By John "Woods" Armwood III
Philadelphia Built Her Love for Basketball
For Victoria "Baby V" Mazzeo, basketball has never simply been a sport. It's the foundation that shaped her life, introduced her to lifelong relationships, and ultimately became the vehicle through which she serves others.
Returning home to Philadelphia for the Invitational Classic at Drexel University wasn't just another appearance on her calendar. It was another opportunity to reconnect with the city that helped mold her into one of the most recognizable voices in basketball.
"I'm back in my hometown," Mazzeo said. "I just love the Philadelphia energy."
Her commitment to Philadelphia runs much deeper than nostalgia. Despite a demanding schedule that includes work across both the NBA and WNBA, Mazzeo intentionally returns for the city's premier basketball events.
"I make it a priority to come home for all the basketball things," she said. "Philadelphia is a basketball city first and foremost."
For Baby V, showing up is about honoring the community that first embraced her.
Basketball Gave Her More Than a Career
While many know Mazzeo today as a sports marketer, host, and influential advocate, she says basketball gave her something far greater than professional opportunities.
"It gave me my life," she explained.
As a child who frequently moved, basketball became the one constant she could always depend on.
"It was the only thing that was extremely consistent," she said. "I really loved playing, and I love even more that I could still be in the game in any capacity."
Whether she's hosting events, interviewing athletes, mentoring young players, or promoting women's basketball, Mazzeo sees every opportunity as another way to give back to the game that shaped her.
"Anytime we can do anything with the youth, the hometown, or just spread love through the game, I'm with it."
Using Her Platform to Elevate Others
Rather than focusing on personal accolades, Mazzeo measures success by the impact she can have on others. When asked about her "Sh3GotGame Moment," she didn't mention career milestones or personal achievements. Instead, she highlighted moments where she helped shine the spotlight on others.
One accomplishment she proudly shared was helping bring several Philadelphia 76ers players to support Unrivaled, ensuring NBA stars publicly backed the women's game.
"I was a very big advocate for bringing at least half the Sixers to the Unrivaled game," she said. "They came and represented the women."
She also revealed another major accomplishment.
"I'm going to be responsible for bringing one of the biggest legends in the NBA to his first ESPYs."
For Mazzeo, these moments are about restoring recognition to athletes whose contributions deserve to be celebrated.
"Giving back to the athletes that deserve all the flowers means the world to me."
That selfless approach has become her signature. That selfless approach has become her signature.
A Champion for the Women's Sports Community
Mazzeo has watched women's basketball experience unprecedented growth, and she believes the momentum is only beginning. From sold-out Unrivaled games to packed arenas in Philadelphia and Brooklyn, she's witnessed firsthand how fan support has evolved.
"It's unbelievable how far the game has come," she said.
She is especially excited about Philadelphia receiving a WNBA franchise, believing the city's passion for basketball makes it the perfect home for professional women's basketball. Yet despite her national platform, Mazzeo says some of her proudest moments happen back home.
"Coming back for hometown stuff, talking to people I played with, coaches, and the little kids I used to babysit, it just makes me so happy."
"I love bringing eyes to this community because Philadelphia is really all about love."
Stay Grounded and Keep Getting Back Up
Although Mazzeo now walks red carpets and works alongside some of the biggest names in sports, she credits her support system for keeping her grounded.
"I say insulate yourself with people who truly love you," she said.
She points to lifelong friends, former teammates, and family members who knew her long before the cameras and professional success.
"I could walk a million red carpets," Mazzeo laughed. "They'd still know me as the little 5-foot-5 girl diving for offensive rebounds she had no business getting."
Those relationships remind her of who she is beyond titles and accomplishments.
Success Starts With Resilience
If there's one lesson Baby V hopes young people carry with them, it's resilience.
Her favorite advice isn't about networking, branding, or building a career. It's much simpler.
"Learn how to take a charge and get back up."
The basketball analogy perfectly captures her philosophy for life.
"You get hit, you fall to the ground, but as long as you get back up, you can be successful."
it's advice born from experience and one that reflects the way Mazzeo has approached every chapter of her journey. Whether she's advocating for athletes, elevating women's basketball, supporting her hometown, or creating opportunities for others, Baby V continues to prove that true influence isn't measured by how brightly you shine.
It's measured by how many others shine because of you.