UPB Adopts New Structure for Camps led by Hannah Johnson

January 11th, 2024

By Dylan Tehada 

The Thanksgiving and Holiday camps at UPB, led by player development coach Hannah Johnson, were major successes. Johnson focused on three main goals as she coordinated these camps: challenge athletes, improve individuals, and have fun. Each three hour camp session was carefully crafted with a balance of skill specific drills and fun competition amongst campers. As future camps loom near, Johnson and UPB player development coaches look to build on their success running these sessions and strive to implement new ways to help athletes grow their game and have fun playing ball.

Three hours of training may seem daunting and exhausting to many. However, the key for Johnson to maximize these longer training sessions was to promote high energy. Whether it be high fiving fellow campers in line during drills or cheering on teammates during live games, high energy was a major point of emphasis for Johnson. Through her experience as a hooper both collegiately and professionally, Johnson understands firsthand the importance of finding joy in routine and maintaining a positive and energetic mindset.

“We want to challenge them, but it's three hours and it's a long time and I kind of look at it like it's a game and separate it in quarters. It's easy for that first quarter to be full of energy, feel fresh, but how are we going to be when quarter three comes or that fourth quarter comes?” Johnson said. “Having that high energy and introducing [the campers] to things like communication, talking to each other even in life, having that big energy is important and that's what really drives the camp.”

Running these camps means a lot to Johnson because of her experiences going to basketball camps during her young career. Her love and passion for basketball grew by going to camps and being challenged by her coaches allowed her to continue improving and elevating her game. She understands the impact and power coaches have in these types of camps, and is inspired to make a positive influence through her basketball knowledge and experience.

“I really enjoyed [running these camps] because I’ve been in these athletes' shoes and I know what it feels like to have coaches that care and coaches that really take time to invest in making [camp] a good experience. So that's what drives me and motivates me,” Johnson said.

At the end of every camp, Johnson selects one camper who showcases high energy, embraces challenge, and is dedicated to improving their game as camper of the week. Mateo Dilley was selected as a camper of the week during the holiday camp and embodies everything that Johnson and UPB preaches about realizing one’s unlimited potential. 

Throughout the camp, Mateo consistently cheered on his teammates and led by example. He enjoyed all aspects of the camp from the ball handling drills where he learned new moves to the live games to getting to know his fellow campers and developing new friendships. Claudia Dilley, Mateo’s mom, appreciates the impact UPB’s camps have had on Matteo and embraces both the challenging and fun aspects these training sessions provide.

“It's definitely a challenging, yet fun camp that will enhance the skills that kids have and teach them new skills, so it's just an overall just a great camp, a great environment,” Dilley said.

We hope to continue helping young hoopers elevate their game and realize their unlimited potential through these camps. If you are interested in signing up for our upcoming MLK Day Camp on Monday, January 15th 1-4PM, you can click here!