Snack Drawer has launched HOOPS, a new social-first vertical docuseries following trans basketball player Lexi Rodgers, across TikTok and Instagram.
Funded by Screen Australia, HOOPS is the second instalment in Snack Drawer’s TransAthletica series. The 21-part short-form series documents Rodgers’ 12-month effort to gain eligibility to play in the 2024 NBL1 season after being ruled ineligible by Basketball Australia in 2023.
Developed specifically for social platforms, the vertical-format series aims to engage audiences directly in the spaces where public debate and misinformation around trans inclusion in sport often play out.
The series also features commentary from journalist Tracey Holmes, AFL premiership player Ben Brown, Olympian Anneli Maley, endocrinologist Dr Ada Cheung, human rights advocate Saraid Taylor and sports writer Marnie Vinall.
Hannah McElhinney, chief creator and co-founder at Snack Drawer, said: “There’s been a lot said about trans athletes – often without them in the room. HOOPS was our way of shifting that. We wanted to give Lexi the space to speak for herself, in a format that travels, connects and reflects how people actually consume stories now.
“It’s raw, it’s intimate and it challenges how we talk about inclusion in sport. It was a privilege to help bring her untold story to life – and we don’t take that lightly.”
Speaking about sharing her story through the series, Lexi Rodgers said: “I never planned to tell this story publicly. I just wanted to play basketball. But when that wasn’t possible, sharing what happened felt like the only way forward. I hope people see the person behind the headlines and the love I have for the game.”
Snack Drawer said the project reflects its focus on culturally resonant, platform-native storytelling that drives engagement and sparks wider conversation.
Jamie Searle, CEO and co-founder at Snack Drawer, added: “HOOPS is everything we believe in at Snack Drawer – storytelling that’s built for the platforms audiences live on, fuelled by purpose and driven by the people it represents.
“We weren’t here to make a moment, we wanted to make something that lasts. It’s not about chasing attention, it’s about earning it and doing right by the story while you do.”
HOOPS is live across @transathletica.series on TikTok and Instagram, with episodes releasing from September 4th, 2025.
HOOPS Credits
Chief creator & co-founder: Hannah McElhinney
Producer: Eliza Bone
CEO & co-founder: Jamie Searle
Editor & writer: Carly Paterson
Researcher/writer: Rudy Jean Rigg
Featuring:
Lexi Rodgers
Tracey Holmes – journalist
Anneli Maley – Australian basketballer
Ben Brown – AFL premiership player
Saraid Taylor – human rights advocate
Dr Ada Cheung – endocrinologist
Marnie Vinall – sports writer