In 2024, the Women’s Basketball National Championship between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the South Carolina Gamecocks captivated 18.9 million viewers, marking a historic high for women’s basketball. This surge in popularity reflects the unprecedented growth the sport has experienced over the past three years, propelled by a new generation of stars like Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson.
These athletes stand on the shoulders of legends who paved the way for women’s basketball, often overshadowed by their NBA counterparts. We must also celebrate trailblazers like Sandy Brondello, who led the New York Liberty to their first WNBA Championship, and the remarkable performance of the Opals, who showcased their talent and teamwork at the recent FIBA World Cup and Olympic Games.
While women’s basketball flourishes on the global stage, grassroots participation is struggling. Studies reveal that girls typically drop out of sports by age 16, highlighting a critical gap in retention efforts. Despite the focus on elite competition, grassroots initiatives are essential for creating accessible pathways for girls and women to engage in basketball.
In 2013, a group of women in Western Sydney took the initiative to start their basketball journey at a local recreational center in Penrith. As they shared their experiences, they inspired others—women who had played in high school, those returning after becoming mothers, and young women seeking community connections.
Fast forward 11 years, and Embers Basketball has grown from a single team to four, competing in two local leagues in Blacktown and Castle Hill. More than 100 women have participated in local competitions and skills training, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence.
Embers Basketball has also developed a coaching framework tailored to the unique needs of girls and women, now boasting a diverse coaching team of over ten individuals. Embers Basketball is an intergenerational community, hopeful for the future of womens basketball to make an impact now for the women, their loved ones, and their communities, and also impact the future, especially for young women.
A significant milestone for Embers Basketball was the opening of the first female-founded community basketball facility in Western Sydney, The Hustle in Minchinbury. This center aims to provide local teams, particularly women and youth, with access to training and development opportunities. Today, The Hustle is governed by a diverse board committed to expanding community access and creating programs that bridge gaps in basketball participation.
While Embers Basketball and The Hustle continue to make impactful strides locally, their progress hinges on sustained commitment and resources from beyond the grassroots level. This support is vital to ensuring women’s basketball thrives not only for the pros but also for the broader community in the suburbs.
Together, we will continue to strive for growth and equity in women’s sports, fuelling hope and resilience in every dribble, pass, and shot taken on and off the court.
Qwayne Guevara is Founder and now Board Members of The Hustle Society Incorporated. She is Co-Founder of Embers Basketball, Coach and Point Guard #33.