Fatoumata Jallow

“Basketball has taught me so much about life -- how to be disciplined, how to work hard, how to be a team player, and most important, how to never give up, no matter how impossible the situation may seem.”

Born and raised in Gambia, Fatoumata never imagined she would find herself in Helsinki, let alone playing basketball for a local team. Her passion for the sport started when she was just a child and would play with her siblings using a ball made out of old plastic bags. When she moved to Finland to pursue her studies, she was delighted to find that basketball was just as popular there. She joined a local team and quickly became one of their star players, bringing her fierce competitive spirit and love for the game to every game.

What's been your biggest challenge as a basketball player?

Definitely learning how to manage my time! I have to balance my studies, my job, and my training, which can be really tough. But I've learned that with discipline and dedication, anything is possible.

What's your goal in basketball?

I want to keep improving my skills, and maybe someday play at a professional level. But more than anything, I want to inspire other girls and women to pursue their passions, no matter how challenging it may seem.