Just under two years ago, the Island Hoops basketball society tipped off its inaugural drop-in night. Now, with an expanding community, Island Hoops is expanding its impact.

Currently, they offer two different options for play: a three-on-three league on Sunday nights at the Pacific Institute for Sport Education (PISE) in Saanich, and Tuesday evenings at Esquimalt's Naden Athletic Centre. 

In addition to these two programs, the league will offer a Wednesday drop-in at Royal Oak Middle School from April to June, and a Thursday night drop-in from July to August at PISE. 

Founded by Lauren Krakau and a group of passionate basketball enthusiasts, Island Hoops is a non-profit society dedicated to creating and amplifying opportunities for women and genderqueer people to connect through the sport of basketball.

Beyond the game itself, the league prioritizes physical, mental, and emotional well-being, offering a welcoming space for players of all abilities and backgrounds.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e more than just a league,B次元官网网址� said Lauren Krakau, director, president, and co-founder of Island Hoops. B次元官网网址淲hen we started, it was a small group of players looking for a year-round basketball opportunity. What began with just eight people quickly grew to 25, and thatB次元官网网址檚 when we realized we needed to organize and expand.B次元官网网址�

The league took an exciting step in January, acquiring the WomenB次元官网网址檚 Basketball League, which originally served as the host for the three-on-three league. 

"A focal point of our purchase of the league was to increase gender inclusion to include non-binary and transgender people of all genders," said Krakau. "That's why we didn't put the word women in our society. Although we are a women-majority league, we wanted the league name to be as inclusive as possible." 

The league offers more than just competitive play. Island Hoops encourages mentorship, with experienced players helping newcomers develop their skills. Workshops within the drop-in program focus on teaching basketball fundamentals and fostering a sense of lateral support among participants.

Island Hoops also offers a unique referee clinic, led by international FIBA licensee Brooke Briscoe, one of only 15 in Canada.

The clinic gives participants the chance to learn how to referee, offering a way for those with injuries or who can no longer play to stay involved in the sport.

Looking ahead, Island Hoops hopes to host outdoor hoops night at Crystal Pool this summer, which they want to become a permanent fixture in the community.

"Our top priority is building community," Krakau said. "ItB次元官网网址檚 about creating a space where players can grow, support each other, and enjoy the game together."

For more information on the league, or how to support, visit https://leagues.teamlinkt.com/ihbs.