"Not long after, I heard that the Nashville Peacocks, an inclusive adult basketball team, were looking for a coach. They had been competing in the National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA) for a couple of years, coming close to a title but never quite sealing the deal. From the energy and commitment of General Manager Sammy Hann, I knew right away I wanted to be part of their journey."
"Many NGBA players, including some of ours, had never before experienced a truly safe environment in sport. Some had competed in high school, college, or even professionally, but felt they had to hide who they were. Others were out but paid the price in ostracism. The NGBA gave these athletes a court where they could finally show up as their full selves."
LGBTQ+ athletes continue to face discrimination and exclusion across all levels of sport, often forcing them to hide their identities or suffer ostracism. The Nashville Peacocks, an inclusive adult basketball team in the NGBA, provided a safe environment where players could develop skills, chemistry, trust, and authenticity through regular practices. Years of dedicated practice culminated in winning the NGBA Division B National Championship in Chicago, a victory celebrated for its emotional significance as well as athletic achievement. Inclusive team environments improve athlete well-being and can enhance collective performance and success.
Read at Psychology Today
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