Grad Student & Basketball Guard Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba on UC Irvine’s Historic Season

Having a 6’1″ guard join the Master of Software Engineering professional program was the first sign that this might not be a typical year for UC Irvine. The MSWE program, housed in the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS), had never had a student basketball player, but Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba wanted to explore her options outside of basketball.

A year earlier, she feared she might never play again. Instead, she found herself helping the UCI women’s basketball team head to its first March Madness game since 1995. “UC Irvine women win Big West Championship, end long NCAA Tournament drought,” announced a March 16, 2024 AP News article. Sidi Baba contributed to that Big West victory with 13 points and nine rebounds.

So how did Sidi Baba end up at UCI, studying software engineering? Here, she talks about her journey from Sweden to Miami to Irvine — and what prompted this basketball standout to explore a plan B.

Can you share a bit about your background and journey to UCI?
I was born in Stockholm, Sweden, where I grew up with my mom, auntie, and grandma. I’ve always been into athletics and have tried a million different sports. When I was younger, I was short and wasn’t really good at basketball, so in middle school I ended up focusing on soccer. But the basketball coach said, “No, you’re gonna be a great basketball player — you just gotta believe yourself! Please give me a chance.” So, I started playing basketball again around age 13, and then I played for the Swedish National team when I was 15 and got my first offer! That’s when I knew wanted to go to college.

I’m a first-generation college student. No one on my mom’s side plays any sports, so the whole recruiting process was something I had to navigate on my own. I didn’t know what a “bachelor’s degree” was. I didn’t know what “majors” are. I didn’t know a lot. But finally I ended up signing with the University of Miami and majoring in business technology.

So what led to you to UCI for the Master of Software Engineering program?
My mom was always on me about the importance of education, but it wasn’t until my senior year [at the University of Miami] that I completely shifted my mindset after a season-ending injury.

After experiencing two concussions, I realized that basketball could disappear in an instant. A concussion specialist told me that I probably shouldn’t ever play basketball again. So, I thought, “What am I doing to put myself in a position where I could excel outside of basketball?”

I hadn’t had an internship in my four years in college, and I hadn’t connected with anyone. It’s hard being a student athlete, because so much of my time was spent just thinking about basketball. But all of a sudden there was a chance I wouldn’t play again. So, I started thinking more about what I could do outside of basketball, and I started talking with my professors in the business school. I felt like I really understood the concept of business, but where’s the future? It’s tech, so that’s what I wanted to focus on. My professors gave me a list of schools with good tech programs, and one was UCI. I talked with people in ICS and learned that MSWE is a really good program for career changes.

And what about basketball?
When I had my concussion, I couldn’t do anything. You’re not supposed to run, you’re not supposed to do anything really. But I decided to start working on myself, working on my basketball, because I still wanted to play.

So eventually I got in contact with Coach T [Tamara Inoue, UCI’s head coach], who couldn’t believe I was reaching out. I explained that I was at UCI for my education — to be a software engineer — and that I hadn’t played basketball in a year because of my concussion. I told her, “I’m here for my education, but I’m also here to win and to get to March Madness, because that’s just my standard.” Fast forward… and I signed with UCI!

What was it like being part of this historic season for the anteaters?
I feel like we didn’t really get the chance to fully appreciate what we accomplished, because a day after we won the championship, we went back to Irvine for a watch party [where the team was joined by about 200 fans at the Newkirk Alumni Center to hear the NCAA Tournament selection announced]. That’s when we learned we’d be leaving to go to Washington to play Gonzaga! But it was just something really special to be a part of this team!

When I first got to UCI, I was injured. I ended up injuring my hip because I went too hard in the beginning after not playing for so long. My body wasn’t used to the pressure. So, I come into UCI and I can barely walk. It was stressful. I did rehab every day and wondered if I’d ever get to play. But then I finally started getting into games, and so much happened in such a small span of time! I’d been telling coach the whole season, “I’m not leaving my last year without a ring.” And we all just made it happen!

How have you balanced being a student athlete?
I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for the MSWE program really working with me. They’ve been very accommodating. I’m focused on catching up right now, because I missed so much for basketball. I had to miss classes because of games, but the program really helped me, and also Coach T was flexible and let me leave practice early if there was something I had to do. But I finally have more time to solely focus on the MSWE program.

Any words of advice for prospective student athletes or MSWE students?
Believe in yourself, especially if you’re a first-generation student. Putting yourself in a situation where you’re getting a degree is an important step forward, showing that you want more. Getting my master’s is something I’m really proud of. If you’re interested in something, just commit to it, and you will find a way to make it possible.

And don’t settle for something easier; put yourself out there. I’ve been asked, “Why software engineering? Why not something easier?” I don’t have the same knowledge as a lot of people in the program who already have experience in this industry. Sometimes I feel lost and I question myself. Sometimes I do struggle, but it’s okay to struggle. I’d rather put myself out there and see how it goes than regret never trying just because it’s not what you’re used to. It’s good to be uncomfortable — and I’ve been feeling really uncomfortable in this master’s program! But I’m proud of being a first-generation student. The goal is to push the standard.

What are your future plans?
I don’t know! Do I still want to play basketball and go pro, or do I want to really see where this program takes me? It’s perfect that the program is five quarters. My season just ended, so now I can see how it feels when I’m not playing basketball. Will I miss it? If so, I’ll think about going pro. If I don’t miss it, then I’ll see if I end up with any job offers after graduating.

I still would like to play with the Swedish Senior National team, which would provide a potential opportunity for the European Championship Qualifiers, so we’ll see if I get any pro offers, but it’s all up in the air. For now, I’m trying to focus on school, just taking things step by step.

— Shani Murray