The Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center on the University of the Virgin Islands’ Orville E. Kean Campus pulsed with energy this past weekend as girls from across the territory gathered for the She Hoops Island Showcase.
The camp, founded and led by Dallas-based coach Justin Turner, brought pro-level training and intention to St. Thomas, proving once again that high-caliber basketball experiences don’t always require a plane ticket.
For local mother Etoya Brown, watching her daughter Lia Brown lace up for Sunday’s games was a proud moment. “We heard about the camp through a friend from The Process,” Brown said, referencing the respected local basketball program known for building players with both grit and good character. “The recommendation made it a no-brainer —and She Hoops didn’t disappoint.”
Brown, a rising junior, came into camp with big dreams, eyeing programs like the University of Central Florida and the University of Connecticut. She left feeling reassured about her path, “Now I have drills I can work on by myself,” she said. “This definitely gave me more hope and self-confidence.”
That confidence is at the heart of what Turner envisioned when he launched the organization five years ago. His mission is to equip young athletes — especially girls — with the skill, composure, and visibility to succeed at the next level. “These girls are just as gritty, technical, and skilled as the boys,” Turner said. “They just need the opportunities.”
More than a showcase, the camp served as a gateway. Turner carefully evaluated each player and will share his write-ups with coaches across his growing network. His goal is to create ongoing pathways for players in the U.S. Virgin Islands — whether they want to go pro or simply reach their personal best.
“If you’re always ready to perform, it takes the pressure off,” Turner said, underscoring his message of preparation, presence, and confidence. “You’re not the only one trying to be the best. You have to find your advantage and maximize it.”
Turner’s passion and investment didn’t stop on the court. He spent his free time Saturday immersed in the local culture. “I hopped on the safari and just explored the island. I wanted to see some of what makes the players who they are — get to understand them a bit better.”
The connection that brought She Hoops to the Virgin Islands began in Dallas, where Turner and UVI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Stephanie Cooper first met. It was Cooper’s vision and outreach that made this showcase possible. “We have the talent right here,” she said. “And now we’ve got the coaches. Why not pour into it?”
Special thanks were extended to Coach Wayne Harvey, the University of the Virgin Islands, Coach Mo Wells, Mr. Elridge Blake, and the people of St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands who made this weekend not only possible, but unforgettable.
For more on future showcases and opportunities, visit SheHoops.org.
St. Croix Source
Local news, Local sports
