Linden Moore: New York's Loss is Our Gain
New
Zealand and New York. The only similarity between these two places is the word
“New”. For Linden Moore, the pursuit of research surrounding women’s basketball
and ambassadorship in New Zealand surpassed the discomfort of moving across the
world to a completely different culture. What she has learnt, the people she
has met, and the experiences she’s lived have been nothing but a success
already. Follow the journey from Linden’s background to now, and what she’s
picked up along the way.
Linden’s keen involvement in sport dates to her childhood. Growing up, her physical participation in sport was limited as a result of a heart condition, but this didn’t hinder her interest. Raised in an active sporting family, she found herself constantly immersed for as long as she can remember, and she loved every moment.
Linden describes her experience growing up in the sport industry as being an “underdog” and furthered this by commenting on how underestimated women can be, and the urge she had to help and change this. She notes that “individuals played a really big role” for her, so it was no shock when attending Oregon University and seeing all the strong female role models in sport, it solidified her desire to pursue a career in the field.
While studying her masters in sports business in New York, multiple conversations were had regarding her interest in obtaining a PHD, although Linden remained unsure throughout. The only factor she was sure about was the location. Subsequent to a visit to NZ in 2019, she fell in love instantly. “I’m sold” were her words. Ever since, she’s been actively involved in NZ female basketball community, through social media and personal connections, even from half a world away. After a “shits and giggles” application to AUT university, and subsequently an interview with the head of postgraduate, she realized that the perfect time for her research was now.
Upon reflection as to why she was so invested in the game, particularly in little old New Zealand, Linden realized that it was the people that drove her. An unveiling of her ‘why’ behind her investment led to the discovery of her topic- ambassadorship in women and girls sport, and the role they play.
Linden describes ambassadorship as a concept that describes individuals in sport who are helping to market and grow the game. Ambassadors use their position of influence to inspire new and returning athletes to continue to be part of the next generation of hoopers.
Linden has first-hand experienced the growth of the female game in NZ, especially with the introduction of the Tauihi league. Having attended multiple basketball events in 2022 - her favorites being the Schick 3x3 Cup and the Hoop Nation tournament- she has met some prominent figures/ambassadors who have not only done a lot for the female space in NZ but have been monumental in her journey and acquisition of knowledge. For Linden, “one conversation can change everything.” She has been lucky enough to develop relationships with some of NZ’s finest, to help her along this incredible experience.
A stand out is Jodi Cameron, an eminent basketball figure in New Zealand, has been “transformational” for Linden. With a plethora of experience at an international level of coaching and playing, Jodi has become a foundational piece for Linden, “one of my heroes.”
Other examples include two 2022 Tauihi Coaches, Tully Bevilaqua and Mel Bennett, both of whom are influential women with impressive basketball backgrounds, Tully as a professional player and Mel as a NZ representative coach. They were both tremendous in making Linden feel like she can do something.
Someone in every region has contributed to Linden’s knowledge and helped her in some sort of way, which is testament to the growing culture of New Zealand basketball and the high caliber of female coaches and players present.
She offered some insight into what she’s learnt from her experience thus far. Coaches have been helpful in that they’ve given her the seal of approval and told her to continue the way she is going. As well, she speaks about learning how to be strategic in her approach to conversation and knowledge acquisition.
Penina Davidson, a Tall Fern and professional basketball player currently involved in the WNBL, has been one of the most inspiring people for Linden. Penina introduced Linden to the idea of the 1%ers- the little things to hold on to when 99% of life feels like it’s going wrong. Thanks to Penina, Linden lives by the importance of the appreciation of life through the “1%ers”.
Not only is Linden stellar at taking advice on board, but she’s also great at giving it. A credible source, with her impressive intelligence and varied experience. She encourages young women all around NZ to “not back down,” following with, “your work ethic will follow you everywhere, so be relentless.” The contrast between the facilities/opportunities in terms of basketball in NZ vs America is quite distinct, however Linden is adamant that “you don’t need the flashiest facilities to do what you want to do- it’s all in your heart. If you are passionate, you will find a way.”
Further, she places a great deal of emphasis on surrounding yourself with people who will support you always. Coming from a woman who has worked so hard she moved across the world to pursue a PHD, I’d trust that. On a more personal level, an important note for her is to “not be afraid to be who you are, don’t apologize for who you are and don’t let anyone compromise that.”
Linden, and her work in this space thus far, has been inspiring to watch and hear about. As the female game establishes itself more and more within NZ and on an international level, it is more important than ever to invest in women, to encourage women and to find new ways to grow the sport even more.
Linden is the epitome of an invested, inspired women- a real role model for all people in sport- players, coaches, physios, marketers… the list goes on. Although she thinks she is privileged to have New Zealand, New Zealand is privileged to have her. New York’s loss is our gain.