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Filipina artist Jill Arteche, together with Nike and Girls Got Game, prepared a parting gift for Sabrina Ionescu.

In the last leg of a jam-packed trip to Manila, WNBA champ Sabrina Ionescu paid a visit to the Sacred Heart Academy of Santa Maria, Bulacan. The visit featured activities led by nonprofit Girls Got Game and the unveiling of two courts designed by Filipina artist Jill Arteche.

Courts of the Now and the Future

Jill Arteche is a Manila-based illustrator and visual artist most known for her whimsical artwork that celebrate the liveliness and color of Filipino culture. This was put on full (court) display with her collaboration with Nike and Girls Got Game. For this project, she designed two basketball courts inspired by the visiting superstar, Sabrina Ionescu.

“The outdoor court is heavily inspired by Sabrina’s resilience and dedication for her game, which has allowed her to break barriers, which is the title of the court,” said Arteche.

“It’s an invitation for young female athletes to take part in the game and be confident in stepping onto the court, taking their first step, just because they simply can,” she continued.

“It’s a invitation to break their own barriers, to defy the stereotypes that confine them.”

Arteche said the entire process took 2 months, from conceptualizing the design to painting the court. She described the experience as “surreal,” working with Ionescu’s team and getting the WNBA star’s input on the court design.

“It’s just such a big project,” said Arteche. “It’s really beyond my dreams.”

The outdoor court is named “Break the Barrier,” while the indoor court is referred to as “Realizing Their Dreams.”

“The indoor court represents the future. It’s inspired by Sabrina’s achievements, and we wanted to show young female athletes the potential that they have and the possibilities that they can craft and gain for themselves.”

Girls Got Game

After shooting the inaugural baskets on the new courts, Ionescu conducted a clinic for the female youth students of Girls Got Game (GGG). This local nonprofit runs community programs in partnership with Nike like “Her Hoops” and events like “Her Weekend” for female hoopers across Manila. 

During Ionescu’s clinic, she taught basketball fundamentals and ran shooting drills to boost the students’ confidence. The young hoopers also prepared and presented heart-felt letters and messages for the Olympic champion.

“It’s so fulfilling for the kids, the core team, and the coaches,” said coach Ally Dy, Sports Director for Girls Got Game.” This camp is so special to us, with the opening of the new courts and experiencing Sabrina shooting [hoops] and teaching the kids, it’s really fulfilling for us.”

Follow Jill Arteche on Instagram @jillarteche.

Follow Girls Got Game on Instagram @girlsgotgameph.