Sanjana Ramesh

Sanjana Ramesh’s journey in basketball began not out of a lifelong passion, but rather as a means to prove herself to her older brother, a footballer. Growing up in Bengaluru, she found her calling on the court when her school lacked a football team. What started as a sibling rivalry blossomed into a remarkable career. By 2018, she made headlines as the second Indian female to secure an NCAA Division I scholarship, joining Northern Arizona University. Her tenacity and skill shone brightly as she captained the Indian U16 team, leading them to Division A at the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship in 2017.

Fast forward to 2025, Sanjana is not just a player; she’s a leader. Recently, she captained the Indian team at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, where they triumphed over Kazakhstan in their opening match. With over 30 games played for the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, she has consistently balanced her academic pursuits in Information Systems with her athletic commitments, earning multiple Golden Eagle Scholar-Athlete Awards. Sanjana believes that education and sports should coexist harmoniously, a sentiment she advocates for young athletes in India. Her experiences, from overcoming an ACL injury to thriving in a competitive environment, have shaped her vision for the future. She aspires to work in sports management and physiotherapy, hoping to uplift Indian basketball and inspire the next generation of players.