5 Minutes with Lucy Olsen, Founder of Basketball is Fun & Washington Mystic
Meet Lucy Olsen, founder of Basketball is Fun and Washington Mystic, from the University of Iowa. From leading on the court to building a platform centered around joy and authenticity in sports, Lucy is redefining what it means to inspire the next generation of athletes! Her journey is a testament to confidence, resilience and staying true to the love of the game.
May 06, 2026
Dear Class of 2026:
The journey to the top is never a straight line. We’ve gathered the best advice from industry leaders, top athletes, and more – because the best guidance comes from those who’ve been there. Follow along for stories of resilience, unconventional advice and inspiration!
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Meet Lucy Olsen, founder of Basketball is Fun and Washington Mystic, from the University of Iowa. From leading on the court to building a platform centered around joy and authenticity in sports, Lucy is redefining what it means to inspire the next generation of athletes! Her journey is a testament to confidence, resilience and staying true to the love of the game.
What Inspired Basketball is Fun?
I officially started Basketball is Fun in September of 2025. The brand is to inspire young
girls (and boys) to stay in sports. The drop out rate for young girls is way higher than boys. Many times it is because kids burn out or the pressures of outside noise becomes too much. Basketball is Fun is to show that you can be competitive and successful while having fun and smiling. Life is better when you’re having fun!
What's a Moment Before/After Grad that Really Shaped You?
Before graduation – One moment before graduation that really shaped me would be going to church with my teammates and regrowing in my faith. It helped prepare me for what was next. Since I reconnected with my faith, I am able to trust that God’s plan is bigger than whatever struggles I am going through at the moment. That helps me stay positive in the hard times and grounds me to live in the moment even if it is tough.
After graduation – One moment after graduation that shaped me would be getting drafted by the WNBA team, the Washington Mystics. This really was a dream come true. However, during this moment, as excited as I was, I realized it was just another beginning. This taught me that the journey is actually the dream and to keep living in the moment.
How has Your Idea of Success Changed Over Time?
I discovered that the journey is the success. Working your hardest every day is where I find my success and if other positives come from that, then that is awesome. But success isn’t a destination—it’s the trip.
What's Your Favorite Place in the World? Why?
The basketball court is my favorite place in the world. I love the game and always feel at peace in an open gym. And #Basketballisfun!
What's One Piece of Advice You Would Give Future Graduates?
Bet on yourself. You can achieve anything you put your mind to.
Major thanks to Lucy for sharing your amazing story with us! We can't wait to see where Basketball is Fun and the journey takes you next <3
P.S. We designed a Completely Custom piece to celebrate the amazing work Lucy is doing with Basketball is Fun!
