BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Making her national team debut at the FIBA U17 Women's Skills Challenge was probably not how Mariam Jomaa imagined her first time putting on the national team jersey.

Then again, nobody could have seen this coming.

Nonetheless, whatever the circumstances, Jomaa is donning the national team colors at a FIBA event and she couldn't be more prouder to do so.

"Representing my country has been such an honor," she expressed. "I'm very happy that I had the chance to participate in such an experience, an amazing one."

Just the mere presence of Lebanon participating was certainly meaningful, not only for the players but also for the country considering the recent events that they have all been going through.

"Despite the current situation in Lebanon, I'm very thankful that we participated in this event," Jomaa said. "We're trying to make something positive despite what's going on and the tragedies we're facing in Lebanon. I feel proud and lucky to be a part of this, representing Lebanon in a global event. I feel so grateful that I was a part in getting Lebanon on the map and reaching such success, raising my country's name up high."

Jomaa started on this path in the basketball world very early. Aside from growing up in a sports family, Jomaa saw basketball as an opportunity of being equals within the boundaries of those white lines and never looked back.

"I started playing basketball 10 years ago," Jomaa said. "I'm used to seeing people playing sports all the time, especially women, due to fact that my dad was deeply involved in the sports industry."

"Seeing that there was no barrier for women in this sport and that they can be equal as men and be good at what they do, inspired me to kick off my journey. Ever since I made that decision, I've never regretted it. It was life changing."

Guiding her through her quest to continue putting Lebanon on the map is an impressive list of inspirations. Whether they are global figures or local idols, Jomaa has hand-picked some of the best to keep her on her path to greatness.

"My greatest inspiration globally is Michael Jordan," she said. "He inspires me so much and motivates me to continue my journey. He inspires me to never give up. He won many titles and personal trophies. He motivates me to wake up every day and that hard work is key to success.

"Locally, my inspirations are Lama Moukadem and Aida Bakhos because they are women who have had great careers and the fact that they were women didn't stop them from achieving greatness.

Lama Moukadem, FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 Division B

"Some national team players I want to play with are Miramar Mokdad, Lama Moukadam, Rebbeca Akl, and Aida Bakhos. They have high spirit off and on the court and amazing teamwork."

Lebanon might not have been able to qualify to the Final Phase of the U17 Skills Challenge, but don't expect this to be the last time Mariam Jomaa plays for Lebanon.

"I'm highly anticipated to represent my country again and again and I'll do it a million times," she proudly says. "I'll put a lot of effort and hard work to get a chance to represent and to be better the next time I represent Lebanon."

FIBA