5 LGBTQ women’s basketball stars power Team USA to another World Cup gold medal
Five queer stars were at the forefront of the Americans' win in the FIBA World Cup over France. Breanna Stewart was the tournament MVP.
Mark
The American women took home World Cup basketball gold for a fifth consecutive time this weekend after defeating France 97-79 in the gold medal game. Five LGBTQ women were on this national team this time around, and they were at the front of the charge to glory.
The out stars on the team included Paige Bueckers, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young. Stewart was the MVP of the World Cup and she’s no stranger to being named the best player on a basketball court. She scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the victory over France. She is one of the only people to win the World Cup four times, alongside another out star, the legendary Sue Bird.
Copper and Gray had 15 and 12 points, respectively. Young had 18 and Bueckers was held scoreless, although the Wings superstar only played three minutes.
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There were two LGBTQ players on the French team, Gabby Williams and Marine Johannes, and they deserve kudos as well. Williams was the second-highest scorer on the French team in the final game with 20 points.
Seeing so many LGBTQ women dominate sports on the world stage should never be taken for granted. These ladies live openly, inspiring others around the world to be themselves and strive to be the best versions of humanity both on and off the court.
Now that the World Cup is over, the WNBA will resume after the two-week hiatus. Stewart has the New York Liberty in sixth place right now in the standings. The top eight teams make the postseason regardless of conference.
Bueckers and the Dallas Wings are hanging onto the final playoff spot in the league. The playoffs will start on Sept. 27, as there are only a few games left for most teams after the World Cup break, one that was very fulfilling for Team USA and Team LGBTQ.
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