But for a week during the month of September Goodson not only used her basketball skills to entertain but to teach important lessons that will hopefully save people’s lives.

As part of the Jump4Life program, Goodson traveled to Kenya, Africa, where she worked to educate sports-minded Kenyan youth about the choices they make concerning health, HIV/AIDS and nutrition.

Joining Goodson on this mission were several other current and former NBA and WNBA stars including Rodney White of the Golden State Warriors, Loree Moore and Coach Marianne Stanley from the New York Liberty, Adia Barnes who was a member of the Seattle Storm, Steffond Johnson a retired member of the Los Angeles Clippers and Jerry Reynolds a retired member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Together the group conducted a number of sports clinics, hosted exhibition games at schools and college campuses and created several public service announcements. At each location, the athletes shared with those in attendance information about sportsmanship, education, eating right and making good decisions.

Each activity was planned with the ultimate goal of helping curb the tide of the HIV/AIDS pandemic as well as to improve the quality of life of those living with the disease. The trip also included meetings with the media as well as local government officials.

Born out of an idea between Gabon-born founder and President of Hoops4Africa Stephan Bekale and representatives of the Land O’Lakes International Development Division, the Jump4Life initiative hopes to reach at least two million people with their important message.