There are thousands of Americans who lived and worked in Ukraine prior to the Russian invasion.
Among those are basketball players, like Joyner Holmes. Holmes, 24, graduated from Cedar Hill High School in 2016, and also played at the University of Texas through 2020.
As a professional, when the WNBA isn't in season, she plays overseas. It just so happens, she's been playing in the Ukrainian SuperLeague for the last 6 months with BC Prometey in Kamianske.
"It's a pretty good place, nice people, it's just different," Holmes says.
One of her teammates is Ariel Atkins, a Duncanville High School alum who won gold over the summer with the USA Women's National Team. Atkins and Holmes were also teammates at UT.
"Me and Ariel are always telling each other, 'Who would've thought today would see us playing basketball in Ukraine, together?'" Holmes reflected.
If she had to do it over again, would she choose to play in Ukraine?
"You don't exactly factor this stuff in, because you don't expect to be in a war," Holmes said.
Thankfully, Holmes' team was relocated to Bulgaria before the fighting started. That doesn't mean their concerns are over.
All but two of her teammates are Ukrainian, and many have left their families and friends at home.
"We actually played the day Russia invaded Ukraine," Holmes said. "It was really hard for (my teammates) because they have families there. One of my teammates has a son, he's five, and he's still there. It's just scary."
Holmes says she's constantly praying for her Ukrainian teammates, knowing the uncertain future that's ahead.
"They don't even know when they'll be able to go back to Ukraine, or see their families again," Holmes said. "(My teammates) are probably the toughest group I've seen."
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