Meet Gazmine GG” Mason | 4X Olympic Gold Medalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gazmine “GG” Mason and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gazmine “GG”, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
First, I will say I chose this question because it made me think the most. This is an interesting question because my answer has changed over time. At this specific point in time, I would say what makes me happy is putting myself first, and I am reminded to do that by constantly telling myself, “There is nothing more important or powerful than me.” What makes me happy is being disciplined (after the fact, lol). What makes me happy is juicing seeded watermelon and soaking up the sun outdoors while reading a book or bible chapter. What makes me happy is striving for consistency. What makes me happy is seeing my parents enjoy the different experiences we get to share. What makes me happy is bowling. What makes me happy is working towards my goals. What makes me happy is talking to my Mama and Uncle Diwin on Facetime. What makes me happy is spending as much time with my parents as I can and having our weekend movie sessions. What makes me happy is knowing that no matter what, my parents always got my back and really love me, whether they agree with me or not. What makes me happy is seeing progress in many areas of my life. What makes me happy is treating people right. What makes me happy is laughing and making others laugh. What makes me happy is speaking life and power over my life. I got more, lol, but I will stop there. These all make me happy because they give me a sense of peace.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So, I am a 4X Olympic Gold Medalist, Professional Bowler, Founder of the Gazmine Mason Foundation, Black Girls Can Bowl 2, and Got Game, LLC. I never knew I was going to be a professional bowler. Growing up, I thought I would be a basketball player or rapper (chuckles). There weren’t any professional bowlers I looked up to when I was younger, no Black ones at that, so pursuing this profession is wild to me. There were Black professional bowlers before me, maybe not as many as we’d like, but I never saw them compete because I wasn’t engaged in the sport at the time to follow their careers or I wasn’t born yet. I speak to two Black former professional bowlers now, Coach Kim Terrell-Kearney and Cheryl Daniels. They have been helpful throughout my career, as they both have won multiple titles on the professional level and are inducted into numerous Hall of Fames.

The most challenging parts of my journey came from within the sport at different career levels. One of the more significant obstacles I am currently facing is having the same opportunities as other professional athletes in traditional sports (basketball, football, tennis), etc. For the past five years, my parents and I have contacted more than 300 people/companies looking for guidance, support, representation, sponsorships, and endorsements. I’ve always seen myself in commercials, tv shows, voiceovers, and more.

Since participating in this sport and seeing how people view it, all I’ve ever wanted was for my sport to be respected and to show kids and families another avenue of what is possible. People sometimes put me in a box because of what I do, but there’s more to me than just bowling. When reaching out to different companies and people for help, one thing I would get a lot is something along the lines of, “Oh bowling, I don’t know much about that,” which hinders them from helping me. My response is, “Let’s figure it out together.” I need them to think bigger and outside of my sport; think of me as a talent who knows how to bowl instead…..I don’t settle for no’s too quickly.

I founded Black Girls Can Bowl 2 (BGCB2) in 2017. When I participated in my first-ever Team USA Trials in 2014, out of about 100 women competing, only 3 Black women were competing, including myself. Although I didn’t fulfill my goal of making the team that year, I congratulated everyone. During the ceremony where the members receive their team USA jackets and medallions, I observed no Black women or men made either the youth or adult team. Not seeing anyone who resembled me is how BGCB2 began. Participation at Team USA Trials increased from three Black women in 2014 to 12 in 2019.

During my four years of college, I was the only Black bowler on the University of Nebraska Women’s Bowling Team. Throughout my four years, I barely spoke to other Black female athletes from the other teams who attended the same tournaments. I wanted to change that for future athletes, and I did. I have been the only Black woman consistently on the women’s pro tour for the past four years, and I’m working towards changing that. I provide opportunities and access for others and encourage them to participate while managing my career. I do this by speaking to various HBCU women’s bowling teams, highlighting and recognizing their accomplishments on social media, and providing the BGCB2 Exclusive Experience sponsored by the Gazmine Mason Foundation.

