Che Flores is an American referee in the National Basketball Association (the NBA). In 2021, they became the first official to work National Collegiate Athletic Association, NBA G League, and Women's National Basketball Association championship games in the same year. In 2023, Flores became the first out nonbinary trans referee in a major professional sports league in the United States (specifically, the NBA).
Life
editFlores was raised in Highland Park, Los Angeles, the eldest of three siblings.[1] Their mother is Costa Rican and their father is Mexican American.[1] They played basketball at Bellarmine-Jefferson High School, winning a state title their senior year.[2] Flores came out to their family at the age of 19.[1] They played basketball at a junior college before transferring to the Cal State Northridge Matadors women's basketball.[1] They received a full athletic scholarship and served as the team captain.[1] Flores graduated in 2002.[2]
In 2003, Flores began referring high school basketball games in San Gabriel, California.[1][2] They were working year-round for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), NBA G League, and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) by 2012.[1] From July 2020 to March 2021, they refereed championship games for the NCAA, NBA G League, and WNBA, the first person to do so.[1] They became an National Basketball Association (NBA) official in 2022.[1] By October 2023, they had worked ten championship games.[1] In 2023, they became the first out nonbinary trans referee in a major professional sports league in the United States (specifically, the NBA).[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Carmichael, Emma (October 23, 2023). "NBA Referee Che Flores on Becoming the First Out Trans and Nonbinary Ref in American Pro Sports". GQ. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
- ^ a b c Ingemi, Marisa (March 1, 2024). "NBA's first non-binary referee didn't seek the spotlight, but they aren't hiding". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 4, 2024.