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Basketball, Becky Hammon first female coach in the NBA

A broken barrier, a historical turning point, a new beginning. Becky Hammon became the first woman to coach an NBA team, i San antonio spurs in the match against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Becky has been on the club’s coaching staff for seven years now, and she never thought it would be her turn. It went like this: coach Gregg Popovich was expelled for protests and before leaving the field he turned to Becky. “Now you take care of it,” he told her. A full-blown investiture, a leap forward for the entire female movement that works in the NBA with roles, unfortunately, as supporting actors.

The match ended with the San Antonio Spurs defeated, but Becky can say she has won a battle that is not hers alone.

She won, merit won, the idea that a woman can play exactly the same role as a man, in social life and in sport, won. “I didn’t even have time to notice what was happening – said the coach – I just thought about doing my job well. »« Becky has earned everything – Popovich explained at the end of the match – With her work, her seriousness and her competence. Sure, she’s a woman, but it should be irrelevant. ‘

But it isn’t. And America has noticed. And in a few hours Becky Hammon has become a role model and a source of inspiration for many women in sport who are taking a long run to get where they dream. Becky received statements of esteem from all over the world of sport. Among the first, LeBron James: «Becky Hammon is committed. And every time you commit, you are rewarded with an opportunity. He wanted to show his worth, his talent and his love for the game ».

Sweet words too from Kamala Harris, next Vice President of the United States of America. In her tweet she congratulated Becky: “You’re the first, but I know for sure you won’t be the last.” There are currently nine female coaches on the NBA staff.

Rebecca Linn “Becky” Hammon, 43, originally from Dakota, is a former player, with fifteen years as a professional in the WNBA behind her, and is also known in Italy, where played in Rovereto for one season (2001-2002). The great Gregg Popovich in 2014 wanted her in his coaching staff as an assistant coach. Hammon had already replaced Popovich on other occasions, but never in a match of the official season. The big moment came the other night. A historic moment for her and for all women who play sports.

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