The Gazmine Mason Foundation (GMF) was founded in 2020/2021 to help others achieve their dreams because we know no one can do it alone. GMF is a nonprofit that fosters education, health, and nutrition for under-resourced youth and individuals through the sport of bowling. I started bowling at ten years old, and throughout my journey, I have seen the differences in resources available for bowling athletes worldwide. My experiences led me and my parents to create opportunities, especially for inner-city kids, to help them progress in their bowling careers. GMF has programs that provide athletes with opportunities to receive equipment, training, educational and health resources, apparel & uniforms, and attend exclusive experiences that they didn’t previously have access to before the GMF.

Our programs are created with these things in mind: providing access, building self-esteem, building an inclusive community, dismantling mental limitations, and building camaraderie. We currently offer programs within the US and are looking to expand globally. Right now, we are focused on obtaining partnerships and financial support so we can continue to fulfill our mission.

Lastly, Got Game, LLC was established in 2018 and aims to promote and elevate the sport of bowling so it has equal opportunities as traditional sports. Got Game shall strive to make bowling as popular as basketball, football, baseball, hockey, golf, and tennis. Got Game has merchandise for sale and inspirational speaking available, where I tell my story to inspire whoever is listening.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I don’t know if this is directed to folks from Atlanta because I’m from Rhode Island, haha. If you ever visit Rhode Island, we are the Ocean State, so if you love seafood, we have you covered. Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House is a place everyone must go to. You will see a lot of locals there, like myself, but many tourists go there too. You should also check out Los Andes, a Peruvian and Bolivian restaurant, one of my favorite restaurants in Rhode Island.

One of my favorite breakfast spots is Belle’s Café at the Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard in Newport, Rhode Island. Belle’s is also a place where locals go, as well as a lot of tourists. I am unsure if they have lunch; I always go for breakfast, so make sure you check the menu and hours before going. You eat at a shipyard where many people dock their boats. Even Oprah’s ship makes an appearance once in a while. Newport is a place people from all over the world go to visit.

Lastly, there are many more things to do in Rhode Island besides eating. I am mainly in the bowling center, out of state, or chilling with my parents and I’m sure I’m making my state not sound fun, but we are! Make sure you go to Providence and honestly look up “Things to do in Rhode Island” on Google, and you will be straight. 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ok, so I can’t thank everyone, well, I guess I could, but it would be a super long section to read (insert cheesing emoji). God, without You, I would not be here right now; hell, we all wouldn’t. I thank You for all that You have done, all that You are doing, and all that You will do. I thank You for the gifts You have given me and the people, places, and things You have blessed me with to help me grow. Thank you to my parents, aka my “Famo,” of course. Without your grace, patience, guidance, countless sacrifices, and unconditional love and support, I definitely wouldn’t be here right now. You both have given me everything and although I know I will never be able to repay you, I do my best to honor you daily and hope that I make you proud. Thank you to Coach Marty Jones, aka “Moody,” and Coach Monica Scott for introducing me to the sport of bowling. Without ya’ll, I doubt I would be bowling. You guys changed my life.

Thank you to my grandparents for always encouraging me, even when bowling wasn’t the most popular thing to do. Thank you, Coach Kim and Coach Eric Kearney, for ALL your support and help throughout my journey. Thank you to my Uncle Diwin for being a super GG stand. I love you so much xoxo. Thank you Coach Barbara and Coach Don Armstead, for introducing me to Team USA, which helped me reach the next level. Thank you for what you constantly do for me and all the love and support that has overflowed from you. Thank you Meat, Erika, Terri, and my East Side of Compton family (winks), for the love and support you have all showered me with in such a short period. Thank you to my family, friends, coaches, people, places, and things that have all played a role in getting me here today. I’m thankful. Lastly, I can’t forget my Got Game Fam and Black Girls Can Bowl 2 Fam. I love all of you with all of my heart. Thank you. xoxo

Website: https://www.gazminemason.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gazminemason

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gmason_10

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gazmineggmason

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GazmineMason

Image Credits
– 2 photos with Chris Paul in them – Photo Credit: PBA – Photo with Richard Roundtree – Photo Credit: Anthony Johnson