To say that WABA top player Lexi Barros loves basketball would still be an understatement. Barros will stop at nothing to fulfill her dream of playing in the WNBA. It’s been her dream since she was a young girl playing with her twin brother. Barros not only plays the game, but also teaches it to young girls while inspiring them to follow their dreams with her athletic wear line, Lexicon. It’s this tenacious mentality that she tries to instill in her AAU players. Something that she wishes she had when she was younger. Now with her own brand, The Underdogs, she’s building an empire that she hopes will empower the next generation of female athletes.
Sports As Told By A Girl spoke with Lexi about her love of basketball, how she stays motivated, and where she sees herself in five years.
How did your love for basketball develop?
I developed a love for the game of basketball at such a young age. I’ve been playing since I could pick up a ball. Mainly with the boys so once I started playing with all girls that’s when it changed, basketball became my life.
You are now with the LA Maples playing point guard, in a more of a facilitator role. How has it been not having to be the primary scorer?
Being on this new team is giving me an opportunity for me to learn and grow my game; becoming the point guard I’m destined to be. We have a lot of weapons on the team and I love getting my assists up. Dishing out dimes left and right!
There have been a lot of efforts to continue growing the women’s game. What are your thoughts on those efforts and what in your opinion still needs to be done?
I agree there have been a lot of efforts to build women’s basketball but it’s still not enough in my opinion WE NEED MORE. I believe everything still needs to be done. The first part is respect. We deserve to get treated better. On and off the court! Women are the most hard working people in everything that we do. For this to change we need to be treated equally
Your brand, The Underdogs, aims to empower young girls through basketball? What has basketball taught you?
Yes, my brand is to empower women, young female athletes. Giving back to my community is the best feeling in the world. Basketball has taught me that nothing in life is easy but if you want it you’ll go and get it. It will take you places you could never imagine. This is not just a game to me anymore, it’s my life
As part of The Underdogs, you just launched Lexicon, an athletic wear line. What made you want to create a clothing line?
Yes I coach AAU basketball , I coach two teams 4th and 7th grade girls. I just love helping people and being able to teach the game that I love!
You also coach the Bay State Elite’s AAU girls’ fourth grade team. You embrace leadertship roles. How do you stay motivated to lead other people?
Every day I go into work thinking that I want to be the person I needed when I was younger. That’s what motivates me
What is your best advice to young girls who want to play professional sports?
My advice to young girls who want to play professional sports , is to never give up.The journey to get there is not easy. You will hear a lot of NOs and get disappointed but it’s all about the process. Stay true to yourself and always believe.
Where do you see yourself in five years in terms of basketball?
In 5 years I see myself playing in the WNBA. It’s been a dream and a goal of mine to make it there and I will not stop until I do. I’d also like to have my own gym.
