PAPEETE (Tahiti) - Maea Lextreyt isn't your typical athlete.  A mother of two young children, she manages to balance family life with a deep passion for basketball, a sport that has been a constant in her life since she began playing at the age of nine in Tahiti.

Lextreyt's journey has taken her from representing her country at the Pacific Games multiple times, to playing professionally in France.  But for Lextreyt, basketball is more than just a game; it's a family tradition.

Basketball is a family story. My two parents played, and they gave me their passion for this sport.

 Now, she's carrying that torch, not just for herself but for future generations of Tahitian basketball players.

Lextreyt is excited about the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, not just for the competition, but for the chance to inspire other women and mothers.  Balancing motherhood with the demands of being an athlete is no easy feat, but Lextreyt's perseverance is a testament to her dedication.

"It wasn't easy because we have 2 children 4 years old and 5 years old," she admits. We bring them everywhere, and they know when we go out that we are probably going to a basketball court."

Despite the challenges, Lextreyt serves as a role model for aspiring female athletes.  She demonstrates that motherhood and athletic dreams can coexist, and that with hard work and passion, anything is possible.

Lextreyt is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of 3x3 basketball to develop in Tahiti, especially leading up to the 2027 Pacific Games.

"I hope 3x3 will provide a pathway, and opportunity for basketball development in our little islands," she says. "We have young, good players in Tahiti and 3x3 is a possibility for them to be better, and participating to this amazing tournament Asia Cup will support their aspirations."

Maea Lextreyt is more than just a basketball player; she's a mother, a coach, and an inspiration.  As she takes the court at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of not only her team and her country, but of aspiring female athletes everywhere.

The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup action runs from March 27-31, and you can follow it live on TV and on social media on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube Channel.  The event schedule can be found here.