The Doggett Field House and Fondren Gym were full of energy over two weekends in October as the girls’ basketball team hosted a youth camp on Oct. 18–19 and Oct. 25–26.

Players and coaches spent weeks preparing drills, organizing stations and planning activities to ensure campers had a memorable experience.

From setting up shooting challenges to mapping out dribbling exercises, the team worked to create an environment that was both fun and focused on skill-building.

The gym buzzed with laughter, cheers and the squeak of sneakers on the court from campers in grades second through eighth,

Head Coach Stacy Marshall said the team started the camp to connect with the community and help her players grow as leaders.

“I think that it’s a good way to connect and engage our community through basketball,” she said. “We have a good group of players who are knowledgeable and great leaders. It’s a great way for them to step up and lead.”

For Coach Marshall, the camp’s highlights were watching her players teach and seeing the joy on the kids’ faces.

Those moments captured what made the camp so special.

“My favorite part is watching my players teach and seeing the joy from things like game-winner shots and the ‘I Got That DAWG In Me’ chain getting handed out,” Coach Marshall said.

Sophomore Jaelyn Sowells explained that the “I Got That DAWG In Me” chain was handed out throughout the day.

“It went to players who demonstrated staying disciplined, showing a positive attitude, putting in work, and having grit,” she said.

Junior Sydney Marshall said that organizing the camp was challenging but worth it.
“We make plans, but sometimes those plans go down the drain, so you really have to be able to adjust quickly,” Sydney said.

Once the camp started, the excitement in the gym took over.

“The camps are super fun for me because the kids are hilarious. They always make me smile, and I love seeing their growth throughout the camp,” Sydney said.

Sophomore Madison Schmulen said her favorite part was helping the younger players improve.
She said it was rewarding to watch the kids gain confidence as the drills went on.

“It was really fun because they all have so much energy,” she said.

For the campers, the enthusiasm was mutual.

A sixth grader named Penelope said she loved “making good connections with everyone,” while a fourth grader named Evelyn said her favorite part was simply“the scrimmages.”

Coach Marshall said she hopes to keep the energy going.

She noted that the camp’s success showed how meaningful these interactions are—not just for the younger athletes, but also for the high school players who mentor them.

The benefits on both sides encouraged the team to continue expanding opportunities for connection.

“We are going to try to have more camp nights to get the lower schoolers at the games to build connections across camps,” she said.