MANILA, Philippines – At the cusp of making it to the WNBA, Chanelle Molina is banking on the support of the Filipino community.
A full-blooded Pinay born in Hilo, Hawaii, Molina recently signed a training camp contract with WNBA team Indiana Fever and stands to make history as the first of her heritage to make it to the top flight of women's basketball.
The Washington State University product, who recently celebrated her birthday earlier this week, spoke to the WNBA about playing for the Fever and what it could mean for Filipina ballers around the world.
"I feel like I'm probably already an inspiration to the Filipinos out there, not just female athletes but Filipinos all over... I'll be representing the Filipino community by making it to the WNBA," said Molina in an interview published on the Fever's website.
"Knowing that I have the Filipino community's support is very motivating and I am going to do whatever I can to make that happen," she continued.
Currently in Sweden with professional team Norrkoping Dolphins, Molina is averaging 18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Though excited about her opportunity at the WNBA, Molina is currently focused on finishing what she started overseas.
"The WNBA is obviously like the ultimate goal for me, it’s always been the dream and for me to have this opportunity gets me one step closer from achieving that dream," said Molina.
"I still have work to do here overseas. I'm excited for training camp but I'm also just really looking forward to finishing and winning this league [in Sweden]," she concluded.