Beyond the Court: Fifth Grader Plays AAU Basketball Despite Sickle Cell Disease

By Kelsey Burr

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 31, 2024) – Every time Zoe Harper Webb steps onto a basketball court, she’s not only battling the opposing team, but her own body. 

“I get tired easily, I have pain sometimes, and it affects me because it really hurts and I get cold easily,” Zoe said.

When she was just a baby, she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

“It was difficult. Very difficult,” said Kenya Webb, Zoe’s mother, on what it was like to hear her baby would have a lifelong illness. “Genetically there was a 25% chance she could have the disease and a 75% chance that she would not have the disease. It was hard knowing that she is part of that 25% – though that makes her stronger, that makes her tougher.”

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, sickle cell disease is when red blood cells become crescent or “sickle”-shaped due to genetic mutation. Normally, red blood cells are disc-shaped and move easily through blood vessels, but sickled red blood cells don’t move as easily and can block blood flow to the rest of the body, preventing the body from getting the oxygen it needs.

“When the flow of blood is blocked by these sickle-shaped cells, Zoe can experience excruciating pain so debilitating it can lead to hospitalization,” said Webb. 

That’s exactly what happened in 2023. While Zoe has experienced pain crises her entire life, this one was the worst. Zoe had to be hospitalized for five days after contracting a bacterial infection that exacerbated her disease. She needed heavy antibiotics, speciality care physicians, and blood transfusions. 

“It was scary,” said Zoe. “I did not want to be there. I wanted to go home so bad and I had pain and it was the worst.”

Her mom said that experience led Zoe to become more aware of her disease and taught her how to be a warrior. 

“She’s so strong and I’m so amazed with her strength because throughout it she still had a smile on her face every single day, even with the pain,” Webb said.

Zoe’s smile and warrior spirit are assets for her basketball team, too. She plays on the fifth grade Treasure Coast Titans 2031 team of Martin County, Florida.

“Zoe is that perfect player every coach wants,” said Sean Eck, Zoe’s coach. “If it’s a spark off the bench that we need, that’s what she brings. If we need her to step into a starter role, that’s what she brings. She’s one of the first ones there at practice and one of the last ones to leave. She’s a pillar of support for her teammates, offering encouragement and guidance both on and off the court. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a source of inspiration for everyone around her, reminding us all that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.”

Zoe fell in love with basketball when she was eight years old. She saw her brother playing and wanted to try it. She may be the shortest on her team, but, according to her parents, she’s also one of the scrappiest. 

“[Basketball] gave Zoe another outlet to focus on her health and strength to be able to play. She is so resilient. She fights through everything, but she also knows her limits,” Webb said. 

“If I get pain, I have to tell my coach. I can still play, but I have to go easier,” Zoe said. 

Zoe and her parents hope others are inspired by their story.

“Zoe has never let sickle cell disease control her life. She wants people to know that you can have the disease and do everything else, and that is what she’s determined to show everyone,” said Webb. “She’s just an amazing kid and I’m so happy to be her mother. I cannot wait to see her continuously thrive in basketball and just in life overall.”