Hearts Beyond the Hardwood: USC Women’s Basketball and the Power of Connection
In a world that feels louder and faster than ever, connection matters more than we think. This is my reflection—and why the women of Troy are showing us what true service looks like.
My Thoughts on Connection
We are living in a crazy world right now. People are entitled to their own beliefs and their own understanding of life—and they should be—but through it all, there’s one thing that will always matter: connection. Loving thy neighbor. Loving the person next to you. Loving your brother, your sister, your friends. That connection—that shared humanity—is what binds us together and gets us through the noise.
For me, if I’m being honest and transparent, some of that came from my family, but a lot of it came from somewhere unexpected: the military. My military brothers and sisters taught me what it means to serve, to leave no one behind, to care no matter what. They taught me integrity, respect, and how to look at life not through a shattered glass but with clear eyes—accepting things for what they are and choosing to serve anyway.
That’s what God wants of us, and it’s what the military reinforced in me: to live with sincerity, to love without judgment, and to always, always be of service.
Why I’m Writing This
When I think about connection—when I think about what really matters—I can’t help but look at the people and programs around me that reflect those same values. And lately, I’ve been thinking about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: what USC Athletics, especially the women of Troy, do when the cameras are off.
There’s so much that happens off the court, off the field—things we don’t always see. Coaches giving their time to causes that matter to them. Players showing up for kids and families, giving their hearts, not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do.
Service, Quiet but Powerful
Through Trojan Outreach, USC’s student-athlete volunteer program, these women step out of their uniforms and into their community:
Painting self-portraits with young girls to teach self-esteem.
Hosting children battling illness for unforgettable courtside experiences.
Giving out holiday gift bags to hundreds of kids.
Partnering with organizations like Union Rescue Mission, Goodwill SoCal, and the Jenesse Center—proving that service can mean serving meals, collecting clothes, or even helping a family find stability.
Players Making a Difference
And individually, the 2025–26 Trojans are leading by example:
JuJu Watkins carries on her family’s legacy in Watts, supporting the Finish First Academy through her nonprofit Good JuJu and NIL partnerships.
Rian Forestier founded 4WARD, a nonprofit giving middle-school girls the shoes—and confidence—they need to keep playing.
Malia Samuels is running a free basketball camp, opening doors for kids to learn, grow, and believe in themselves.
Jazzy Davidson, though a freshman, already shows the quiet leadership and humility that builds trust and inspires others.
These things don’t show up in box scores, but they matter.
Your Perspective, Your Turn
When I see this team, I see more than athletes. I see a reflection of the values I learned through family and through service—integrity, compassion, responsibility for each other. And it makes me ask myself: Am I doing enough? Am I serving? Am I connecting?
So, I want to leave you with this thought: What are you doing today to create connection in your world? Maybe it’s as small as checking on a neighbor. Maybe it’s as big as starting something that changes lives. We don’t all wear a jersey, but we all have a role to play.
Because at the end of the day, whether it’s a basketball court, a military base, a school, or a living room, the truth is the same: we need each other.
And life can be fulfilling, right? If we come from a place of service—where we understand that we are here to serve others and not self-service—you may find that life can be gratifying and deeply fulfilling.
