Life’s a Gamble: Changing Lives Through Basketball

Raleigh, NC — Local power couple L’oreal and Julian Gamble stopped by to talk about their community-driven nonprofit, Life’s a Gamble. What started as a passion for basketball has grown into a full-fledged organization creating opportunities for athletes of all ages, especially women.

The organization runs an adult summer league, a women’s semi-pro team, and a girls’ basketball camp for ages 5 to 16. They’re also planning to launch a high school girls’ league this fall. “We want to build bridges and open doors,” said Julian, a University of Miami alum and pro player who has competed internationally for the last 12 years. “North Carolina is a basketball state, and we’ve been part of shaping that culture.”

L’Oreal, a Raleigh native and Fayetteville State Hall of Famer, has played professionally overseas and continues to be an active player even while raising three sons with Julian. “Basketball is therapy for some of us,” she shared. “Women still want to hoop. And when you give them a place to play, they’ll show up.”

RoyalTea, a strong mental health advocate, applauded the couple’s focus on how the sport supports emotional wellness. “Basketball has so many mental health benefits,” L’Oreal added. “It helps rebuild confidence, relieve stress, and for many, it’s a healing space.”

With Life’s a Gamble, the Gambles are not just passing the ball—they’re passing opportunity, confidence, and hope to a new generation of hoopers.

For more information and registration, click here.