WEEK #41: LIREESA G-J.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Lireesa Gokhool- Jefferson and I am a first-year student-athlete at Queen’s University. I play on the Queen’s women’s basketball as a guard and I am studying Film and Media. I love digital art, cooking and the outdoors. I am passionate about graphic designing and using my love for art to create posters, videos, content and so much more. Throughout high school I was on honor roll, and I finished my grade 12 year with a 93% average, which allowed to me to be accepted into one of the top universities in Canada as well as being able to play on their women’s basketball team. I have a deep love for basketball and I’m thankful for all the many places it has taken me and all the people I’ve gotten to know.

What do you take pride in as an athlete?

As an athlete I take pride in my defense because I am able to provide energy and fuel to my team by disrupting the opposing team. It takes courage, focus and determination to stay locked in for those 24 seconds. Just like the old saying goes “defense wins championships” I strongly believe it does.

What lessons did you learn in sport that can be applied to your daily leadership?

Basketball as taught me to be accountable towards myself before anyone else. When I arrive on the basketball court, I have to possess the mentality to work hard and so that I can lead by example and fuel my team.  Similarity to daily leadership, you have to live up to your words by being an example by your actions.

What advice do you have for parents, coaches, or sport administrators to improve inclusion in sport?

Parents: regardless if a sport considered a “male dominated” or a particular ethnicity sport, allow your kid(s) to try out any and every sport they are interested in.

Coach and sport administrators: market your program or team in such a way that you attract diversity from all different ethnicities and backgrounds. That will make your team stronger and it will grow the players.

5 words that best describe me are:

GENUINE | THOUGHTFUL | COMPASSIONATE | RELIABLE | CREATIVE