“As sisters, we fight, like any sisters do, but I think it feels good to play with my younger sister. I can tell we’re improving on the court together, and it shows since we both made the All-Star list and get to travel.”
“I like to joke. I don’t care what age you are, I still want to make you laugh. At home, at school, on the court, I just like to see people happy. When I started coming to Shooting Touch, (the coaches) were very energetic. They thanked me and gave me shoes on the first day because of my happiness in practice.”
“Her sparkling white Adidas tennis shoes shined among the clouds of dust kicking up around the sideline. Her workout outfit was planned in advance — plush navy sweatpants with a matching dotted polo. A leopard-print headband stretched across her forehead under a recently fixed combover.”
“The first time I realized I had talent, it’s because people from Shooting Touch told me I know the game of basketball. For that reason, I’m always on the court. I started coming to play when I was 11. Before, I only used to take care of cows and goats. I still do. I remember the first time I got involved.”
“If Shooting Touch wasn’t around, my life would be a mess. It’s not possible for my family to pay for my schooling. If I can’t go to school, I come to the court so I can learn something from around the world.”
Kantarama Ernestine is 53 years old and a member of the Shooting Touch Women's Basketball Program in Nyamirama, Rwanda. A few years back, Kantarama lost a 13 year old daughter to malaria.“
Niyokizere Cecile is 14 years old and lives in Rwinkwavu, Rwanda with her two parents and three brothers.
She is in school at the primary four level and her favorite subject is English. When she is not in school she enjoys being with her friends and playing outside. Her dream is to coach basketball to kids.
“I feel great, I like when people follow me. I want to be a leader in life. Even in class, if the students are talking while the teacher is talking, I let them know so they quiet down.”
“I love the coaches and my teammates, and I especially like playing with my brother. There is a lot on my mind every day, but when I get to the court, I get to focus on playing the game I love with my best friends. It's a beautiful thing we have here.”
"My husband, he wanted to have more kids but I started taking birth control after I learned about it at the court. So he left me and our four kids to find a new wife to have children with. When he first left, there were times I couldn't find work and I would spend the whole day sleeping, but now I can go to the court.”