Seymour Airman competes in all service basketball tournament

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  When Airman 1st Class Brandy Ross joined the Air Force, she never thought she'd battle her sisters in arms on the courts.

Working in the 4th Communications Squadron planning and implementations flight, Airman Moss thought she left her days playing competitive basketball behind her.

"I had been on basketball teams since I was in grade school," she said. "I loved it, and I always liked being on a team, but I didn't know I could do it in the Air Force."

After graduating high school in Detroit, and before deciding to become an Airman, she attended Ball State and Central Missouri Universities playing basketball while majoring in computer science.

"I wanted to serve my country, travel and be a part of something meaningful," she said.

In August 2008, she went to Keesler Air Force Base, Texas, for basic training, where she also attended technical training. She frequently played basketball at the fitness center, and her skills caught the eye of the recruiter of the Air Force Women's Basketball team. He remembered her name, and kept in contact with her after she left Lackland AFB.

When he told her she had a good chance of making the team, she sent in an application and was selected for an intense training camp at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

After almost two weeks of tryouts, Airman Ross made the Air Force team. She said she was excited and relieved that she did not get cut from the camp.

"The first two or three days of the camp, they told us they were going to start cutting people," she said. "We we're surprised because we just got there."

The final team of 12 female Airmen went to Millington, Tenn., to compete in the All Forces Basketball Tournament, battling against the Navy, Marine and Army teams. After a fierce battle, the Air Force placed second, but there were no hard feelings.

"We had a really good time," she said. "There were some really good players on the team, but everyone was so unselfish. I'm looking forward to trying out again next year."

Editors Note: The Air Force Sports Program consists of 15 different sports and offers dozens of opportunities every year for Air Force athletes to showcase their skills in military sporting events at the national and international levels. Details on upcoming competitions can be found at the 4th Force Support Squadron's fitness center or on the Air Force Sports Calendar at www.usafsports.com.