Passing the ball forward

For the majority of her life, basketball has taught Adyson Mlnarik lessons on and off the court.

Now, as a junior at Hastings College, she is using her experiences to help younger athletes at a series of basketball camps that took place at Summerland, St. Mary's, Boyd County, and Niobrara/Verdigre schools.

"The goals are the same for all age divisions, developing their skills and making them more confident." Mlnarik said.

According to Mlnarik, her specialty in basketball would be shooting, but she also believes it is important to learn everything and be prepared for all the positions since players never know which one will fit them best.

That is another reason she and Hastings College teammate, Josilyn Miller of Verdigre, offer the camp: to teach young athletes how to play every position.

Mlnarik said she and Miller, decided to offer this camp to be able to give back to the communities that gave so much to them when they were in high school and elementary school.

Now that Mlnarik is in college, she has to do a little bit of everything while on the court.

"Running this camp benefits me because, even at 20 years old and in college, I'm still learning something new everyday," Mlnarik said.

This past season, the Hastings College women's basketball team qualified for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national championships.

Mlnarik described the experience as exciting and rewarding.

"Playing in the tournament was a lot of fun and it was a rewarding experience to know that you go all season and to be able to make it," Mlnarik said. "It's a fun atmosphere."

Camps were open to students in grades 2 through 12. The camps wrapped up last week.

The Clearwater native will still work on her game during the remainder of summer break.

"I'll get in 10,000 shots," she said.