Kentucky Wildcats: A Lifelong Passion That Shapes Identity

In my earliest school days, I picked up two valuable skills that have carved the path of my life. One of these lessons was about tying my shoelaces using the bunny-ear method—something every child seems to master. The other lesson was a bit more personal but just as impactful: a dislike for Duke University basketball.

From a young age, I have vivid memories centered around a rivalry with a man I never met. It's a rather peculiar source of pride for me. Back in 1992, Christian Laettner became an infamous figure in my home state of Kentucky. He was a sermon illustration for preachers discussing forgiveness, a "villain" example for teachers, and a subject of prayer for hopeful sports seasons from grandmothers.

Basketball is inescapable in Kentucky. It courses through our veins as naturally as blood. My roots run deep, coming from the coalfields of Appalachia, much like the local hero Richie Farmer.

A Legacy of Basketball

In my family, basketball isn't just a sport; it's tradition. We cherish an old photograph of my great-grandmother Ollie with her childhood basketball team. My grandfather led his high school team in the 1940s, and my towering uncle dominated college games at 6-foot-11. Even my sister played for a historic high school team—the Lady Dogs.

Surrounded by basketball, I faced one minor challenge: I was terrible at it. My grandfather outfitted me with "dribbling goggles" and sent me out to practice, but that chubby little queer kid with a love for Rosie O'Donnell just couldn't get the hang of it. My mother used to tell me, "The basketball gene just skipped us."

Over time, I grew frustrated. Why was basketball the only measure of value? Eventually, I left the mountains behind for the bustling city life of Cincinnati, and later, Chicago. This journey was about finding myself and pursuing dreams, leaving behind the religious basketball watching of my youth. But every call home was filled with updates on the Kentucky Wildcats: narratives of Tubby's success with Pitino's team, Billy G.'s tarnishing our name, and skepticism about Calipari's trustworthiness.

Finding Home Away from Home

Every update was a connection to my roots. In the windy city of Chicago, I found myself longing for Kentucky. By day, I was a nanny; by night, I pursued comedy. I searched for fellow UK supporters and discovered The Pony Inn, a bar near my apartment.

The 2013-14 Wildcats team was captivating. I rallied every Kentuckian I knew, and on game day, we flocked to the bar. Expecting a few dedicated fans, I was stunned to find the place packed, standing room only, with a sea of blue and white. The game that once felt foreign now wrapped me in comfort like a bourbon-soaked blanket.

These days, I find joy in women’s basketball. "If you want to watch basketball, watch women play," my grandfather once said. His words ring true as I eagerly anticipate what Coach Kenny Brooks will achieve in the upcoming NCAA March Madness tournament.

Joining the Big Blue Nation couldn’t be more thrilling. There’s a collective pride and community that transcends miles, making every game another thread in the fabric of who I am.

The podcast "Jockular," featuring sports enthusiasts like E.R. Fightmaster, Katie Kershaw, and Tien Tran, is a great resource for women’s sports fans. They provide insightful content about women’s sports, and you can find them on Spotify, Instagram, YouTube, and Patreon.

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