PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea) - For Michaelyne Ham, basketball has become the foundation of a leadership journey that continues to grow with every opportunity. What began on the court has steadily expanded into a commitment to helping young people in Papua New Guinea feel confident, included and supported through the game.
Michaelyne has steadily built her leadership journey through the game, progressing from representing her country on the court to helping create positive change in her community through Basketball For Good initiatives. She said that basketball has shaped her identity in ways she never expected.
Basketball opened doors for me - it helped me find my voice, and it showed me that I could do more than I ever imagined. I know that opportunities can change a person’s life because basketball has changed mine. I want young people to feel that same confidence.
In 2025, Michaelyne was selected for the FIBA Foundation Youth Leaders Program supported by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), joining young leaders from across Oceania. The experience was a turning point, providing her with access to the skills and tools to design and deliver community impact projects at home, Aiyura Valley in Obura Wonenara District Papua New Guinea.
“Being part of the Youth Leaders Program made me realise I wasn’t alone,” she said. “We all wanted to help our communities, and learning how to do that through basketball gave me confidence.”
The same year, she also represented Papua New Guinea at the FIBA Women's Melanesian Cup, continuing her growth as both an athlete and leader. Having previously spoken of her dream of representing Team PNG alongside her sister, the opportunity reflected years of dedication to the sport and her ongoing commitment to pursuing excellence on the court.
These experiences culminated in Michaelyne’s participation in this year’s Basketball For Good Facilitators Workshop in Fiji, where Youth Leaders from across the region came together to learn how basketball can be used as a vehicle for education, inclusion and social impact.
Building on the foundations established through the Youth Leaders Program, the workshop equipped participants with practical tools to deliver meaningful programs in their own communities.
Reflecting on her journey, Michaelyne says each opportunity helped strengthen her confidence and belief in her ability to create change.
“Meeting other young leaders, sharing ideas and learning from different experiences showed me that I have a voice and that I can make a difference.”
The connections she formed across Oceania also broadened her understanding of how communities can use basketball to tackle challenges and create opportunities for young people.
Rather than keeping those lessons to herself, Michaelyne has returned home determined to put them into action. Drawing on what she learned through regional programs, she is focused on promoting inclusion, teamwork and leadership while helping create pathways for the next generation of players in Papua New Guinea.
What drives her most is seeing young people discover confidence through the game.
As the world marks International Day of the Girl Child, Michaelyne’s journey highlights the impact of giving girls the chance to participate, lead and grow. From representing Papua New Guinea to becoming a FIBA Foundation Youth Leader and Basketball For Good Facilitator, she embodies the growing influence of young women driving positive change across Oceania.
Her focus now is on ensuring those who follow have the same chance to dream big, and the support to turn those dreams into reality.