Annual Hoops 4 Hope game to celebrate Lee's developmental inclusion classroom
Lady Flames are set to cheer on Lee's developmental inclusion classroom at the Hoops 4 Hope event. “My favorite part is seeing the smiles of the LUDIC students and our players when they interact,” Coach Kiser said. “It’s really fun to see them enjoying each other’s company. It's also great to see the Lee University community take a moment to recognize the contributions LUDIC is making in our surrounding area.”
Tonight's Lady Flames basketball game against Union is going to be anything but ordinary.
Lee University’s annual Hoops 4 Hope game never fails to tie together the school and community. Started by Lee University nine years ago, Hoops 4 Hope celebrates the basketball teams’ special connection with LUDIC (Lee University Developmental Inclusion Classroom).
Hoops 4 Hope's origin is memorable to the Lady Flames, in particular.
“Hoops 4 Hope began when LUDIC was located on campus in the Mayfield Annex,” said assistant women’s coach Kelly Kiser. “Several of our Lady Flames players bonded with some of the LUDIC students when we had to go over for practice. The event grew just out of those relationships.”
Hoops 4 Hope really hits home for Coach Kiser and family, too.
“Coach Kiser’s son, Kade, is autistic,” junior Lady Flames player Jenna Scoggins explained about Kiser's now 10-year-old child. “Kade is a huge part of our program, and this game is special to all of us because we get to play in his honor, along with the other students at LUDIC.”
The game and activities at Hoops 4 Hope create an uplifting dynamic for those students and their families.
“The event is a chance for us to recognize LUDIC and its students,” said Coach Kiser. “Autism is something that impacts the entire family, so it is also a great opportunity for us to let the families know that we support them as a Lee University community.”
The LUDIC students will get the opportunity to meet the players and be recognized for Thursday night’s game. Lee University will bring in halftime shows that are guaranteed entertainment, treat the LUDIC students like royalty and have fun with the fans—in hopes of creating an atmosphere like no other.
“My favorite part is seeing the smiles of the LUDIC students and our players when they interact,” Kiser said. “It’s really fun to see them enjoying each other’s company. It's also great to see the Lee University community take a moment to recognize the contributions LUDIC is making in our surrounding area.”
The overall morale of the game is evident from the fans and players.
“It brings a lot of passion to the event. It hits us personally, so that when we come out there and sell a shirt, it means more than just a fundraiser or an awareness event,” athletic director Larry Carpenter said. “It’s personal to us, and it’s just a night we look forward to.”
The Flames and Lady Flames will take on Union University tonight in Walker Arena at 6 pm. The team is hoping for a big turnout from the fans and an impactful night for LUDIC and the Cleveland community.
Carpenter also promises a big announcement that students will want to be there to hear.
Come out, buy a t-shirt and get ready to have some fun at Hoops 4 Hope!
