Can you describe one of your favorite moments you've had while at Hi-Five?
This is hard! There have been so many incredible moments over the years. I’m so lucky to be able to provide kids a place to have such memorable, fun days, weeks, summers. I do not take it for granted. One of my favorite moments dates back to the summer of 2020, the summer of COVID, when long-time Hi-Five alum and soon-to-be Chicago Bull, Ayo Dosunmu, came to visit camp one day. Ayo always loved coming by camp after he was too old to be a camper and say hi and visit, but now he was more of a celebrity. He had just finished his last season at University of Illinois and declared for the NBA Draft and was gaining in popularity so lots of the kids knew who he was. Kids were gazing at him, asking for autographs. He made a speech, played basketball with some of the kids and even played me one-on-one in front of the camp! He signed autographs, said his goodbyes and then left. A few weeks later, he was drafted by our hometown Chicago Bulls. It was a great day and a memory that I, our staff and lots of the campers still reminisce about to this day.
Why do you think teaching teamwork is important?
Working with other people is something you’re going to do your entire life. Youth sports provide an opportunity early in life to practice skills that you will use long after your playing days. Collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, conflict resolution and relationship building are all skills that are practiced in a sports team setting.