HoopQueens Summer League provides 'space, opportunities' for women on, off court

Long overdue, the first paid women's basketball league in Toronto is finally here.

HoopQueens Summer League will play games every Sunday afternoon from June 5 to July 3 at Toronto Metropolitan University's Kerr Hall. Four teams comprising 10 players each will participate over the five weeks.

The league is the brainchild of 27-year-old Keesa Koomalsingh who has played basketball since she was in grade school.

"My ultimate goal for HoopQueens is just to continue to provide space for girls, opportunities for girls and women to be successful on and off the court," said Koomalsingh, a native of Markham, Ont.

"That comes with creating physical space, creating emotional space, and financial support for those girls. Women athletes, especially, don't get paid so it's just about creating more opportunities and safe spaces."

What makes it unique is that eight of the 10 players will be paid $200 per game — the final two spots for unpaid reserves.

Among the notable names involved are: Michaella Riche, who played NCAA basketball at Minnesota; Brey Johnson, who has professional experience in Europe: and Dakota Whyte, who played Division 1 at Wisconsin.

Koomalsingh said a key aspect of the league are workshops that will focus on career development while addressing the barriers in different industries, specifically the barriers that women face in sport. The workshops will be led by Ho and will feature mentorship programs for community youth age 16 and older who are interested in a career in sports.

Koomalsingh hopes that HoopQueens Summer League can contribute to the expansion of support for professional women's basketball in the city and country, and that girls see an opportunity to keep playing the game they love right where they are.