Jaycelyn Valencia didn’t grow up chasing a basketball dream. At first, she was just a little sister tagging along — watching her brother play in Mississauga’s Filipino leagues while her dad coached from the sidelines. But something shifted. The more time she spent at those games, the more she felt pulled toward the court.
It started with curiosity, then a nudge from her dad to join in — even if it meant being one of the only girls in a co-ed league. Jaycelyn took the challenge. What followed was a love story between a young woman and the game that gave her confidence, community, and a platform.
But being a woman in a male-dominated sport wasn’t easy. From being underestimated for her height to hearing backhanded compliments about being “good for a girl,” Jaycelyn kept showing up — proving that heart and hustle are louder than stereotypes.
Today, she plays college ball while pursuing a career in early childhood education. And when she hangs up her jersey one day, she plans to come back — not as a player, but as a coach. She dreams of leading at the high school or college level, mentoring young athletes just like her.
“I think women’s basketball is more than just competition,” she says. “It’s teamwork. It’s structure. It’s leadership. And it’s powerful.”
Jaycelyn plays for herself — and for every girl who’s ever been told she didn’t belong on the court.
