HOOPZTOWN is a historical fiction TV pilot centered on Maya Hernandez, a gifted multiracial athlete who returns to her hometown of Houston in 1996 after missing her chance at the inaugural WNBA. As Maya steps into her new role coaching a diverse high school girls basketball team, she faces the challenges of her mother’s cancer diagnosis and the realities of scraping by in a changing city. The story weaves in themes of Title IX, misogyny in sports, and racism, inviting audiences to reflect on the ongoing struggles and triumphs of women in athletics.

Written and directed by Fleurette S. Fernando, HOOPZTOWN is inspired by the women in her life—her mother, sisters, colleagues, and especially her daughter, whose journey as a student athlete shaped the heart of the story. As active members of the Houston Cinema Arts Society, Fleurette and producer Elizabeth Sosa Bailey bring their personal experiences and passion for storytelling to this project. Elizabeth’s own journey—returning home when her father was diagnosed with cancer and navigating her identity as a mixed race Latina—deeply informs the narrative and setting of HOOPZTOWN.

After a successful staged reading at the Houston Cinema Arts Festival, our goal is to film the pilot in Houston in 2026 and build toward a full series. Funds raised will directly support cast, crew, and filming costs, helping us bring this important story to life. Your support will not only help launch HOOPZTOWN but also contribute to a broader conversation about women’s experiences in sports and society. We invite you to join us on this journey and help make HOOPZTOWN a reality.