Over spring break my kids had the privilege of attending Advantage Basketball camp (for free in exchange for this review). The camp was selected as one of the top two in the country by Sports Illustrated Kids but what really impressed me was the founder’s background and the work he has done to bring more opportunities to girls with a love for the sport. Founder, Michael Hummel found basketball at an early age thanks to an elementary school coach who showed him how to turn his anger into positive energy. His life took a lot of twists and turns and his Tourette’s Syndrome made practicing basketball difficult at times but he was dedicated to the sport. Unfortunate circumstances dashed his dreams of playing ball at a higher level but he eventually found his way back to the sport later in life when his step-daughter showed talent for the game. This is where his life’s work really began.
I am in awe of the work Michael has done, his true love of the game and his dedication to children who share his passion. Through many hardships and challenges Michael was still able to accomplish a great deal. He was outraged when he discovered that AAU only existed for boys in Washington state. He believed girls deserved the same opportunity so he started a campaign to start AAU for girls in Washington. Michael hired attorneys and accountants and set up a non-profit corporation: AAU Washington Girls Basketball.
By this time, Michael’s SCBA league had grown to 40 teams. Since he could no longer manage the league he approached Alderwood Boys & Girls Club for help. They also only had a boy’s basketball program and offered nothing for the girls. Michael donated enough money and equipment to the Boys & Girls Club for them to start a girls program. He then turned the girls teams and gym times from SCBA over to the Boys & Girls Club so he could focus on starting and building AAU.
The Boys & Girls Club, however, did not start a girls program that season as they promised. Instead, they took the donated money, gym time, and equipment and gave it to their boys program. This left the SCBA girls teams with no league and no gyms. With the help of an attorney and the threat of a discrimination lawsuit, Michael persuaded them to change their minds. The following season, the Boys & Girls Club rolled out an impressive campaign to continue the new girls basketball program. And Michael successfully launched his first AAU season for the girls.
I have two girls who are showing an interest in basketball. We’d love to get our oldest daughter on an AAU team but despite the work that Michael has done, we haven’t been able to find a team for her age group. Fortunately, we discovered Advantage Basketball in our search so McKinley can work on developing her skills with the hope of a young girls team forming in the future. I am so thankful for the work Michael has done to bring more opportunities to girl’s basketball and hopeful that my girls will be able to enjoy the AAU league at some point.
McKinley throughly enjoyed camp with coach Michael! She learned new drills and improved her ball handling skills and confidence. She benefitted from the positive environment and encouragement from older kids in the camp. Ages 6-18 are encouraged to participate!
My son attended camp as well and even though his focus is on baseball he still plays school ball and enjoys the sport. He also had fun at camp and worked on improving his game though fun games and drills.
My youngest has also played basketball through the Boys & Girls program and even though she hasn’t been able to throw the ball high enough to make a basket during a game, she loves to practice dribbling and is a great guard! She did not attend camp but was with me for drop off and pick up.
Each time, she was welcomed to join in with the big kids. Michael gave her her own camp shirt and set up a smaller hoop for her to shoot on. He encouraged her and made her feel like part of the group. She was in heaven! She can hardly wait to go to camp for real next time! Spring break camp was from 9am to 5pm. That’s a pretty long day of basketball! I was a little worried it would be too much but McKinley was invigorated and in a great mood every day when I picked her up from camp. Needless to say, I was very happy with the entire experience and would highly recommend Advantage Basketball to anyone whose children show a love for basketball. Camps are available nationwide. You can find out more at www.advantagebasketball.com
Jessica Rouse says
Sounds like Michael is the right person to be doing this! Thanks for sharing this.
Holly Duce says
I agree!
Bryan Vice says
Thats pretty cool my daughter is wanting to go to Basketball camp she loves basketball