Finding Strength After Run for Roses: A Tribute to Young Hoopers

After the events of this weekend at Run for Roses—at a venue created to help thousands of young women gain exposure to college coaches and create unforgettable memories—many young athletes instead endured an experience they wish they never had to face. There's a saying that rings especially true in times like these: In moments of chaos, when the world feels like it's spinning out of control, we must pause and look to those who stood strong and faced adversity head-on.   That's what led me to write this. As I scrolled through X in the aftermath, checking on the safety of everyone involved—especially those I've built relationships with and deeply respect—I came across a post from Kansas standout [player_tooltip player_id='671505' first='Maddie' last='Vickery']. A name recognized by scouts across Kansas and beyond, Maddie used her platform to express what so many were feeling. She shared a heartfelt message to the game of basketball that read:   <figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/VickeryMaddie/status/1944564865580007816 </div></figure>   In a world full of distractions and unrest, it's important to return to the simple things, like the game. A game that so many love, and one of the most beautiful sports ever created. To all the young hoopers: please remember that what happened is not a reflection of what this game or the world represents. Amid the chaos, hold on to the joy the game brings you—and the joy it brings to those who watch you play.   It's moments like these that remind me why I do this—why I watch, write about, and celebrate the game. And in that spirit, I want to highlight some of the young hoopers I've had the privilege to watch—and even meet—who embody that deep love for basketball. You see it in their preparation, their mindset, and in how, as Kobe once said, they are “chasing perfection.” In the face of fear and uncertainty, these young athletes reminded us what it means to love the game with heart, discipline, and purpose. That's why I continue to write—to honor those who keep showing up, chasing excellence, and letting their passion speak louder than the noise.    [player_tooltip player_id='671505' first='Maddie' last='Vickery'] has built and is continuing to build her game on something you can't teach: a relentless consistency and a passion for the game. Her growth as a player is no fluke—it comes from countless hours spent in the gym, long after the lights have dimmed and the crowd has gone. Maddie trains with a purpose, driven by a deep, personal love for the game of basketball. Her commitment shows in how she prepares, with a quiet hunger to improve every time she steps on the floor. That same discipline fuels how she leads, both on and off the court. After the events at Run for Roses, her heartfelt letter to the game resonated with athletes, coaches, and families across the country. But for those who have watched her play, Maddie's poise and purpose have always been clear, long before her words echoed across the basketball community.       Scroll through [player_tooltip player_id='817014' first='Jenna' last='Schmeidler']'s trainer's social‑media feeds and you'll find a running highlight reel— not of game clips, but of early‑morning ball‑handling drills, tireless shooting reps, and strength sessions with her trainers. Those training sessions highlight something that the people of Hays already know: Jenna's love for basketball drives everything she does. She doesn't train just to log hours; she trains with a passion and respect for the game. The result is a player whose skills expand in real time right before our eyes.     [player_tooltip player_id='1220158' first='Tegan' last='Snodgrass'] is the kind of player whose love for the game shows in everything she does—from how she competes to how she carries herself when the lights are off. I had the chance to speak with Tegan at the I-35 Showcase, and what stood out immediately was her mindset. In a quiet but confident tone, she spoke about not being satisfied, about always wanting to improve, and about putting in the work until the job is done. That conversation said just as much about her future as any box score ever could. She is a player to watch not just because of her talent, but because of the internal fire that drives her. The work matters to her. The details matter. She's not just trying to get better—she's committed to doing what it takes to be better. And when a player carries that kind of mindset, the ceiling is always rising.    In the wake of unsettling moments, it's players like Maddie, Jenna, and Tegan who remind us what the game is truly about: commitment, growth, and love for the game of basketball. Their examples inspire us, give us hope, not just for basketball, but for the kind of character that endures long after the game or practice ends. And while these three stand out, they are far from the only ones. Across Kansas and beyond, there are countless young athletes who embody these same values every time they step in the gym. At Prep Girls Hoops, we're always on the lookout for players who represent the game with heart, purpose, and an unwavering desire to improve—on and off the court.

After the events of this weekend at Run for Roses—at a venue created to help thousands of young women gain exposure to college coaches and create unforgettable memories—many young athletes instead endured an experience they wish they never had to face. There's a saying that rings especially true in times like these: In moments of chaos, when the world feels like it's spinning out of control, we must pause and look to those who stood strong and faced adversity head-on.