At the end of every good practice, a coach calls the team together. Hands in the middle, a few words, a collective breath. We call it bringing it in, and it’s one of my favorite rituals in all of basketball. It’s a reminder that however hard we compete, we do it as a group.
I’ve been thinking about that huddle a lot lately, because I believe it’s a useful model for the sport as a whole. Women’s basketball has so many wonderful pieces — players, coaches, broadcasters, fans, sponsors, and the next generation of kids dribbling in driveways. The question is how we bring them all in.
For me, it starts with access. If a young girl can’t find a game on television, can’t find a team to join, or can’t picture herself in the sport, we’ve missed a chance. Opening doors, whether through youth programs, school opportunities, or broadcasts, is the most important investment we can make.
It also means respecting the voices of those who came before. Many pioneers of the game fought hard for resources that now seem ordinary. Listening to their stories gives us context, humility, and a sense of responsibility. We stand where we stand because someone else stood firm.
Then there’s the matter of teamwork off the court. The best basketball organizations I’ve seen treat everyone, from the star to the equipment manager, as part of the same mission. When people feel valued, they perform at a higher level, and the product on the floor shows it.
I know the word community can feel overused, but I’ve watched it work in real time. A gym full of people cheering for one another, an older player coaching a younger one, a fan striking up a conversation with a stranger about last night’s game. That’s not marketing. That’s the sport doing what it does best.
So let’s bring it in. Hands together, eyes up, and a little more courage than yesterday. The next play is ours to make, and we’re stronger when we make it together.
