75+ Girls Empowered at Week-Long Basketball Camp

Photo Courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks: Hawks Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest presented by Gatorade – Atlanta Dream Events Activations Manager Jada Coggins (far left), Dream Director of Human Resources Dominique Wallace (near left), Laureus Sport for Good USA Director of Marketing and Partnerships Rachelle Patel (near right) and Hawks Senior Manager Brand Experience and Activation KK Salmonsen

This week the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy welcomed more than 75 female athletes at its inaugural Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest presented by Gatorade. The Hawks began its Lady Ballers Program in 2017, which aims to help young girls develop a lifelong passion for the game through positive engagements with female role models and coaches in a safe learning environment.

The four-day program is a part of the 2022 Jr. Hawks Summer Camps presented by adidas and was exclusive to young female basketball players, ages eight to 15.

The participants were empowered and inspired with examples of opportunities and life lessons sports can provide. In attendance the first two days was former Atlanta Dream guard Matee Ajavon, former Hawks guard Salim Stoudamire, and Atlanta Dream Assistant General Manager Darius Taylor who spoke about their experiences in sports. On Wednesday, the Hawks hosted a panel that featured Laureus Sport for Good USA Director of Marketing and Partnerships Rachelle Patel, Hawks Senior Manager Brand Experience and Activation KK Salmonsen and Dream Director of Human Resources Dominique Wallace.

On the final day of the Summer Hoop Fest presented by Gatorade, the Hawks Basketball Academy hosted a pep rally, with giveaways from Hawks’ partner and personal injury attorney Ken Nugent who provided refreshments. Lunch was provided by the official pizza partner of the Hawks, Papa Johns. The Lady Ballers had a surprise appearance from Atlanta Dream players, 2022 WNBA Allstar, Rookie Sensation Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and  Aari McDonald.

“We were thrilled to partner with Gatorade for our first Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest on an impactful week of development, competition, empowerment and, of course, fun,” said Hawks’ Vice President of Basketball Development Jon Babul.

For more information on the Lady Ballers Program, visit Hawks.com/LadyBallers.