Lilia Saxena Smithson’s grandparents wore their Kentucky blue when they spoke to her kindergarten class.
I grew up believing Kentucky sports were a near civic duty — where hope was inherent, pride was communal, and every game unified our state. Basketball season was when I learned about shared purpose, because it felt good when the Commonwealth won.
My love for basketball led me to a sports broadcasting job, covering events like the annual basketball exhibition event, the “Blue-White Game.” In 2023, all proceeds supported victims of devastating storms statewide. I met lifelong fans who had lost everything yet spoke with gratitude for the team. Broadcasting their stories taught me something essential: when we lift someone’s voice, we help them win in ways that matter.
In many ways, I had seen that lesson before from my Granny and Baba. They immigrated to the U.S. from India and settled in Harlan. My Granny barely spoke English, and my Baba was stepping into a tiny mountain town that had never seen anyone like him, but they chose to make it their home.
They found community through Kentucky Basketball. My Granny bought a wardrobe of Kentucky Blue, from scarves to a bomber jacket, and Baba many ties. They watched the games, knew the players, and basketball became something they shared with the town.
Belonging in the Commonwealth, for them, came with responsibility too. My Baba served as the only pediatrician in Harlan for 40 years. My Granny laid roots of her own, starting a housing business in Lexington even as the historical society told her that owning the homes “was not her place.’” She and Baba committed their lives to Kentucky and knew they had earned their place in it.
My Granny died when I was six, but I still wear her bomber jacket, reminding me that loving a place is showing up for it.
That belief is why I care so deeply about Kentucky. The state is more than where I am from; it’s the story of 4.51 million people who each deserve to see wins not only on the basketball court but in their everyday lives. And like my Granny and Baba taught me, those victories are worth fighting for.
Editor’s note: Lilia Saxena Smithson of Frankfort is a junior at Centre College and vaughtsviews.com intern. She’s already done internships in Frankfort and Washington, D.C. She’s passionate about UK sports and this is an essay she wrote detailing how her love for UK sports, and our state, started because of her grandparents.
4 Responses
Such wonderful folks who were both loved in Harlan. I worked with Santosh in anything regarding our kids, from Girl Scouts to Musettes, etc.. Loved this artical Lilia!
Your family was so special to ours. I was blessed to have you and so many supportive adults in my life growing up. Harlan was the best place to grow up. Mom and dad always they never felt more love than they felt from those in Harlan. Angela Saxena
Joyce thanks for you comment and I can vouch that Lilia is very, very special and I know how proud her grandparents have to be on the little girl that helped shape in a big way
love reading theses kind of stories. Thanks Larry
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