A History-making Moment
At just 19 years old, Baileigh Sinamandaniel is changing what people think is possible—one dribble, one pass, one basket at a time.
Earlier this year, she made history as the first one-armed woman to score in an NCAA basketball game. The moment came in a Division III matchup between Lesley University and Northern Vermont-Johnson.
With just a few minutes left in the game, Baileigh took a pass, steadied herself, and released the ball. It glided through the air before dropping cleanly through the hoop.
A simple score on the surface—but for Baileigh, and for many watching, it was much more than two points.
Strength Born From Difference
Born without a left arm, Baileigh grew up in Massachusetts, where she was introduced to basketball as a child. Her family encouraged her to play sports just like any other kid. “We never told her she couldn’t,” said her mother, Tanya Sinamandaniel. “She just figured out how to do it differently.”
And different became her superpower.
From an early age, Baileigh learned to adapt every technique: dribbling, passing, shooting—all with her right arm. She used her shoulder and body positioning to stabilize the ball, practiced tirelessly to refine her form, and watched hours of game tape to learn angles and anticipation.
Proving Herself on the Court
As she got older, Baileigh competed in local leagues and eventually earned a spot on her high school varsity team. When she set her sights on college basketball, many programs overlooked her. Coaches admired her spirit but questioned whether she could compete at the NCAA level. She refused to be discouraged.
“If no one gives you a chance,” she said, “sometimes you have to create your own.”
She joined Lesley University as a walk-on—a non-recruited player who earns a spot through tryouts. Coach Chris Giordano remembered the moment clearly. “Baileigh walked into that gym with this quiet confidence,” he told WBUR. “Five minutes into practice, I saw her hustle, her footwork, her court awareness—and I was sold.”
When Preparation Meets Opportunity
Her teammates were equally impressed. “She’s one of the hardest workers on the team,” said junior guard Emily Tran. “No excuses, no shortcuts. Just pure effort.”
Baileigh didn’t play much in her first few games, but she stayed ready. So when her number was finally called that February afternoon, she stepped onto the court like she belonged—because she did.
Her historic basket sparked a wave of emotion. Teammates embraced her. Fans stood and cheered. Opposing players congratulated her after the game. And within hours, video clips of the shot spread across social media.
Inspiring More Than Just Athletes
Messages poured in. Parents of children with disabilities wrote to say how much Baileigh’s story meant to them. Young athletes tagged her in videos, inspired by her courage.
Sportswriters and journalists gave the story national attention. What began as a quiet moment on a small court in Massachusetts had grown into something much bigger.
Still, Baileigh remains humble. “I didn’t do this to make headlines,” she said. “I just love basketball. I love being part of a team.”
That ripple effect is exactly what her coach hoped for. “Baileigh is more than a basketball player—she’s a leader, a trailblazer,” Giordano said. “She reminds us what sports are really about.”
Bigger Dreams Beyond Basketball
Off the court, Baileigh is majoring in psychology and hopes to one day become a counselor or youth mentor. Her dream is to work with kids who feel different or left out, and show them that their challenges can also be their strengths.
“I want to help kids understand that being different doesn’t mean being less,” she said. “It can be your greatest gift.”
She’s already living that message. Teammates say she brings positivity and perspective to everything. “On rough days, Baileigh’s the one telling us to keep going,” said team captain Sasha Malik. “She makes you believe in yourself.”
Rewriting the Narrative
Her story is not just about sports—it’s about resilience, about rewriting the rules, and about believing in your own worth even when others can’t see it yet. In Baileigh’s case, her journey hasn’t been about proving people wrong, but about proving to herself that she could belong exactly as she is.
And she does.
As she continues her college career, Baileigh is focused on growth, both on and off the court. She wants to become a more complete player, mentor younger athletes, and use her platform to encourage inclusive conversations around disability and sport.
“I’m proud of what I’ve done,” she said, smiling. “But I’m not done yet.”
She’s a history-maker, a role model, and above all—a player with heart.
