In light of recent disruptive incidents at WNBA games, Seattle Storm in-arena host Kayce Kirihara is redirecting attention towards the empowerment of women in sports. With her collaboration with plusOne, she has transformed a moment of mischief into an opportunity to celebrate female athletes and elevate their voices.

Following a series of provocative stunts—most notably the tossing of a green toy onto the court during a game—Kirihara has chosen to reclaim the narrative. This behavior, which led to multiple arrests, was initially seen as a slap against women’s sports. However, Kirihara views it differently. “Sports have always been a stage for energy and emotion, but too often, women’s sports are met with bias and disruption. We saw this as an opportunity to flip the script,” she stated.

Kirihara emphasizes that the motivations behind the stunts were misaligned with the values of the WNBA. “These moments were intended to be misogynistic, demeaning, and disrespectful—but we stand with the WNBA in reclaiming the narrative and turning it into a statement of empowerment,” she continued. Instead of being defined by negativity, the focus is now on celebrating the athletes and the passionate fanbase supporting women’s sports.

Kirihara’s social media posts have garnered significant attention, particularly resonating with WNBA players like Lexie Brown. In a recent video, Kirihara remarked, “You know that stunt that happened at the women’s basketball games a few weeks ago? Once again, men found the wrong spot. But WE’RE bringing the vibes—controlling the narrative & turning the spotlight back on women.”

This message created a wave of comments from followers praising the catchy tagline and expressing support. Brown herself contributed in the comments, affirming her support for Kirihara’s initiative.

According to Kirihara, “Taking back the narrative is about control and visibility.” She believes that women athletes have long been subjected to external expectations about their appearance and behavior. “Now, they are the authors of their own storylines, using their platforms to discuss critical issues like equality and representation,” she explained.

This moment is symptomatic of a larger cultural shift where female athletes are increasingly recognized not just as competitors but as influential voices within society.

Kirihara’s partnership with plusOne integrates humor and empowerment, creating engaging content that resonates with both athletes and audiences. She stated, “Humor disarms people; it opens the door. Empowerment drives the point home.” This balance has allowed her to foster a relatable atmosphere for fans who are often subjected to serious discussions.

The cheeky tagline “Once again, men found the wrong spot” reflects this approach, making serious themes more approachable while encouraging dialogue on women’s wellness.

Kirihara’s dedication to the Seattle Storm is rooted in her journey through various roles within the organization. Starting as a ball girl and evolving into an equipment manager and video coordinator, she has cultivated a deep understanding of both the sport and its audience. “This is actually my first year as the official in-arena host, but my love for storytelling and live sports has been a driving force throughout my career,” she shared.

To other women aspiring to claim their narrative in challenging situations, Kirihara advises: “Stay calm, stay clever, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Your reaction can redefine the moment. Find your allies, use your platform, and lean into your unique voice.”

She concludes by emphasizing that the WNBA represents not just exceptional skill but also deserves the same level of respect and attention as any other major league.