By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
At Rainier Beach High School, the girls’ basketball program has lived in the shadow of the boys’ team for quite some time. Despite the success of both teams, M’Bouilee Sidibe (MB), a 5’9″ guard for the Rainier Beach Lady Vikings, believes that the female athletes at the school do not receive the recognition that they deserve. However, with Head Coach Edwina Martin-Arnold returning to the program after a brief hiatus, there’s hope to shift that narrative.
While one may look at the success of the boy’s team, which is currently the top-ranked 3A team in the state, to justify the differing levels of support and visibility of the programs. The fact remains that many of the members of the Lady Vikings, including M’Bouilee, have felt like the forgotten side of the Rainier Beach family.
“Just because of our record a lot of people did not believe in us and didn’t come out to support the girl’s team because they just look at how many wins and losses that we have. So, we didn’t feel seen or heard,” said Sidibe. “Now that coach is here, she has helped us a lot to be able to feel more seen and heard at Rainier Beach.”
Coach Martin-Arnold, who previously led the team before stepping away for two years to work for the mayor’s office, believes the support for the girls’ program has always existed but wasn’t expressed as it should be. She credited Ranier Beach head boys’ basketball coach Mike Bethea for making sure the girls’ team was not only recognized but included in various athletic events and initiatives. In addition, Martin-Arnold invites women who are successful in sports to come and talk to the girls and support them throughout the season.
“There is a ton of support out there, I just helped begin coordinating it,” said Martin-Arnold. “When I first came back, I noticed there wasn’t a sisterhood on the team, but the girls met me more than halfway, and if we have a sisterhood that is a win for me.”
Sidibe has noticed the shift, and appreciates the number of people who have stepped up to advocate for the girls’ team.
“[The mother of Rainier Beach boys’ basketball star Kaden Powers] stood up during a PTSA meeting when they were only talking about the boys’ senior night and said, ‘Let’s talk about the girls’ senior night as well.’ That was something I really appreciated and thanked her for,” Sidibe said.
For Sidibe, having Martin-Arnold back at Rainier Beach has made a significant impact on her development, both as a player and as a leader. The coach has seen firsthand how much Sidibe has grown over the past two years.
“The MB I saw then, and the one I am seeing now has changed a lot and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Martin-Arnold. “She is every coach’s dream because she is a leader, and she is positive in her actions and in her words. She really energizes the defense and gets the girls going, has a great shot and I have loved seeing her blossom.”
Sidibe has embraced the challenge of not only improving her own game but also helping build a stronger sense of community around the girls’ basketball program. She sees it as a key goal for this season and believes it wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and encouragement of her coach.
“I want to build a community around our team and gain that recognition,” Sidibe said. “Coach really believes in us and has shown us that by having the community show up for us. I really appreciate her for that, and that has really helped me gain confidence because I know my coach trusts and believes in me and what I can do.”
As a student in the Running Start program, where students attend classes at one of the Seattle colleges and earns both high school and college credits in their classes, Sidibe faces a heavier homework load than most high school students. However, she has developed an organized schedule that allows her to balance basketball while staying focused on her long-term goal of becoming a doctor, a path that demands a lot of dedication and hard work.
“I want to be in the medical field to be able to help and give back, so I have decided to take the academic route after high school,” Sidibe said. “Sports is just a way for me to help relieve the stress of schoolwork and build a community here at Beach.”
“After classes, I come to Beach, get my practice in, and then go home to catch up on all of my homework and that really is just it,” Sidibe added.
Martin-Arnold believes that basketball could still play a role in Sidibe’s future, helping to fund her education while she pursues her medical career.
“She is in Running Start, she will have her two years when she graduates, so I have been trying to convince her that basketball could be a vehicle to pay for her to be a doctor,” Martin-Arnold said.
As the team continues to develop, Sidibe has set a personal goal of becoming a stronger leader and encouraging her teammates to grow both on and off the court. She has already seen a transformation in the program’s culture, one that has fostered support, encouragement, and sisterhood among the players.
“Everybody likes each other, there is no drama, and that definitely changed from last year,” Sidibe said. “We really encourage each other and have a good team culture. That is our big theme this year—showing the encouragement that we have for each other and helping each other get better as a team this year and for next year.”
With a strong foundation of sisterhood and community support, Martin-Arnold hopes that the culture Sidibe has helped build will continue to grow and attract more players to the program in the years to come. The construction of a new school building is already generating interest, and Martin-Arnold is optimistic about what the future holds.
“With the new school coming in, there is already a waiting list, so I am hoping some of those are basketball players that can come join MB and me,” Martin-Arnold said. “The culture we have built this year is so good now, and even if we didn’t have a new influx with the new school, I think kids will want to come out and play next year.”
Sidibe is proud of the progress she and her teammates have made, and she remains focused on continuing to lead by example. As she looks ahead to the rest of the season and beyond, she holds onto a deep belief in the strength of the team and the lessons she has learned along the way.
“Becoming more of a leader, inspiring other people around me, and just encouraging my teammates is my mindset for this year,” Sidibe said.
Source: Seattle Medium
