COLUMBIA, S.C.—Coach Serena Smith and the Whiteville Lady Wolfpack went to Columbia, S.C. for the Dawn Staley Camp this past weekend.
For those who may not know, Dawn Staley is standout at all levels of ladies’ basketball. Her college years were phenomenal: while attending the University of Virginia, she was ACC Player off the Year and National Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992. Under Debbie Ryan, the Cavaliers went to three straight Final Fours.
Staley went on to a pro career that led to a USA Gold in the Olympics Games at Atlanta in 1996.
Serena Smith’s Wolfpack participated in a tournament representing schools across the nation. They received personal instruction from Coach Staley, staff, and players. Staley also took the time to sign autographs and pictures during the camp. Scores and stats were not kept during the tournament, but Coach Smith stated she was pleased with the play of her ladies.
“Summer basketball is an opportunity for teams to learn their weaknesses before the season begins,” Smith said. “It’s fun to win but it’s bigger than the wins and losses. The Dawn Staley Camp was about giving the opportunity to meet one of the greatest coaches in the world and learn from her team. We had a great time and will forever remember these experiences.”
Smith said she hopes to return next year with her team to the Dawn Staley Camp.
