Who are you? What is your involvement with basketball?

My name is Nadele Strain, I play and Coach for the Lady Rocks.

Has basketball made an impact on your life? If so, how?

Basketball has made a huge impact on my life, I wouldn’t be as confident in myself and who I am if it had not been for Basketball.  Basketball was a safe place for me when growing up as I didn’t need to hide who I was. My team, coaches, club and supporters, never judged me because I was gay.

Don’t get me wrong there was the odd whispers and a few naïve people making comments, but I think I can count on one hand how many times that happened within the Basketball Community. If it hadn’t been for my team and coaches those whispers or naive comments would have hurt so much more.

Knowing that I could be myself within basketball, being part of that wider family helped me come to terms with my identity and be proud of who I am.

Have you been able to make an impact on basketball? If so how?

I am not sure if I have made an impact on Basketball. By taking part in Rainbow Laces week I hope I can help encourage others to be confident in who they are and know that it’s ok to be different. Everyone is different and everyone is accepted within the basketball community.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ who is wanting to get into basketball?

Get involved, the sport is incredible! The Basketball community is growing and growing, its one you want to be part of. I guarantee once you take the first step you will not regret it, it will help build your confidence as it did mine.