4TG

#44 From Refugee Camp to the WNBL, With Nya Lok

• Kylie Lynch

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0:00 | 52:48

Nya Lok was born in an Ethiopian refugee camp after her South Sudanese parents fled civil war. She arrived in Australia at age five, speaking no English, with nothing but her family and a quiet, unshakeable belief that she could figure it out.

She went on to captain the first South Sudan women's basketball team in international competition, earn a spot with the Southside Fliers after training on with no contract, and sign with the Perth Lynx. Along the way she picked up three degrees, a role as multicultural officer at Basketball Victoria, and a mindset that most athletes spend careers trying to build.

This is not a pity story. Nya is clear about that. It is a story about what you build when nothing is handed to you.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Growing up between two cultures and why identity is Nya's greatest strength
  • What it actually felt like to walk into the WNBL with no contract and no guarantees
  • Why surrendering the outcome was the thing that finally got her on the floor
  • The role of therapy and sports psychology in shifting from perfectionism to performance
  • Captaining the first South Sudan women's basketball team and the ripple effect on girls back home
  • How one coffee meeting led to her role driving diversity and inclusion at Basketball Victoria
  • What Nya would tell her 16-year-old self about control, courage and letting go

Follow Nya

Instagram: @nyaduothlok

Visit the Toorak Hotel - Toorak Hotel is your go-to local for a proper pub feed, cold drinks, and a great atmosphere in the heart of Toorak.

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ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

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