By: Yasmine Malone | June 13, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – The Lady Wildcats basketball team recently had the opportunity to attend an intensive summer camp hosted by the University of Mississippi. The camp offered athletes hands-on instruction from the Ole Miss athletics staff, focusing on skill development, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship—both on and off the court.
Senior Za’Mya Johnson shared her thoughts on the experience:
“At the Ole Miss camp, I learned how important it is to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace new challenges. I gained a better understanding of leadership, communication, and how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds. The workshops and activities helped me grow and showed me what it takes to be successful in both college and life.”
Johnson says the experience has given her a clearer perspective going into her senior year:
“This experience helped me build more confidence in myself. I’m going into my senior year with a clearer vision of what I want for my future. The camp gave me the motivation to stay focused, set goals, and take initiative. It also helped me see that I have the ability to be a leader and make a difference—whether in school, my community, or whatever career path I choose.”
For the younger athletes, the camp offered not only skill development but also lessons in teamwork and discipline. Sophomore Mariah Hobson emphasized how the camp helped her understand the value of working with others:
“In life, there are a lot of milestones that’ll need to be done with a team,” Hobson said. “We want to win the championship this year, and in order to do that, my teammates and I have to play as a unit. Working together removes selfishness and helps me grow as a person.”
Ashlynn Avery, also a 10th grader, said the exposure to a major university campus was a powerful motivator:
“I learned that playing at your best ability gets you noticed,” she said. “Getting extra reps makes me better. Seeing the Ole Miss campus makes me more hungry for success.”
Head Coach Ms. Destiny Monix was proud to give her players a glimpse into what’s possible with hard work and focus:
“It was an amazing opportunity that I’m grateful for,” she said. “Some of them had never been on a college campus before. Being at Ole Miss gave them something to aspire to. They saw firsthand the level of dedication it takes to play at that level.”
Coach Monix also spoke about the broader life lessons athletics can teach:
“A lot of people think coaching is just about the sport. But I’m teaching life. These girls learn to be on time, to sacrifice, and to work with people who are different from them. I hold them accountable because the habits they form now will shape their future. Success doesn’t happen by accident—you have to work for it every day.”
As the Lady Wildcats prepare for the upcoming season, they carry with them not just new drills and plays, but a renewed sense of purpose. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the court, or beyond high school, the lessons learned at Ole Miss will continue to guide them toward their goals.
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