Fitriya Mohamed - Founder of the Muslim Women’s Summer Basketball League (MWSBL)
Fitriya Mohamed first took an interest in basketball during her younger years of elementary school. Even as a young girl, she could see the inequalities in sports when it came to the division between men and women's leagues and as she moved into her undergrad years, it became her passion to try and close that gap.
She encourages those women and girls that are interested in the sports world to take the leap, no matter the gender gap in the sport you're interested in!
When did you start to take an interest in basketball?
I started to take interest in basketball when I was 10 years old, specifically, in my elementary P.E. class.
Have there been any coaches or teammates that especially inspired you?
Yes. My first basketball coach in high school was the individual that encouraged me to try out for the team and take my competitiveness to the next level, and from there, I fell in love with hoops. Over the years, I have had many teammates that have inspired me and pushed me to try my best always, and I would say I am where I am at in the basketball field because of my support system on and off the court.
When did you realize you wanted to become an advocate for women in the sports world?
I have always been an advocate for women’s sport for as long as I can remember but I would say during my undergrad days was when I discovered my passion for women's sport and equal playing field.
Do you have a favorite professional team?
For WNBA, I am a big Candace Parker fan, wherever she goes, I go. She currently plays for the Chicago Sky. For NBA, the Toronto Raptors and wherever Kevin Durant goes, he currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets.
What is something the rest of the world could do to better support women in basketball?
Invest in women’s sports. Watch women’s sports. Believe in female hoopers, and encourage young girls to play sports the same way you would encourage young boys.
To learn more about the #HerForShe global movement to empower women by Hershey International click here!
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