Haley Jones Inspiring Young Athletes Through Clinic Hosted at UPBasketball
By: Andrea Aruino
Just this weekend, WNBA Atlanta Dream’s Haley Jones hosted a successful clinic with Unlimited Potential Basketball where she worked with third to eighth graders. As a pro athlete, Jones is always seeking ways in which she can engage and get to know the community, and there’s no other way to do that than with UPB coaching staff along with her long-time trainer, Coach Packie Turner. In this clinic, Jones focused on several foundational basketball skills important for younger players who are looking to develop their game. Ball handling, shooting, passing, and film are just a few of the parts that were covered. Most notably, Jones opened up questions for these young athletes which allowed them to gain personal insight from a professional immersed in the game.
These clinics provide Jones with an opportunity to reconnect with the basketball community that has supported her growth. Jones began working with Coach Packie after her freshman year at Stanford, quickly forming a bond filled with laughter and camaraderie. Yet, beneath all of the fun, there was a shared understanding of the task at hand. When asked why Jones chose to host her clinic with UPB, there was no question about it–this was a community that has taught her so much even beyond basketball.
“Hosting the clinic here just seemed natural considering I train with everyone here. Why not share that with these young athletes? Everyone here has so much knowledge and skill to share about the game and that’s the whole goal,” Jones said.
On the first day of her clinic, Jones was met with high energy from the group of third, fourth, and fifth graders. She was blown away with their excitement about the game, something she recognizes in herself whenever she steps on the court, and it was only enhanced through this experience. She was surprised the most by how intentional these athletes were about the questions they would ask: questions she doesn’t think she would’ve come up with at their age. Seeing their unique perspectives opened up an array of conversations, all of which stemmed from wanting to get better as a player.
“They all came in with such great energy. All of them were eager to learn about basketball and it was nice to share some of my experiences with them. They’re also just fun to work with, I even accidentally blocked one of the kids,” Jones said.
While this camp focused on sharpening their skills on the court, Jones wanted to emphasize the importance of strengthening their mind and identity in relation to basketball. Some of her role models include her mom and dad who also played basketball. From a young age, they taught her not to center her entire identity around the way that she performs in a game or practice. A turnover will be made, a shot will be missed, and so many more inevitable mistakes come with the game. Fundamental ways of thinking are just as important as practical skills, and she wants to share advice that will help players deal with tough moments throughout their journey in this sport. The way that her parents, coaches, and mentors led her to become the star athlete she is today is what pushes her to be that role model for younger athletes.
As the clinic came to a close on Sunday, Jones reflected on her experience working with these relentless young athletes. She loved getting to meet this new pool of talent that had the drive to learn and stay engaged. Most of all, this space allowed for coaches and players to bond with one another which is what Jones intended and what UPB continues to strive for in everything that we do.
