Dodson Diaries Introduction

What is Dodson Diaries about?

Hello and welcome to my newsletter!

Many of my family and friends have repeatedly suggested that I start sharing my story because I would be good at it. They might be biased (as all family and friends are), but here is my attempt to chronicle my journey as a professional female basketball player.

For a quick background: My name is Maya Dodson, and this is my second year as a professional. In my first year, I played in Poland and New Zealand. I am currently playing for Lointek Gernika in Spain. In college, I played at Stanford University (2017-2021) and the University of Notre Dame (2021-2022). After college, I was drafted #26 in the WNBA draft to the Phoenix Mercury and went to training camp the following year with the Minnesota Lynx. I am still waiting for my opportunity to make a roster in the W, but I know one day it will come to fruition. Ever since a young age, I wanted to play in college and professionally, so I am living my dream.

I ultimately decided to start this diary to capture my basketball journey for myself more intentionally, but also for others. There is little visibility of the overseas female basketball experience, even though most of us play overseas. Regardless of the good, bad, and ugly, the stories are unique and invaluable.

Each month I want to write about my experience in either of the countries I have played in. The inspiration for the title of this newsletter came from the idea of having a different diary for each place I have played.

While my story is only one of many, I hope through these diaries you can get a glimpse of overseas life.