Founders

Coach Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir: From a young age, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir knew she wanted basketball to be a part of her life. After first picking up a ball at the age of four at a local YMCA, Bilqis’ love for the game began. Living in a practicing Muslim household, Bilqis was to follow her religious beliefs as she grew older. She began wearing a hijab, a traditional head covering for Muslim women, and practiced modesty on the court by covering all skin except her hands.
She became a standout at New Leadership Charter School in Springfield, Mass. where she excelled on the court and in the classroom. As class valedictorian, Bilqis also set the Massachusetts state record for both boys and girls, with 3,070 points scored – breaking Connecticut and WNBA star Rebecca Lobo’s previous state record of 2,740. She was also named the state’s 2009 Gatorade Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American nominee. 
She parlayed her skills into a full ride scholarship to the University of Memphis where she played four years (2009-13) and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in exercise science. During her freshman year at Memphis, she was invited to the White House for Ramadan feast and was acknowledged by President Barack Obama as the first Muslim woman to play covered in collegiate basketball.
Her goal was to continue playing professionally in Europe, but quickly ended due to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rule prohibiting head gear larger than five inches. Unwilling to stray in her beliefs, Bilqis chose faith over basketball and advocated for Muslim women and girls in sport. After earning her master’s degree in May 2015 at Indiana State, Bilqis sought to inspire young Muslim women through sport as an instructor and motivational speaker.
In May 2017, FIBA overturned the hijab ban. Bilqis continues to use her voice for equality and acceptance in sport.
(Photo by Megan L.C. McNally/The Players’ Tribune)

Coach A.W. Massey: Born and raised in a basketball city, A.W. grew a love for the game of basketball early in life. He took his talents to Kansas Wesleyan University where he played on the men’s basketball team and studied accounting. He later transferred to Bethel University to finish his studies and acquired a degree in business management.
A.W. began his coaching and training career after deciding to help build a club basketball team in Memphis called the Lady Mambas. The basketball club focused on creating opportunities for girls in inner cities to have the chance at receiving a college education through basketball. A.W. has helped over 30 high school seniors receive full/partial scholarships to colleges and universities of their choice.