Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Ekworomadu.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started playing basketball in Irving at ten years old against boys. It became a passion of mine so much that I had dreamed about playing in the WNBA. However, being a daughter of Nigerian parents they were not too keen on me being a girl playing sports and encouraged me to only focus on my academics. My passion and drive continued and I was noticed by colleges to continue playing at the collegiate level. I played at Texas State University and during my senior year got recruited to play on the National Nigerian basketball team. I left school for a month to play and came back just in time for my senior season to begin. That experience was the reason why I excelled my senior season averaging near 20 points a game and setting several records at Texas State. I became the 3rd best 3 point shooter in the nation and caught the eye of a WNBA head coach Dan Hughes (San Antonio Silverstars). My dream had come true in 2008. It was short-lived as I got cut a month into being in the league however my passion still remained for the game.
In 2013, the Harlem Globetrotters called me to come to Houston and tryout and then I became the 12th Female in Globetrotter history. This opportunity was amazing as I traveled the world entertaining fans. I also was able to hone my motivational speaking talent during this time frame in which I was able to speak to over 50,000 kids all over the world. I was on tv shows such as The Jimmy Fallon show, The Queen Latifah show, The Rachael Ray show, Nickelodeon’s Mutt and Stuff, Disney XD Canada and so many more. The moral of my story is that I want people to dream it, believe it and pursue it. Adversity will always come and I could’ve quit and given up when I got cut but I believed in my talent and God used me in other ways unimaginable. Now I am able to motivate people through my story and coach/mentor the youth! I own a training company called 3D Training DFW and I am excited for what else is in store. My dream would be to expand my platform through speaking, training and entertainment to give people hope in their own individual dreams.
Has it been a smooth road?
My story is definitely about adversity. Being born of Nigerian parents, there wasn’t much support growing up to pursue professional sports. When I was in high school, I wasn’t ranked in the state nor was I being recruited heavily by major Division 1 schools. When I went to the WNBA, I was cut. The moral of the story is to Keep going! I was still very successful with basketball to the point where I made it a career playing for the National Nigerian team, overseas in Poland and Italy and becoming the 12th Female Harlem Globetrotter in history.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Right now, I train athletes in the fundamental skills of basketball with my company 3D Training DFW. I train athletes of all ages starting from five years old all the way to WNBA/NBA caliber. I also do motivational speaking for leadership conferences and schools. I am passionate about sharing my story with the world! What sets me apart from others is that I did not have an orthodox storyline but it was because of my experiences and difficulties and even my background I was able to build character, be humble and still impact and inspire.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
The most important advice I could give is to embrace adversity. We get upset when things don’t go our way at that exact moment but that is all a part of your journey. What’s meant for you will be for you and nothing and no one can stop that.
Pricing:
- Group basketball training -$25; private basketball training – $75/hr
- Email for speaking fee
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jmoneytalks.com
- Phone: 2149298541
- Email: bookjoycetospeak@gmail.com
- Instagram: @missjoyce22
- Facebook: Joyce Ekworomadu
- Twitter: @missjoyce22
- Other: LinkedIn: Joyce Ekworomadu
Image Credit:
@krishphotos
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