Highlighting the Courage and Visibility of LGBTQ+ Athletes in College Basketball

As we gear up towards March Madness, that exhilarating time in college basketball, let's take a moment. Just a moment, right, because it's time we celebrate some truly amazing stories from LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches. These folks have bravely come out while in college sports, and in doing so, they've inspired many more people along their journey.

Across NCAA divisions, from men's teams and women's teams alike, these individuals have made their mark by living authentically. We're putting a spotlight on a few incredible players and coaches who have been openly out in public spaces or on social media. Know someone else who should be recognized? We'd love you hear their story.

Trailblazing LGBTQ+ college basketball players

Izzy Allen? She came out while playing high school basketball in Colorado and continued her journey with Palm Beach State. Kye Allums made history at George Washington University as NCAA Division I's first openly transgender athlete. Then there's Nicholle Aston, who let her Cornell Big Red teammates in on her journey before publicly coming out in 2016.

Over at Clemson, Tylar Bennett became a passionate voice advocating inclusion after coming out in a university project. Then there's Maria Berrum, who talked about her experience in a Chicago Tribune article back in 2016, highlighting how much support she received.

Emily Easom came out publicly after her transfer over at Sacramento State, and she's now using her personal story in her high school coaching. Taylor Emery was out during her time at Gulf Coast State College, leading her team all through a national junior college title before heading over Virginia Tech.

Jess Farmer at Elon University found a comforting community when she came out—while dating another athlete on campus, no less. And Hunter Fromang anchored Randolph-Macon's men's basketball as a standout center.

And let's not forget Derrick Gordon. He made waves as NCAA Division I's first men's basketball player who came out publicly. He first did this at UMass in 2014, and then continued his journey at Seton Hall, setting a pathway many have followed.

Rikki Harris, playing with Ohio State, wears her story proudly on social media and earned an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2023. Jaide Hinds-Clarke got proactive at Richmond, founding an organization dedicated just so students like herself could have a space.

Bree Horrocks was in on NCAA Tournament action with Purdue. And Navi Huskey, with her award-winning play at Long Beach City College, blazed a trail specifically as a trans woman athlete in sports.

Then we've got Gabrielle Ludwig, who came out in 2012 while playing with Mission College. She's known not just as a standout player but as one who can boast being one tallest and oldest, even at age 50. Shania Meertens joined Clemson's visibility project as well, alongside fellow out athletes over different sports.

Jallen Messersmith found his strength at Benedictine, standing up and embracing his identity despite institutional hurdles. And Joe Morrell courageously came out as a junior at St. John Fisher College, ultimately leading his team toward an NCAA tournament spot.

Max Nagle transitioned during his time with Hollins University, standing strong as a truly inspirational example amongst transgender athletes. Meanwhile, Sedona Prince, who has played at both Oregon and TCU, holds a role model status within our LGBTQ community.

Estel Puiggros, alongside fellow Ball State athletes, came out in early 2024, underscoring a robust community support system. Derek Schell was trailblazing as an NCAA Division II athlete with Hillsdale, despite hurdles like his school landing on Campus Pride's Worst List.

Jesse Taylor boldly came out in 2015 while playing at Dakota Wesleyan. Courtney Thrun positively shaped Brandeis's culture under coach Carol Simon's guidance.

Inspiring LGBTQ+ coaches in college basketball

Coach Kate Achter, with Detroit—Mercy, enjoys life with her wife and kids. Karen Aston coaches Texas—San Antonio's women's team with a supportive crew on her side.

Jennifer Azzi, formerly coaching in San Francisco, proudly took her stand during her coaching years. Melanie Balcomb and Courtney Banghart not only found success but have been open about their lives with their partners.

At UMBC, Chelsea Barker Walsh manages a fulfilling balance between work and home. Carla Berube heads Princeton's team with her family's steadfast support.

Jessie and Kylene Biggs are not just spouses but a coaching duo at Indiana Tech. And then there's Tempie Brown, who coached under Tara VanDerveer at Stanford and now runs high school athletics in Ohio.

Becky Burke's headline-making proposal coincides with leading Buffalo's women's team. Chris Burns was groundbreaking as Division I's first openly out men's basketball coach at Bryant.

Amanda Butler at Clemson, Bridgett Casey at Bridgewater State, and Billi Chambers at Iona are just a few among many coaches leading by example, living proudly and openly.

These coaches and athletes, winning titles and nurturing inclusive team environments, are prime examples that authenticity changes lives. Their stories serve as vivid reminders that representation absolutely matters, and their courage lights a path forward.

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