Girls basketball in Phnom Penh is gaining momentum
At the center of this rise is Team SWISH—Strong Women In Sports & Hoops. More than just a basketball program, Team SWISH is a movement built by girls, for girls, to create safe and empowering spaces where young women can come together, connect, and feel like they belong in sports. In a city where opportunities for female athletes have often been limited, this initiative is helping to open new doors, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of players.
The beauty of Team SWISH lies in how it blends the love of basketball with a much larger purpose: girl empowerment. Basketball is just the format for creating community, sparking conversations, and ensuring that every girl who walks onto the court walks away stronger in spirit. Whether it’s casual hangouts, workshops on leadership, or brainstorming new ways to make sports more accessible, Team SWISH is proving that basketball can be a vehicle for change and growth.
What makes this movement even more special is the way Phnom Penh’s own community has rallied behind it. A heartfelt shout out goes to Java Café and Factory Phnom Penh for their interest to support, which has been instrumental in making this possible. With their backing, Team SWISH has been able to turn ideas into action and give girls a space to not only play, but to connect, learn, and thrive. It’s a reminder that when local businesses and cultural hubs get behind a cause, real progress can happen for young women in sports.
The momentum is growing, and the invitation is open. Girls who want to play, women who want to mentor, parents who want to support, and even those who just love the energy of the game all have a place within Team SWISH. Every new person who joins adds strength to the movement and helps build a culture of inclusion and opportunity. Phnom Penh has always been a city full of creativity and energy, and now that spirit is carrying over into sports in a way that celebrates and uplifts its young women.
For anyone curious to get involved, the first step is simple: show up, join the conversation, or spread the word. By coming together, we can ensure that girls basketball in Phnom Penh continues to grow, that every player feels seen and supported, and that empowerment through sport becomes part of everyday life here. Team SWISH is just getting started, but the impact is already clear—Cambodia’s girls are finding their voice on the court, and their confidence is shaping the future of sports for all.
