Atlanta Hawks Wrap Up Fourth Annual Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest Powered by Google

Earlier today, something truly special came to a close in the heart of Atlanta. The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy successfully wrapped up its fourth annual Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest powered by Google — and let me tell you, this was more than just a basketball camp. It was a celebration of girl power, potential, and possibility.

Held at Sutton Middle School, more than 100 girls, ages 8 to 15, came together for a four-day experience built to inspire, empower, and elevate young female athletes both on and off the court. With the help of partners like Google and Atlanta Public Schools, the camp seamlessly blended basketball fundamentals with hands-on STEM learning, giving girls the opportunity to thrive in a space that celebrated both athletic and intellectual excellence.

As part of the Hawks’ and College Park Skyhawks’ ongoing commitment to equity in youth sports, Lady Ballers isn’t just about basketball. It’s about building confidence, encouraging leadership, and showing young girls that there is no limit to what they can achieve.

“Basketball is more than a game. It’s a gateway to growth, discovery and leadership,” said Jon Babul, Vice President of Community Impact and Basketball Programs for the Hawks. 

Throughout the week, girls trained with Hawks Youth Development coaches, improving their shooting, dribbling, defense, passing, and footwork. From one-on-one drills to full-court five-on-five play, the energy, focus, and teamwork on display were inspiring.

But what truly set this camp apart was what happened beyond the court. Thanks to Google, the girls got a front-row seat to STEM in action — including an interactive, data-driven shooting station where they could predict shot outcomes, collect performance data, and analyze their results just like the pros do.

“At Google, we’re dedicated to helping build the next generation of tech innovators,” said Naomi Davis, Google Digital Strategy Specialist. “Seeing these young ladies explore the connections between tech and sports was so powerful.

One of the highlights of the week was the Girls in STEM: Why We Belong Here panel, featuring Naomi Davis alongside Janice Koon, Hawks and Skyhawks Senior Vice President of NBA G League and 2K Operations, and Brittany Simone, Google Program Manager. They shared their career journeys and gave real talk about the challenges and rewards of being women in male-dominated spaces. Their message was clear: your voice matters, your curiosity is your power, and your dreams are valid.

“Connecting with these incredible young women during camp is truly inspiring,” said Janice Koon. “Their curiosity and drive leave a lasting impression. We’re proud to support initiatives that help girls chase their dreams and embrace the boundless opportunities that lie ahead.”

And because no Hawks event is complete without some fun — the girls were surprised with visits from Harry the Hawk, the ATL Dancers, and the high-flying Flight Crew. Each camper also left with Hawks and Google swag, a ton of memories, and a renewed sense of self-belief.

This summer’s Hoop Fest builds on the momentum of the Lady Ballers Spring Clinic, which kicked off in March and introduced even more girls to the power of basketball and STEM in an inclusive environment. Since its launch in 2017, the Lady Ballers program has been all about access, mentorship, and growth — helping young female athletes build not just skills, but a lifelong passion for the game and the belief that they belong in every space they step into.

To learn more about the Lady Ballers program powered by Google, visit Hawks.com/LadyBallers.