Roxanna Barahman, the newest member of Iran’s national women’s basketball team, says wearing the Iranian jersey is the greatest honor of her life.
An International Journey to the Iranian Team
Roxanna Barahman, recently called up to Iran’s training camp for the West Asia Championship, was born in May 1998 in California to Iranian parents. Her professional career spans leagues in France, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Greece, and most recently China. Now, she has officially joined Iran’s national team and will compete in upcoming international tournaments.
“Wearing Iran’s Jersey Is a Huge Honor”
Speaking about donning the Iranian national jersey for the first time, Barahman said: “I feel deeply honored to wear the Iranian national team’s uniform. I’m incredibly excited to represent the country my family comes from. Being among these amazing, strong women is an incredible feeling.”
A Dream Come True for Her and Her Family
When asked about her reaction to receiving the invitation to join the team, she said: “I was overjoyed and immediately told my parents. They’ve always supported me in my basketball journey, but nothing made them prouder than seeing me play for our country. Nothing makes me happier than playing for Team Iran.”
Finding Her Place in the Team
Barahman admitted she had initial doubts but shared: “Over the past few years, I’ve stayed in touch with Coach Eleni, someone I deeply respect and admire. This year, everything aligned for me to become part of the Iranian national team.”
A Warm Welcome in Her New Basketball Home
Speaking about the team and staff’s reception, she added: “I was welcomed right away by the coaches and my teammates. They were incredibly kind and made the transition easier for me. In my five years of playing professionally, no team has ever felt more like home than this one.”
From: irna