LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Many people refer to Arkansas as "The Diamond State."
Not only can diamonds be found in the state, but there are also a few hidden gems, such as the "She Got Game League Little Rock" organization which is dedicated to the empowerment of women in the world of sports.
"People in Arkansas are extremely excited about women's basketball here, and especially with it being right here in the city, so hopefully that trickles down to them coming to be a part of what we're putting together," said Commissioner, Erin Campbell.
Campbell explained that the "She Got Game League" is an organization set on exposing and encouraging female basketball players such as Whitney Frazier and Giordin Johnson and so many others.
"We have some amazing basketball players in this league. I've mentioned Shekinah Strickland, and Kimmy Sidman who played at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. Alexis Tollfree from Conway, played at the University of Arkansas. We have Whitney Frazier in the league she played at Louisiana Tech," she explained.
The timing of this all couldn't have been better. Recently, we've seen women's basketball catch the eyes of so many (new and old fans) throughout 2023.
"A lot of people are now more invested in women's sports, just all around. Especially basketball, with Caitlyn Clark helping out and Angel Reese, a couple of other rookies is also helping out as well, even the veterans that are in the game," said Jalisa Cole, Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships for She Got Game League.
Cole explained how the league has also offered opportunities for local businesses to invest and connect with the players.
"We are a community first, and especially with a lot of women that are in nonprofits, doing other things with their businesses, and other people that are in the basketball world, or not even in the basketball world, are now tuning into women's sports," Cole said. "So, I think the community is really behind this and really supporting this. Looks like we might be having to sell out for our first game as well."
This will be the first season Giordin Johnson plays with She Got Game League and she shared how this program alone has helped her grow as a player, a leader, and a role model to other little girls watching her play.
"People try to push you over because you're a girl but at the end of the day, I just, I kept going and to see that women's basketball is growing the way it is. I'm actually proud I kept playing because I like to motivate other kids or inspire other kids that play basketball because it's not just a boy's sport," Johnson described.
For third-year player, Whitney Frazier, this year's experience has opened her eyes to a bigger role beyond herself. Not only has the team provided her with an opportunity to play but it has also opened the door for her to be on the other side of the white lines as a coach.
"I think that's my favorite part is watching the team grow from the summer to preseason to the season to conference the state is so fun and also watching players become leaders. Like they're changing, and they hold each other accountable," Frazier described.
Johnson said that overall it's special to know how sports have a way of bringing a community together.
"When you just see some people bring their kids, and then I see the little kids on the side playing I know we are going in the right direction. For the people that are just not catching on, I'm sorry y'all got some years to catch up with women's basketball because we have some hoopas in Arkansas," Johnson said.
For more information on the organization, please click here.
