As the college basketball season intensifies and March Madness approaches, it is important to highlight the significant contributions of LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches in this sport. Over the past decade, college basketball has provided a platform for many LGBTQ+ individuals to come out publicly, thereby asserting their presence and inspiring others within and beyond the athletic community.
Across various NCAA divisions and genders, we have witnessed a diverse group of transgender, gay, lesbian, and bisexual players and coaches who have bravely come out. While many more remain out to their friends, family, and teammates, the individuals mentioned below have made their journeys public through media or social media platforms. This list is by no means exhaustive, and we encourage readers to reach out with more names and stories to highlight.
Players Making a Difference
Izzy Allen, representing Palm Beach State, began her journey by coming out during her high school basketball career in Colorado. Kye Allums, an athlete from George Washington, holds the distinction of being the first publicly out trans athlete in NCAA Division I basketball, making history by playing for the women’s team.
Nicholle Aston, who played for Cornell, came out to her teammates during her freshman year. Later, she shared her story more widely in 2016. Tylar Bennett made her public announcement through an LGBTQ+ inclusion initiative at Clemson University.
Maria Berrum's story appeared in the Chicago Tribune in 2016, where she discussed the support from her high school and college teams. Emily Easom came out in a newspaper article after her transfer from Portland State to Sacramento State, and she has since become a high school coach.
Jess Farmer from Elon, Hunter Fromang from Randolph-Macon, and Derrick Gordon, who made history at Massachusetts and Seton Hall as the first publicly out NCAA Division I men’s basketball player, are among the many players who have positively influenced the sport and its culture.
Gabrielle Ludwig made headlines as a trans community college basketball player and became a role model at 6-foot-8 and age 50, representing diversity and resilience at Mission College.
Coaches Leading by Example
In coaching, figures like Kate Achter of Detroit Mercy and Karen Aston of UTSA have not only excelled in their careers but also shared their personal stories, furthering visibility and acceptance. Jennifer Azzi, who coached at the University of San Francisco, came out publicly, setting an example for others to follow.
Courtney Banghart, who has led successful programs at North Carolina and Princeton, and Chelsea Barker Walsh from UMBC, have been open about their lives, marrying their passion for basketball with their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Other significant figures include Becky Burke from Buffalo, who celebrated her engagement publicly, and Chris Burns, who became the first publicly out Division I men’s basketball coach while at Bryant College. Amanda Butler from Clemson, with a supportive family and a successful coaching career, exemplifies how visibility can sync with personal and professional life.
The stories of players and coaches like these not only highlight their personal bravery but also underscore the progress within college sports culture. More than just role models, they are trailblazers, paving the way for the next generation of athletes and coaches to embrace their identities openly.
By acknowledging and celebrating these individuals, we not only affirm their contributions but also encourage ongoing dialogue and action to create inclusive spaces within sports. As more stories emerge, the narrative of inclusion will continue to grow, fostering a community where everyone is free to be their true selves.
If you have more stories to share or people to highlight in the world of college basketball, please reach out and help us inspire more change.
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