By Amanda Moses
Plumes of confetti and shredded paper billowed in the wind as floats carry members of the New York Liberty team waved to their adoring fans in celebration of their historic WNBA championship win on October 24th.
They call the parade route in Lower Manhattan—from Battery Park to City Hall—the Canyon of Heroes where New York City’s all-star champions are celebrated. History was made this month when New York Liberty won the title from the Minnesota Lync, making it the first time the team had ever earned such an accolade. The epic win is also the first time in 51 years that New York has won a basketball championship title.
Two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart looked out into the crowd of spectators during the City Hall celebratory ceremony with pride since she brought the championship to her hometown of New York.
“It means a lot to be able to bring the first championship here. My first WNBA game was a Liberty game, when we played at MSG, so to be able for a full-circle moment to come here, come back, bring the championship here. [Well] we’re not done yet,” Stewart said.
For Spring Creek Towers’ local Jai Moore, seeing the WNBA earn the title was inspiring especially for someone who felt basketball was more than just a past time: it was a lifestyle.
“I grew up playing with the boys because there weren’t girls out here that really were interested in basketball. I grew up in Teen Center,” Moore shared.
Learning every aspect of basketball and honing her skill, Moore played Division 1 basketball and then professionally overseas in Portugal. Seeing women in her hometown garner success in the very career that was her life, brought a sense of pride to Moore.
“I played against a few girls in the WNBA championships in college. It was nice to see it all come together for NY,” Moore said.
Photos by Amanda Moses
