By Kiko Martinez
Chicago Extra
Latina players on the Illinois Heart, a semi-pro basketball team in the newly formed Bikini Basketball Association, want fans to know the inaugural season, which begins June 22, might feature sexy athletes wearing less clothing than players on your average basketball organization. Lacking a standard uniform, however, doesn’t mean there is a lack in basketball skill. These ladies are ready to hit the court hard.
There are four Latinas on the Illinois Heart roster: Joanna Ortiz, Jenny Rivas, Florencia Segovia and Ana Sierra. Despite what some people might think the league is all about, the women say competition is still the most important element of the BBA.
“Basketball is the key thing we’re here for,” said 5’3” Dominican guard Sierra, who is originally from New York but now lives in Chicago. “We have the same passion and love for the game as the WNBA. We just don’t wear the same kind of uniforms.”
While the word “bikini” is in the league’s name, Ortiz, a 5’3” guard and Chicago native, said the team’s uniforms are better described as a spandex shorts/sports bra combination. Still, she anticipates some people are going to initially come just for the view.
“I was iffy at first about joining because of the uniforms, but it’s really not about that,” said Ortiz, who graduated from Marshall High School and is of Puerto Rican descent. You’re always going to have those people who are only interested in seeing half-naked women running around.”
For others like Rivas, also a 5’3” guard and native Chicagoan, the revealing uniform didn’t faze her one bit…
Finish reading Latinas ready to show attractiveness, competitiveness in new basketball league
