Lady Bears legend Jackie Stiles hosted her biggest basketball session of the summer, in Thayer.
“I mean, wow, to have almost 90 kids in Thayer, Missouri, a small town, just like I grew up in. I feel right at home,” said the longtime leader in scoring at the NCAA DI Women’s level.
Of course she hones in on basketball skills, but that comes second to what she feels is the biggest lesson taught at her camps.
“If I can reach the highest level in the WNBA, why can’t you?”, Stiles said. “I just really stress believing in your dreams, even if other people think it’s impossible.”
In a town of nearly 2,000 people, kids dreaming big now have The Hardwoods to support those basketball ambitions.
“I think a facility like this gives them more opportunities, Stiles said. “The more opportunities, the better chance they have to become great.”
The Hardwoods is a new recreational space less than a mile away from Thayer High School. The complex began hosting camps in early June.
“Everybody seems really excited and proud to have this here in Thayer,” said The Hardwoods co-owner Melissa Horton.
The facility has two sides, each with two full basketball courts. There are plans to adapt the space for volleyball and pickleball as well.
“There’s no limit to what we can do and we hope to utilize it in every way we can,” said The Hardwoods co-owner Myrtle Rigel.
The Hardwoods plans to open its doors to the public this fall with more private camps and events in the works.
