Harlem Globetrotter TNT Maddox

Colorado Springs native TNT Maddox was the first female on the Harlem Globetrotters team, no small feat. As she prepared to take on the Washington Generals in Denver, we spoke to Maddox about her successes, life as a Globetrotter, and playing ball with the President.C

Yellow Scene: How long have you been with the Globetrotters?

TNT Maddox: I actually got scouted. They were finding the best players that fit the Globetrotters, not only as basketball players but as people. I was invited to try out, it went really well, and I had a follow-up interview. I’m living the dream.

YS: It must be amazing to get the call, telling you that you’re in…

TM: Yeah. I mean, I was elated.

YS: When did you start playing?

TM: I started a little bit late. I was 12 or 13 years old. I just stumbled across basketball at recess one day, and decided to give it a try. I just took to it, and I fell in love with it.Now there are two more women on the team – I’m super-proud about that, that they get to share this journey with me.

YS: What’s been the highlight so far?

TM: I have been to 15 different countries with the Harlem Globetrotters. I’ve had the opportunity to play with the President of the United States. It’s taken me places I’d never imagined going. A girl from Colorado Springs playing basketball with the President – who would have thought?

YS: What does it mean to you to come back to Colorado with the Globetrotters?

TM: It’s always nice to come back home, because the people here supported me so heavily ever since I started playing basketball, so for me to be able to come back and show them my hard work has paid off and their support hasn’t been in vain – that means a lot to me. I’m excited to come back.

YS: The Washington Generals are out for revenge…

TM: We make sure we keep some of the traditional things that have always been a part of the Globetrotters, but it’s hard to script basketball. You can’t really script a ball going into the net. There’s some improv, but there are also some very talented basketball players.

YS: On both sides?

TM: Absolutely. The Generals have some very good shooters. It’s a good time. Its a great combination of sports and entertainment.

YS: Do you remember scoring for the first time as a Globetrotter?

TM: Yeah, I remember it. I was in the training camp and we took a break. We went down the street and played at a school for the kids. And just the feedback I got from the young ladies and the kids – it was truly a great day and the environment was so positive, I knew I was in the right place.

YS: What’s next for you?

TM: We’re going to go to Europe in about a week for almost two months. After that, we have some summer things that we do with the kids – basketball camps and things like that.