Hawks and Google Bridge Basketball, Innovation, and Opportunity at 5th Annual 'Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest'

Immersive Four-Day Camp Integrated On-Court Skill Development with Mindfulness Activities and STEM-Focused Mentorship

ATLANTA – Earlier today, the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy concluded its fifth-annual Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest powered by Google, engaging more than 130 female athletes in a four-day experience that combined basketball development with STEM-focused learning opportunities.

The camp, hosted at Atlanta Public Schools’ Sutton Middle School, brought together girls, aged eight to 15, for an immersive program designed to foster meaningful connections while exposing participants to opportunities beyond the court. As part of the year-round Lady Ballers initiative, the program reflects the Hawks’ and Google’s shared commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders through sport, mentorship, and educational enrichment.

“Basketball and STEM share a powerful foundation rooted in critical thinking, problem solving, and strategic application to gain a competitive advantage,” said Jon Babul, Atlanta Hawks Vice President of Basketball Programs. “Through our ongoing partnership with Google at the Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest, we are inspiring young female athletes to embrace careers in technology and innovation while demonstrating how the leadership and problem-solving skills they sharpen on the court translate to opportunities for future success in academics, athletics, and other career endeavors.”

Over the course of the week, participants took part in a comprehensive basketball curriculum led by Hawks Youth Development coaches. Through skill instruction, competitive drills, and live gameplay, campers refined key fundamentals including shooting, ball handling, passing, defense, and footwork, while increasing their basketball IQ and gaining experience in game-like situations. In addition, campers had the opportunity to hear from Hawks alum Tony Delk, who spoke about his basketball journey and emphasized the importance of continuous learning.

Beyond basketball, participants engaged in a dedicated mindfulness and meditation station led by Google employees that highlighted the critical role mental wellness plays in performance. By practicing guided breathing and visualization, the girls improved their focus and emotional well-being, gaining tools to manage stress both in the classroom and on the court.

Campers also attended a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Court: How AI and Inclusivity Are Changing the Game,” moderated by Maya Branch, Senior Manager of Global Partnership Activation at the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. The conversation featured women leaders from the two organizations, including Otelia Hudson, Google Program Manager of Compliance, Safety and Risk Management (CSRM), Liz Jones, Google Program Manager of Data Center Technology, and Kim Rometo, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena.

Drawing from their own professional experiences, panelists discussed the evolving role of artificial intelligence in sports and business while sharing lessons on leadership, confidence, and the importance of representation. They encouraged campers to embrace new opportunities and recognize that their passions today can lead to unexpected careers tomorrow.

“Our Lady Ballers program is where athletic confidence meets technical curiosity,” said Rometo. “Our goal is to prove that you don’t have to choose between being an athlete and being an innovator, you can be both. Integrating topics like artificial intelligence into the experience adds a layer of excitement that goes beyond basketball, equipping these young leaders with the vision and tools to dominate in any arena they choose to enter.”

To commemorate their camp experience, each participant received a co-branded Hawks and Google swag bag featuring a backpack, meditation worksheet, portable power bank, and water bottle. A high-energy pep rally featuring members of Hawks Entertainment, including the ATL Hawks Dancers, Flight Crew, and Harry the Hawk, also celebrated the dedication campers displayed throughout the week.

Building on the momentum of the Lady Ballers Spring Clinic held in March, this year’s Hoop Fest continued initiatives that connect basketball with academic enrichment and career exploration. Beyond athletic training, participants received direct access to mentors and industry professionals who demonstrated how leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking developed on the court translate into opportunities off the court. By introducing campers to diverse perspectives and career pathways, the Lady Ballers program broadens their horizons and empowers young athletes with the confidence to pursue their ambitions.

For more information on the Lady Ballers program powered by Google, visit Hawks.com/LadyBallers.