Empowering the Next Generation: K-State Alumni Team Hosts Impactful Kids Camp

In a heartwarming display of community engagement, the K-State alumni TBT team, Purple Reign, recently hosted a kids camp at Manhattan Christian College. The event brought together players, coaches, and young aspiring athletes, fostering a spirit of mentorship and inspiration.

Unlocking Potential: A Transformative Experience for Local Youth

Nurturing Future Wildcats

The Purple Reign team, comprising former K-State players, recognized the importance of giving back to the community that once cheered them on. By hosting this camp, they aimed to inspire and empower the next generation of basketball enthusiasts. Players from the 2009-2011 and 2014-2016 K-State teams led the camp, imparting their expertise and experience to the eager participants.The camp catered to children from 3rd to 8th grade, providing them with the opportunity to hone their skills under the guidance of seasoned athletes. From dribbling and shooting drills to strategic gameplay, the young attendees were immersed in a comprehensive training experience. Beyond the technical aspects, the camp also fostered a sense of camaraderie and team spirit, as the players and coaches engaged in interactive sessions and shared their personal journeys.

Leaving a Lasting Impression

The camp's impact extended beyond the court, as the players took the time to sign autographs and pose for photos with the excited participants. This personal interaction allowed the children to forge a deeper connection with their role models, inspiring them to pursue their own basketball dreams.Curtis Kelly, a K-State player from 2009-2011, expressed the team's enthusiasm for the event, stating, "We left a mark being here as players, so now it's time to leave a mark as being guys that returned and give back to our community. It's a pleasure, and I have fun with these guys every day, so to have a couple of kids around us and enjoy the times that we spend together, it's even more a part of the process."

Cultivating the Next Generation of Wildcats

The camp's impact extended beyond the immediate experience, as the players envisioned the long-term benefits of their efforts. Justin Edwards, a K-State player from 2014-2016, shared the team's aspirations, saying, "I think that's what we all inspire to be when we're older – to give back to the community and see these kids grow up and play at K-State eventually. We can say when we were at K-State, we trained these kids, so it's an amazing feeling."The camp's success underscores the Purple Reign team's commitment to fostering the next generation of basketball talent and instilling a sense of community pride. By investing in the local youth, the team is not only shaping the future of the sport but also leaving an indelible mark on the lives of the participants.As the team prepares to head to Johnson County Community College for a scrimmage against the Kansas alumni team, the impact of the kids camp will undoubtedly continue to reverberate, inspiring the young attendees to pursue their dreams and carry on the legacy of K-State basketball.