CARMEL — Before rotating to the next basketball station Sunday afternoon, groups of campers gathered together and shouted in unison:
“We love Lexie!”
For Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull, moments like that are what make hosting her annual youth basketball camp worthwhile.
More than 200 boys and girls in first through eighth grades attended Hull’s second annual youth basketball camp at the Aletto Family Sports Center, just one day after the Fever’s 111-87 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks.
“I look forward to this day,” Hull said. “It’s a no-brainer to do it again.”
Throughout the camp, children rotated through basketball fundamentals stations in groups of about 10, learning skills from coaches while getting the opportunity to interact with one of the Fever’s stars.
For Hull, the event is about much more than basketball.
“It really means the world,” Hull said. “Being able to share these moments with them is so incredible because I remember being them.”
Sunday gave Hull a chance to experience the event from the other side, no longer as the young camper looking up to an athlete but as the player inspiring the next generation.
“Being campers at camps like this and looking up to role models and to finally be that person is really special,” Hull said.
The admiration was impossible to miss Sunday.
Many young campers arrived wearing shoes similar to Hull’s and sporting her signature sleek low ponytail hairstyle, proudly telling the Fever guard they looked like twins.
“I’m like, ‘Yeah, you look great, I love it!'” Hull said with a laugh.
Hull said seeing so many young girls connect with the WNBA is one of the most rewarding parts of the day.
“It’s just cool to be part of this community and to see them getting engaged with WNBA at such a young age,” she said.
Hull first announced the return of the camp on June 1 after hundreds of children attended its inaugural edition last summer. Sunday’s camp included a signed souvenir, team photo, limited-edition T-shirt and opportunities for campers to meet Hull throughout the day.
“I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Hull said. “This is such an exciting time just to be able to give back and hopefully create lasting memories with them.”
As campers laughed, high-fived one another and eagerly waited for their next chance to meet Hull, she took it all in.
“This is just such a special day,” Hull said. “To see the turnout, to see the girls be so engaged, so excited, they’re high-fiving each other, they’re here with great attitudes. I mean it really does mean the world.”
Jessica Garcete is an IndyStar sports reporter. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. Subscribe to IndyStar TV: Fever for in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and more.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ‘I remember being them.’ Fever starter Lexie Hull inspires next generation at youth camp
Reporting by Jessica Garcete, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jessica Garcete, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
