Gryphons women’s basketball captain Rain Jhaj leads on and off the court through ‘She’s Got Game’

For University of Guelph guard Rain Jhaj, leadership is less about statistics and more about impact on teammates, on younger athletes and on the future of women’s sport.

A fourth-year psychology student and captain on the Guelph Gryphons’ women's basketball team, Jhaj has built her game around being what she calls a “vocal leader,” a role shaped as much by her upbringing as her time on the court.

 “I think that has always been one of my goals since I was in first year,” Jhaj said.

Her basketball journey began early in Caledon, Ont., where she first picked up the sport at just four years old. With her father as a coach, Jhaj grew up immersed in the game, not only through her own practices, but by spending countless hours in gyms watching her brother and absorbing the nuances of team dynamics.

That foundation eventually led her across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue her development at a prep school in Nova Scotia before ultimately returning closer to home. Guelph, she said, quickly stood out.

“When I met the team and saw everything to do with this program, I instantly fell in love and just wanted to play for them so badly,” Jhaj said. 

Now in her final season, Jhaj points to the environment around the Gryphons program as a key factor in her growth — one that extends well beyond basketball.

“What I really appreciate about Guelph is the admin. They’re our number one fans, really wanting what’s best for us as athletes and as people too, and as students,” she said. 

That culture of support has been especially evident during February’s “She’s Got Game” month, which is an initiative that Jhaj says has had a lasting impact on her experience as a student-athlete.

Originally launched in 2017, the campaign aimed to close the funding gap between men’s and women’s sports at the university. Organizers set a goal of raising $2.5 million, a target Jhaj said was achieved in 2024.

“They realized for every $17 being fundraised for the men’s team, there’s only $1 going towards the female team,” she said. 

The initiative has since helped level the playing field, from scholarships to support services.

“There’s equal opportunities for both females and males in sports… the same support for each athlete, regardless of their gender,” Jhaj said. 

For Jhaj, the impact has been both personal and practical. She is a recipient of a “She’s Got Game” scholarship and has also taken on a hands-on role in advancing the initiative, helping organize summer camps aimed at empowering young female athletes.

“It’s really focused on inspiring these young athletes, teaching them that they can be a leader and their voice can take them so far,” she said. 

Her passion for leadership stems in part from witnessing the challenges female athletes can face, particularly when it comes to coaching environments.

“I think what really inspired me is seeing how many coaches can have a negative impact on players, especially in female sports,” Jhaj said. 

“I wanted to make sure that I was a teammate who was there for them regardless.” 

That perspective has also shaped her academic ambitions. Jhaj plans to pursue a career in sports psychology, with a focus on improving athlete experiences and mental health support.

“One of my goals is just to ensure that athletes are getting the best coaching that they can,” she said. 

“I’ve heard so many stories of female athletes who stopped playing because of a bad experience.” 

Her long-term vision includes research and coaching, with an emphasis on creating positive environments that allow athletes to thrive.

“It’s really important to support these athletes through those hard days,” she said. 

Jhaj credits initiatives like “She’s Got Game” for helping her see what’s possible, both for herself and for the next generation.

“It’s just an incredible feeling to know that the whole city kind of has my back,” she said. 

She believes that support is critical, particularly given the historical barriers women have faced in sport.

“I think just historically, there’s been a bit of a shutdown for female athletes,” she said. “To know that there are so many initiatives working to eliminate that is amazing.” 

The growth of women’s basketball in Canada has only reinforced that optimism.

“It’s so incredible to see the growth that has happened over the last 20 years,” Jhaj said, pointing to the expansion of the WNBA to Toronto.

As she reflects on her journey, including the momentum built during February’s campaign, Jhaj keeps her message simple for those following in her footsteps.

“Keep having fun, keep doing what you love, and don’t let anybody take that love away.”

To learn more about the initiative or to contribute, visit www.shesgotgame.ca.