Calling all Queens

I need your help!

This one is a call to action. So if you’ve read this far, consider yourself enlisted.

I went to the basketball on Monday night and while I was there, checked something on the Tokomanawa Queens Facebook page. That’s when I noticed something off.

People have been leaving negative reviews about the teams performance leading to a 1 star rating.

There were 5 reviews left on the page, all with varying levels of inflammatory language about the teams performance. Leading to Facebook assigning the Tokomanawa Queens a 1 star review.

I’m not having that.

It’s been shown, time and time again, that social media is not a great place for women, particularly women with profile. So unsurprisingly, this happens on sports and athletes accounts and things can get pretty toxic.

Being frustrated with performances is normal. I was gutted we waited to so late to rally on Monday letting the game get away from us. But despite this, I had a great time.

Why?

I was sat in the stand next to a bank of young girls who were LOVING IT. They were all wearing their team tshirts. They were cheering their team on. They were engaging with all the crowd activation, one of them took part in a shooting competition while another won a dance battle. They were excited to stick around after the game to get the players to sign their posters. They were having fun.

And every game I’ve attended this season, has been the same. The Tokomanawa Queens performances may at times be a little frustrating on the court but the home game vibes are immaculate. King Kapisi is so good at getting everyone revved up. The Hoop Hype Squad dance up a storm and our mascot, the drag queen Queen T, will share her boa with the young ones making them feel and look fabulous! I am yet to leave a game empty handed, whether that be a t-shirt, poster or lollies. I am yet to score the best freebie, the basketballs they give out to a few lucky members of the crowd but I have two more home games to achieve this!

So stuff these commenters on the page that are missing the point entirely. You have to start somewhere if you want to get anywhere.

Anyway, if you’ve read this far, I know you have enough time to jump on their page and leave a review. Facebook requires you to write 25 characters in order for it to be valid. We already have our rallying call from home games that will tick the box so jump on their page and enter:

Tokomanawa Queens! THAT'S MY TEAM!

With you,

Alice