Stampede Basketball Camp

Because they are tall....they must learn to play basketball. OK, so there's one sport that Isabella and Sophia play because they are required. Now, luckily, Sophia also happens to enjoy the sport and both girls like watching it on TV. But, I will admit that I'm normally against forcing your kids to play a certain sport because of something from your own childhood. Basketball is my one weakness.

When I was a young girl I was tall...hard to believe I know. I didn't learn any sports until high school. I was always told "wow, you're tall, you should play basketball" and well, I tried but by the time I got to middle school I was completely uncoordinated and didn't know how to control my limbs and I didn't understand even the way to play basketball. By the time I entered high school it was too embarrassing to admit I didn't know how to play any sports (I played volleyball...and not very well).

So, when I gave birth to tall kids and I found out there was a basketball league I enrolled them at the first opportunity. Both girls have played for 4 season now and have learned so much about the game that I know whether they play in high school or not they now at least have that opportunity I never had. Last year, the local high school hosted a basketball camp over Winter break. The girls attended and really had fun. Usually they complain about camps but they actually came home smiling each day. Even Ava did the camp and she's never played basketball before. At the end of camp Sophia had earned a special award for the "best listener"...she didn't always make the shot but she stayed focused and tried to learn everything she could.

This summer, Isabella was reluctant to go to basketball camp again. She's been slightly jealous that Sophia is encroaching in her territory as the family sports star lately and the first couple days Sophia came home with some daily awards for best camper of the day or most focused. Today was the last day of camp and I was pleasantly shocked when Coach announced the camper of the week. Isabella received the award for always being a positive player and making the most progress. Not only did she do the best she could do she encouraged others to do their best. I'm so proud of her for this.

I told the girls on the way home that when they're in high school together people are going to be saying "man, watch out for those Ubaydi sisters...they're a triple threat" LOL