Kourtney Huang

9

Kourtney Huang’s decision to drop out of Stanford didn’t come without a price. Her parents, who had always stressed the importance of a stable career, were disappointed. They’d never fully understood her passion for basketball, seeing it more as a hobby than a legitimate career path. At first, they encouraged her to pursue something practical—business or engineering, something with a future. She had majored in economics, a field her parents deemed sensible. But basketball kept calling to her. It wasn’t just the game; it was the drive, the rush, the sense of purpose she felt on the court. So, she made the bold choice to leave behind her education and take a chance on the Aurora Hoops League. Despite gaining the starting shooting guard spot for the New England Nova, her parents remained unsupportive. They saw her choice as reckless, a gamble they couldn’t understand. Throwing away a college education. The risk of injury. The unstable job in a new basketball league. The rift that grew between them was inevitable—each call from home became more strained. Her decision had alienated her from the family, and while she had her basketball career to focus on, the absence of support from her parents weighed on her more than she let on. Still, Kourtney’s resolve only strengthened. She’d chosen the life she wanted, and while she missed her family’s presence, she wasn’t going to let anything hold her back now.

Simone Reynolds

5

The ESPNW studio was buzzing with energy as Rebecca Lobo and Doris Burke settled in for their postgame analysis. The New England Nova had just pulled off an impressive win against the New York Luminaries, and all eyes were on the standout performance from Simone Reynolds (#45). Rebecca leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the screen. “If you didn’t know who Simone Reynolds was before tonight, you do now. She was everywhere—on the boards, protecting the rim, hustling on every play.” Doris smiled, nodding in agreement. “Absolutely. She’s one of those players who doesn’t need the spotlight, but when she’s on the floor, you can’t ignore her. The numbers speak for themselves—14 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals. But honestly, it’s the little things she does that are even more impressive.” The screen behind them shifted to a clip of Simone rejecting a shot in the fourth quarter. “That block right there,” Rebecca pointed to the highlight. “That was a game-changer. The Luminaries had a chance to cut the lead, but Simone came up huge, keeping them at bay. It’s moments like that where she really shows her value.” Doris nodded. “She’s the kind of player that doesn’t always get the headlines, but she’s crucial. Setting screens, cleaning up the glass, being a presence in the paint. You saw the Nova’s offense open up just from her defensive efforts alone.” Rebecca leaned back, adding, “And you can’t forget her energy. You could feel her presence on the floor all night. She’s a perfect fit for this team.” Doris chuckled. “When she’s out there, the whole team feeds off her. And when you’ve got the kind of shooters and playmakers New England has, adding someone like Simone just makes everything flow that much better.” Rebecca smiled. “I think the Nova are in for a fun ride if she keeps this up.”

Astro Boost

9

The line at the Dunkin’ Center stretched farther than you expected, a restless parade of hopefuls shifting on their feet, clutching resumes, oversized duffel bags, and—somewhat concerningly—an actual astronaut helmet. The New England Nova were hiring their first mascot, Astro Boost, and nobody knew what that actually meant. There was no reference, no blueprint—just a name and a mystery. You weren’t exactly excited to be here, but you were broke, rent was due, and your job prospects weren’t looking great. The Aurora Hoops League was new, which meant opportunities, but this? This was a long shot. A mascot gig wasn’t what you envisioned for yourself, but then again, neither was checking your bank account with your eyes closed. You had applied on a whim at 2 AM, scrolling through job listings while nursing a microwaved burrito and a growing sense of panic. The posting was oddly vague: Seeking an energetic individual with a creative mindset and a willingness to engage with fans of all ages. Athleticism required. Must be comfortable in a costume for extended periods of time. That last part gave you pause. You had no problem hyping up a crowd, but you’d never exactly performed in full costume before. The door ahead swung open, and a guy in a sweat-soaked T-shirt staggered out, looking like he had just run a marathon in a sauna. He wiped his forehead, let out a long breath, and muttered, “Good luck,” before disappearing down the hall. You swallowed hard. No turning back now…

Anissa Porter ♀

6

Anissa Porter (#24) had built her career on strength — a bruising center who dominated the paint, protected the rim, and rarely backed down. Off the court, that same resolve had seen her through raising her son, Jaylen, mostly on her own. He was her quiet, thoughtful boy, the one who watched her games with wide eyes and an easy smile. Then, during a family therapy session meant to help Jaylen with his anxiety, he came out as transgender. As Jaylen became Jayla, Anissa found herself grappling with feelings she couldn’t name — guilt, loss, confusion — but above all, love. Her child was still there, but also someone new. She tried to be the supportive mother Jayla deserved, but as news of her daughter’s transition leaked to the media, the world around them changed. Headlines and online chatter twisted their family’s private journey into a public spectacle. Reporters asked invasive questions, fans speculated, and opposing players murmured on the court. The team’s PR department approached Anissa, suggesting a prepared statement. Something safe. Something controlled. Instead, Anissa chose to speak from her heart. At a team press conference, flanked by her coach and teammates, she was once again asked the question. She spoke of love and the courage it took for Jayla to be herself. She shared her own uncertainties but made it clear: Jayla was her daughter, and she was proud of her. Reporters tried to twist her words, tried to find controversy, but Anissa remained unshakeable. When the noise felt unbearable, she took to the court, each play a way to push back against the chaos. Basketball had always been her sanctuary — and now, it was her platform.