About the Founder

 👋 Hi, I’m Latoya.

Growing up I was lucky - I had a place to play.
Basketball changed my life. It gave me confidence, discipline, and a relentless drive that carried me through college and into a career with the Knicks, Clippers, and Nike.

But what if I hadn’t had that opportunity?

The Moment That Changed Everything

When I traveled to Ghana’s Volta region, I saw something I’ll never forget.

Girls weren’t even allowed to watch sports, let alone play.
No courts. No safe spaces. No opportunities.

I couldn’t accept that.

So, I built a basketball court.

Not with fancy equipment, just cement, a tree trunk, and wood.
At first, the village resisted. Fathers said, “Girls don’t belong on the court.”

But I kept pushing.
Day after day. Conversation after conversation.

And then, something incredible happened.

The girls stepped onto the court.
They stood taller.
They became leaders in school.
They found their voices.

That moment changed me forever.
I realized my true calling wasn’t in boardrooms...
It was in building play equity worldwide.

Why I Started Village Athlete

Because every child deserves a place to play.
Because play isn’t a luxury, it’s a right.
Because when a child steps onto a court, they step into their future.

Play creates confidence.
Play creates leaders.
Play creates change.

That’s why I built Village Athlete.
And I won’t stop until every child has a place to play.

(first court in Ghana's Volta Region)