Two individuals holding a basketball together on an outdoor court with a chain-link fence in the background.

Hoopin’ with HAYA

A community we build together

An inclusive basketball community for women and queer folx, including non-binary, trans, and genderqueer individuals.

HAYA! Hoop As You Are is a hub for everyone who loves basketball, whether you’re rekindling your childhood joy or actively playing the game today.

We are committed to building a safe and inclusive community through fitness and meaningful connections. At HAYA, we center these community values:

  • Inclusivity & Belonging

  • Whole Health

  • Fun & Supportive Environment

On the court, we get to show up as our fullest, truest selves. We have fun, share laughs, and nurture the joy our younger and current selves deserve.

Ways to play

  • In Spring 2025, HAYA and Montgomery County Recreation launched the inaugural basketball league for women and LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are non-binary, trans, and genderqueer. Registration for the Spring 2026 league registration is now closed but you can still register to be a sub player or to take an open spot if someone drops!

  • HAYA organizes pick-up runs within Montgomery County Public Schools.

  • HAYA hosts occasional social events (e.g., Mystics game outings, WNBA and college basketball watch parties, happy hours, and more).

  • HAYA continues to expand its offerings. Follow us on our Instagram to be the first to know about what we’re up to.

Meet the Co-Founders

  • A woman with long black braids, wearing a black T-shirt, pink shorts, black Nike socks, and pink sneakers, holding a dark purple ball and smiling, against a light purple background with the name 'HAYA' written in dark purple letters.

    Amani Echols (she/her)

    CO-FOUNDER

  • A woman in athletic clothing holding a purple ball, smiling, with the word 'HAYA' in large purple letters on a purple background.

    Mary Figueroa (she/her)

    CO-FOUNDER

  • Amani grew up in a suburb outside of Detroit. In childhood, basketball was more than a sport—it was her community. She played basketball starting in elementary school through high school, making it her main sport. 

    Amani went on to study public health at the University of Michigan. She now works in maternal and reproductive health policy. The thoughtfulness Amani brings to her professional work parallels the drive and intention she dedicates to HAYA. Outside of work, she’s probably cooking/baking, running, watching a psychological thriller, and spending quality time with family and friends. Amani thrives off of new experiences and creating new memories, which is what she hopes to do with HAYA.

    Fun fact: She has ridden in a hot air balloon.

  • Mary grew up in Los Angeles, where pick-up games and a strong local community shaped her love for streetball. She went on to study at UC Berkeley and now works in health care management, where she focuses on increasing access to healthcare and business operations. Mary brings that same energy to HAYA, building spaces where women and non-binary folks can show up fully, both on and off the court. She’s into meditating, drinking strong coffee, and, most recently, figuring out her golf swing.

    Fun fact: She was born in Japan

Our Story

Mary and Amani’s love story is rooted in their shared passion for basketball and each other. Amani grew up playing AAU basketball in Michigan, while Mary developed her game playing K-12 and streetball in Los Angeles, CA. Years later, they rekindled playing basketball during the pandemic, bonding over shooting hoops and playing one-on-one. Their shared love for the game brought them closer.

After moving to the DMV in Spring 2021, they joined local pick-up games at community centers, forming new friendships and finding immense joy in the game. Together, they’ve grown as teammates in life and on the court.

We founded HAYA to expand the basketball community we’ve embraced and create more opportunities for women and the LGBTQIA+ community to play basketball both recreationally and competitively.

Silhouette of a person playing basketball holding a ball, with the text 'HAYA' above and 'ESTD 25' on their shirt, set against a purple circular background.
Group of women basketball players standing and kneeling in a gymnasium, some holding basketballs, smiling for the camera.
Group of basketball players and coaches posing in a gymnasium, some making peace signs and smiles, wearing purple and white uniforms, with referees on the right side.
Group of people sitting on bleachers, two people in the back holding up signs, one with rainbow-colored letters that says 'GO GAYS!' and another with purple background and black text supporting WNBA. Others look on with neutral or amused expressions.
Group of seven women in purple basketball jerseys posing together in a gymnasium, with two women holding basketballs.
Two women lying on a basketball court, smiling, with basketballs near them.
Group of twelve women standing in a gymnasium with basketball hoop, wearing athletic clothing and sneakers.
A group of seven individuals in athletic uniforms with 'HAYA' and a logo, smiling and posing together in a gym or school hallway, one holding a small dog.
Basketball team talking during a timeout on the sideline of a gymnasium, with other players practicing in the background.
Two women sitting on a basketball court with a basketball between them, smiling at the camera, outside on a partly cloudy day.