Evelyn Mawuli is showing workaholic Japan that taking time off ultimately helps your team.

Mawuli, who is a naturalized Japanese citizen of Ghanaian descent, is one of the faces of women’s basketball in Japan. Today, she is using her platform and influence not only to promote the domestic league, but also to normalize career breaks for reasons other than physical health.

As a member of the women’s national basketball team, the 28-year-old helped Japan secure its spot at the Paris Olympics by scoring 21 points in the team’s final qualifier against Canada last month, a standout performance that earned praise from the opposing coach.