Basketball took Chinyere Christy Ibekwe from UCLA to courts across the world, but she wanted to do more than play. The fashion designer, beauty queen and founder of House of YERE tells MUSA ADEKUNLE why she left professional basketball, how she supports young athletes and why Nollywood interests her.

Background

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, by Nigerian parents. They sacrificed a lot to give me access to opportunities in the United States. My mother never kept me in one lane. I played the piano, basketball and softball, and I was always active.

As I got older, I knew there were many things I wanted to do. I don’t want to put myself in a box. If I’m good at something, I go for it. Whatever I choose to do, I also want to help people who are less fortunate.

Basketball

Athletics runs in my family. My father played football, my mother ran track, and my siblings played sports. Basketball was something I was good at, and it gave me the chance to study at the University of California, Los Angeles, on a full scholarship.

Getting there took discipline. I had to work hard in the classroom and on the court. That is what I tell young players now: being talented is not enough if you neglect your education.

Leaving the court

I stopped playing professionally around 2016. I still love basketball, and it took me around the world, but playing had become a routine. I wanted more control over my life and the work I chose to do.

I’m still involved in the sport. Through my I Stand Tall Foundation, I run basketball clinics. I held one in Surulere, Lagos, in May. I would also be open to basketball commentary, but I don’t want to return to professional play.

Fashion

My mother gave me my love for fashion. She taught me how to sew, just as her mother taught her. When I began designing, things moved quickly.

I met Teyana Taylor through my friend Mel. After Teyana wore one of my designs, I woke up to 150 orders. I didn’t even have a website then.

My designs reflect both sides of who I am. I grew up in America, but I’m also Nigerian, and I want my work to carry both influences.

Giving back

My mother showed me what service looks like. As a child, I went with her to give food to people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. She is a nurse and also takes part in medical missions in eastern Nigeria.

That example shaped me. I want whatever I do, whether it’s fashion, basketball or something else, to give me a chance to help others.

I also organise the Yere Power Dinner, which brings people together to meet and share their work. I don’t measure its success only by money. I think about the opportunities and relationships people build after meeting there. My motto is, “There’s no success without service.”

Nollywood

I’m open to acting in Nollywood, but I don’t want to be chosen only for my looks or given the same kind of role repeatedly. I would love to play an action hero, a lawyer or a doctor.

There is more to me than my appearance. If I find the right opportunity, I would like to try acting without compromising my identity or integrity.

Height

I’m about six feet three inches tall. I use my height as a strength. Some people might find me intimidating, but I cannot control what they think of me. Their assumptions are theirs.

Nigeria

I spend more time in America, but I love coming to Nigeria. Playing for the Nigerian national team also helped me learn more about the country. Some of us came from America and played alongside women who had grown up here. We learnt from one another, and the experience made me tougher.

Mental health

I’m interested in mental health and social work, particularly how people in Nigeria talk about seeking support. Faith, family and therapy can be difficult subjects to discuss together. I would like to do work that helps people feel more comfortable asking for help.

Relationships

I usually keep my love life private. I’m single, I’m not married, and I don’t have children at the moment. I’m Nigerian American, and I would be open to dating a Nigerian man.