Women’s basketball is on the rise in Canada, and HoopQueens has partnered with Humber College for the second straight year to represent and bring more exposure to the game.
HoopQueens was founded in 2022 by Kessa Koomalsingh and is the first paid Women’s basketball league in Canada. The main focus is to grow the game of Women’s basketball and provide opportunity for women to showcase their skills.
Koomalsingh said in an interview with CTV news that it’s difficult for girls to receive the recognition they deserve.
“Everyone needs this outlet,” she said. “There’s no really safe space for girls to compete and play competitively with other girls.”
HoopQueens are hosting their third annual summer league in the Humber Athletics Centre starting June 2. This is the second consecutive year they have partnered with the college to host this event.
Ceejay Nofuente, Humber College Alumni and current assistant coach for the Humber women’s basketball team, said she’s excited HoopQueens decided to re-partner with the school she achieved so much in.
“It’s a very special feeling for the event to take place here with everything that has been accomplished in this facility and on this court,” she said. “I’m just happy that I get to experience this event on home court all over again.”
Last year, the event took place over a five week period, with all games being played on a Sunday.
Each team had ten players, with eight required to be paid post-graduate players.
Nofuente said last years event was a great for attracting more fans to the sport.
“Last year’s event went really well,” she said. “Each week felt better than the last and by the time it got to the final game, there was a full house along with special guest appearances from NBA players as well as musicians and other notable people.”
Some notable figures that attended last year were Canadian NBA athletes Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as musicians Havaih Mighty and King Cruff.
Last year was the first time HoopQueens presented the William Young Growth Fund scholarship, a $20,000 fund to support collegiate women’s athletes.
Kessa Koomalsingh (left) and Meghan Yuri Young (middle) celebrating with the winner of the inagural William Young Growth Fund scholarship, Javayah Hope (right). Photo credit: HoopQueens
Teams and players are still being finalized for this years event, but Nofuente said she wants more competition than last year.
“There isn’t much i would see changed other than bringing in more teams and allowing more players to participate in the event.”
Summer is just around the corner, and HoopQueens are heating up the competition to make a splash.