Proposed Law Aims to Honor Basketball Prodigy Aliyah Boston with Key to the Territory

Basketball professional Aliyah Boston, who has been carving a name for herself in the sport since her collegiate debut, testified at a Senate Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs & Consumer Protection hearing this past Wednesday.

The focal point of the discussion was Bill 35-0091, aimed at awarding Ms. Boston a key to the territory in recognition of her numerous achievements in women’s and youth basketball, her role as a territory ambassador, and her global contributions to sports.

Senator Marvin Blyden, the advocate of the bill, highlighted during his discourse that “Aliyah is amongst the most distinguished NCAA Women’s Basketball players in the annals of NCAA.” Meanwhile, Cleone Boston, Aliyah’s mother, expressed to the committee that her daughter’s excellence extends beyond the basketball court. “Her multifaceted life embodies qualities that transcend her game performances, making her genuinely deserving of this accolade,” she elucidated.

Virgin Islands basketball enthusiast and Tim Duncan Foundation’s Vice President, Rashidi Clenance, communicated to the committee that “Aliyah Boston is worthy of every accolade conferred upon her, which are plentiful at this juncture.” He emphasized her standing as the most honored high school basketball player from the Virgin Islands, with distinctions such as Jordan Brannon and McDonald’s All American. “Her endeavors like organizing a basketball camp and aspiring to establish a female AAU team exemplify why Aliyah Boston commands admiration and respect,” he articulated.

Sherry Levin, the erstwhile women’s basketball coach at Worcester Academy, described Aliyah as “a standout persona whose endeavors have significantly impacted numerous lives.” She attributed Aliyah’s ascension in sports to her unique blend of innate talent, zeal, and an “unyielding spirit,” stating that Aliyah’s “inborn aptitudes are unparalleled, yet it’s her internal drive to excel that truly distinguishes her.” She emphasized that both in the arena and beyond, “Aliyah’s enduring dedication to enhancing the capabilities of those around her mirrors her ceaseless quest for excellence, which has not only propelled her own professional trajectory but has also set a lofty benchmark for her peers.”

Ms. Levin advocated for recognizing the young athlete’s efforts. “Her enduring legacy is rooted in honor, altruism, diligence, and unwavering dedication,” she affirmed.

Recently acknowledged as one of the top 30 NCAA women of the year, Aliyah extended her gratitude towards the committee members for considering this legislation, and offered motivating words to young Virgin Islanders. “Invest the effort,” she advised. “Establish ambitious objectives for yourself. Don’t succumb to limited thinking due to geographical location. There are opportunities and divinely orchestrated encounters awaiting, irrespective of where you are.”