#44 From Refugee Camp to the WNBL, With Nya Lok

Nya Lok was born in an Ethiopian refugee camp after her South Sudanese parents fled civil war. She arrived in Australia at age five, speaking no English, with nothing but her family and a quiet, unshakeable belief that she could figure it out.She went on to captain the first South Sudan women's basketball team in international competition, earn a spot with the Southside Fliers after training on with no contract, and sign with the Perth Lynx. Along the way she picked up three degrees, a role as multicultural officer at Basketball Victoria, and a mindset that most athletes spend careers trying to build.This is not a pity story. Nya is clear about that. It is a story about what you build when nothing is handed to you.In this episode, we cover:Growing up between two cultures and why identity is Nya's greatest strengthWhat it actually felt like to walk into the WNBL with no contract and no guaranteesWhy surrendering the outcome was the thing that finally got her on the floorThe role of therapy and sports psychology in shifting from perfectionism to performanceCaptaining the first South Sudan women's basketball team and the ripple effect on girls back homeHow one coffee meeting led to her role driving diversity and inclusion at Basketball VictoriaWhat Nya would tell her 16-year-old self about control, courage and letting goFollow NyaInstagram: @nyaduothlokVisit the Toorak Hotel - Toorak Hotel is your go-to local for a proper pub feed, cold drinks, and a great atmosphere in the heart of Toorak.Support the showABOUT THE HOSTKylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.Connect with Kylie:Instagram: @kylie__lynchLinkedIn: Kylie LynchWebsite: www.4tg.com.auEmail: [email protected] THE 4TG COMMUNITY4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.Instagram: @4tg_podcastTikTok: ...