by Savannah Williams
Some years ago, I was told that “we don’t need a basketball gym in our city, instead we need a space for education, youth development, career readiness and life-skills development.” Great basketball programs not only build basketball skills, but also life skills. Modesto isn’t a “basketball city” so I get that many people do not understand the gravity of the long-lasting benefits of basketball. I hope to change that perspective.
An obvious benefit is physical development: building muscle, improving balance and coordination, and developing cardiovascular endurance that helps burn calories and develop fundamental movement skills.
Another benefit is social skills: learning how to work with others, building relationships and being a team player. A not-so-obvious benefit to non-hoopers is emotional intelligence: developing self-discipline, concentration, and self-esteem; as well as improving the ability to deal with stressful situations.
Basketball is a platform for inspiration, networking and connection, social justice and much more. I am a testament of that. Though I no longer compete as an athlete, I compete as a coach. Through every transition in life basketball has been a constant, whether it be on the court or off the court. For years it has sustained my physical and mental health.
I am grateful for Modesto basketball programs, which some of them have been around for thirty and fifty years. They have provided avenues for professional athletes and thousands of college athletes. The younger our youth start, the better equipped they are to succeed in and off the court.
HOOP-SOURCE
Modesto Magic Basketball
Camps | Tournaments | Leagues | Travel Teams
Elementary & High School Levels | Boys & Girls
www.modestomagic.com<www.modestomagic.com>
Modesto Slam N Jam
Camps | Leagues | Training | All-Star Games
Elementary & High School Levels | Boys & Girls
www.modestoslamnjam.com/<www.modestoslamnjam.com/>
Modesto Youth Basketball
Camps | Leagues | Training
Elementary & High School Levels | Boys & Girls
www.modestoyouthbasketballleague.com/<www.modestoyouthbasketballleague.com/>
Stanislaus County PAL (Police Activities League)
Leagues
2nd – 7th Grade | Boys & Girls
www.stancopal.org/basketball<www.stancopal.org/basketball>
Next Level Sports
Leagues
2nd – 8th Grade | Boys & Girls
www.nextlevelsports.com/Default.aspx?tabid=863218<www.nextlevelsports.com/Default.aspx?tabid=863218>
Modesto Blast
Leagues | Training
High School Level | Boys
www.instagram.com/modestoblast94feetoftraining?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Hotwheel Foundation
Tournaments | Wheelchair Leagues
High School Level | Adults | Male & Female
www.hotwheelfoundation.org<www.hotwheelfoundation.org>
