Mychal Threets, widely recognized as "Mychal the Librarian," first captured public attention during the COVID‑19 pandemic when he began posting videos that blended mental‑health reflections with his love of books and community service. Based in California, he has since leveraged his platform to champion literacy while celebrating the intersection of sports and storytelling.
Born to Tessa Banuelos‑Threets, a physical‑education teacher, coach and athletic director, Threets grew up immersed in women’s basketball. He recalls watching UConn games on VHS with his mother as early as eight or nine, a memory that sparked a lifelong fascination with the sport and its female pioneers such as Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes.
Bridging Books and Basketball
A pivotal moment in his advocacy arrived when he spotlighted A’ja Wilson’s 2024 memoir *Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You* on social media, urging young readers to explore narratives written by women athletes. This effort reflects his broader goal of curating an anthology that amplifies the voices of female basketball stars, including Elena Delle Donne.
Threets also extended support to Alysha Clark, co‑author of the children’s book *Paw Paw’s Playlist*, which addresses grief and resilience. By promoting Clark’s literary journey, he underscores his belief that libraries should serve as incubators for both athletic and literary talent among young women.
His presence at WNBA venues stretches from the Bay Area, where he frequently attends Golden State Valkyries games, to cities such as Las Vegas, Tampa, Atlanta and Phoenix. Threets points to players like Nneka Ogwumike, Renee Montgomery and Jonquel Jones as exemplars of community engagement, noting that their outreach mirrors the mission of educators who seek to empower the next generation through sport and story.
Ultimately, Threets envisions libraries and schools recognizing the shared purpose of female athletes and educators: to inspire children through accessible narratives. By weaving together literature, sport and community, he hopes to create a lasting legacy that celebrates women’s basketball in its many forms.