilience, ball handling, movement, defense, court vision, positions, and styles of play. As a taller player, this is especially important because she doesn't want to be defined only as a “big.” She wants to develop a complete game and discover everything she is capable of becoming.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

It's difficult to choose just one because almost every time she steps onto the court, I see another piece of her character. I've watched her give her all when tired, encourage teammates after missed shots, make the selfless pass, and continue competing when the odds were against her. I've watched her learn when to push through a difficult moment and when her body needs rest and recovery.