Basketball has always been more than a game to me—it’s been a part of who I am. Growing up in Philadelphia, I spent countless hours on the court, playing the game I loved. As a high school athlete and still a high school student today, I shared the dream of so many others: to see myself in action, captured in the moments that defined us as players. But the reality for me and my teammates was often disappointing. Hiring a professional photographer to document our games was something we couldn’t afford. Many of us came from families working hard just to get by, and paying for professional pictures wasn’t an option.

I remember the feeling of watching other teams post their professional shots on social media or sharing them with recruiters, knowing we didn’t have the same chance. It wasn’t just about having cool pictures to share. These photos could have been tools to showcase our talent, open doors for scholarships, or even just preserve memories of some of the most significant times in our lives. We didn’t just miss out on photos—we missed out on opportunities.

My life took an unexpected turn when I was sidelined from playing due to heart issues. It was devastating to step away from a sport that meant everything to me, but I wasn’t ready to let go of basketball altogether. I found a new way to stay connected to the game: photography. Armed with my camera, I started capturing the passion, energy, and resilience of athletes across the city—many of whom were in the same position I once was.

Now, I take sports photos for free, ensuring no young athlete misses out on having their story told. As a high school student, I balance classes, homework, and my photography passion by traveling around Philadelphia to document games, practices, and candid moments. This project is about more than just pictures. It’s about giving back, about creating equity where there wasn’t any before.