Creative agency Snack Drawer has launched HOOPS, a new social-first vertical docuseries telling the story of trans basketball player Lexi Rodgers, across TikTok and Instagram.
Produced with funding from Screen Australia, HOOPS is the second instalment in Snack Drawer’s TransAthletica series. The 21-part docuseries follows Rodgers’ 12-month pursuit of eligibility to play in the 2024 NBL1 season after being ruled ineligible by Basketball Australia in 2023.
The short-form series was developed and produced by Snack Drawer, created specifically for social media platforms to meet audiences where public debate and misinformation around trans inclusion often unfold. Each episode is delivered in vertical format tailored for social sharing and engagement.
The series also features perspectives from a range of respected voices including journalist Tracey Holmes, AFL premiership player Ben Brown, Australian basketballer and Olympian Anneli Maley, endocrinologist Dr Ada Cheung, human rights advocate Saraid Taylor and sports writer Marnie Vinall—each offering insight into the wider conversation around trans inclusion in sport.
“There’s been a lot said about trans athletes—often without them in the room. HOOPS was our way of shifting that,” said Hannah McElhinney, chief creator and co-founder at Snack Drawer
“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 conceived of and produced HOOPS as part of its commitment to culturally resonant, platform-native storytelling. As the creators of the original TransAthletica series, the agency continues to champion stories that speak to identity, inclusion and lived experience not just in content but in craft.
“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,” added Jamie Searle, CEO and co-founder at Snack Drawer
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
