Proving Them Wrong: Tiya Misir is Silencing the Doubters

TMU Bold Women’s Basketball guard, Tiya Misir is an integral part of the 2022 Provincial Champions’ roster; however, it was through hard work and dedication in the face of adversity that she was able to reach these great lengths.

The first time someone doubted Misir’s basketball abilities, she was nine years-old. “[During recess], a boy came up to me [and told] me that I’ll never become a good basketball player, which really ignited a fire in my heart”, Misir recounted. Where many would have simply given up in the face of hardship, Misir used the boy’s jeering to push herself further.

She continued to compete at a high level as she moved into high school, playing for both the Scarborough Blues and the well-renowned Bill Crothers prep team, where she won the Female Athlete of the Year award.

But the adversity didn’t stop. Coming from a Guyanese background, Misir faced criticism from distant family members who voiced their disdain towards her budding basketball career. “[They] used to say, ‘Why is Tiya playing basketball? Tiya should be doing a girl activity instead’. So, at a young age I experienced discrimination from people who I thought were supposed to support me” said Misir. However, this didn’t stop Misir, who continued to work even harder to prove her passion for the sport.

Soon, Misir attended D1 university, Long Island University, where she played two seasons, after which she returned back home to join the TMU Bold. On the Bold, her teammates and coaches have lauded the intensity and hard work she brings to the game. “Tiya is fiery in everything that she does”, said Bold Assistant Coach, Shae Dheensaw, “I think she always wants to get better and always wants to learn and she brings that to the table everyday”. Bold Head Coach, Carly Clarke also added that, “[Tiya] always has a passion and that reflects in everything that she does.

Now, in her fourth year, Misir is looking to win back-to-back Provincial Championships. However, Misir’s biggest goal is to be a role-model to all the young girls who’s athletic abilities have been doubted. One piece of advice that Misir had for these young girls was, “Never give up. There have been so many times, I’ve wanted to give up, and people have doubted me […] Don’t worry about what people say, because at the end of the day if you believe, you can do anything”.