There are few basketball opportunities near the Nigerian village where Chinelo Lucy Ibeh grew up, so the talented athlete made the heavy decision to leave her home and pursue her dreams in the United States.
Lucy excelled in each school she attended and was a standout player on the teams she represented. Her path to being a professional basketball player is long and complex, made easier by host families like that of Will and Juliet Allanach in Aledo.
“We call her our bonus daughter. She is like part of our family,” Juliet said, noting the family stays in contact with Lucy almost daily. “We happen to be among the fortunate to get to claim her.”
Lucy entered high school at Happy Hill Farm Christian boarding school in Granbury where she graduated as valedictorian. During that time she played on the Texas Express select team under coach Kenny Yates. In 2020, she played on the Texas Lonestar select team under coach Tracey Stellato with Allanach's daughter, Elizabeth, as a teammate.
Although not an AHS student, Lucy also worked at Ladycats summer basketball camps during her time here.
Her academics are as impressive as her athletics. After short stays at Alabama A&M University and Collin College in Plano, she transferred to the University of Central Arkansas, where she started in 49 games and led the team in both scoring and rebounds. After graduating summa cum laude from UCA, she entered Texas Christian University, where she played for the Lady Frogs and earned a Master of Business Administration.
Lucy finally got the opportunity to play on the Nigerian National Team and be considered to represent her home country at the 2024 Olympics. In France, she took the court earlier this month against Germany hoping for more chances to make the cut during games against Australia and France.
She describes her experience in France as “surreal.”
“I realize what an amazing opportunity it is and I’m grateful just being on the bench,” she added.
But on July 20 Juliet woke to a sad text from her bonus daughter. "I didn't make the team and I'm heading back to the states."
When one door closes...
Elizabeth went on to play for Saint Louis College of Pharmacy while finishing her education and remembers Lucy as a standout player.
“She was the one you wanted on your team. She is tough and dedicated,” Elizabeth recalled. “At first I was really bummed when she didn’t make the Olympic team, but then I learned she was offered to go to a pro team in France. She actually just signed the other day, I think.”
After missing her chance on the Nigerian Olympic Team, a French professional women’s basketball team recognized her ability and began negotiations with Lucy and her agent. Her Aledo family believes the unknown greater opportunity to go pro was the reason she did not make the Olympic team.
“I was so thrilled for her,” Elizabeth added “She is a great player but an even greater human.”
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