AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — A former local basketball star is hosting the Inaugural "Elite Basketball Camp for Girls" this week at Sweet Home Middle School in Amherst.
Eva Cunningham is a Western New York native who played four seasons at Niagara University and went on to play professionally in Europe and Puerto Rico.
People say the home is where the heart is, and that's exactly the case for Eva. Starting a camp like this at home is something that Cunningham has always wanted to do.
"I've always dreamed about doing this," Cunningham said. "Having a camp in my hometown. I've had coaches from my time around here that have been great for me and taught me the game and I'm looking to do the same".
The camp offers two sessions throughout the week for elementary and middle school girls.
Cunningham's focus for the girls participating is to go deeper into assessing their individual skills and helping build from where they are now.
Just looking at the need for it in Western New York. Especially for girls in this area," Cunningham said. "I coach at a local girls school and I noticed I would just love to share my knowledge of the game with students here. Hopefully, they'll learn from me and take it to the next level".
One camper, Malana Bell, was looking forward to working on her game during this camp.
"I'm really excited to practice shooting, dribbling," Bell said. "Maybe even [dribbling] between my legs".
There's many lessons Cunningham wants the kids to learn while they're at the camp. None to her, however, are as important as the lesson of hard work and dedication to the craft.
"Hard work goes a long way," Cunningham said. "I was a very hard worker and spent extra time in the gym after practice and things like that. I want them to realize if they really want it, then they have to work for it".
Cunningham is hoping to expand from this camp and offer one day clinics and mini-camps in the coming months.
Spots are still available for this week's "Elite Basketball Camp for Girls".
You can find more information about Eva and the camp here.
