Posted on: 2010-05-06
Written by: The DeMoss Group
At 6 feet 2 inches tall, Sydney Weinert looks like a basketball player. But she needed more than just a long reach to make the women’s team as a freshman at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). Sydney attributes her success to solid basketball fundamentals and strong values—both of which were key elements of her introduction to basketball through Upward Sports.
Sydney started playing Upward Basketball in Fort Wayne, Indiana, when she was10 years old.
“I just loved the atmosphere with Upward Sports. I would get so excited even just going to practice because I knew I was going to have fun,” said Sydney. “I learned so much about how to work as a member of a team and to have good time. My coaches did a good job of teaching me that at the end of the day basketball is just a game and to have fun with it.”
That encouragement has come in handy for Sydney, who says her most memorable moment with Upward Sports was when she shot and made a basket—for the other team!
The positive atmosphere of Upward Sports turned what could have felt like a nightmare into something she just laughs about today. She carries that same positive attitude and easy smile with her now as a member of the IPFW women’s basketball team, where as a freshman forward Sydney averaged seven points and 5.5 rebounds per game this year.
Only a select few can make it all the way to the lofty ranks of college athletics, but every kid can have an opportunity to learn about basketball (soccer, football and cheerleading too), while gaining some great life lessons along the way just like Sydney Weinert did when she started out in Upward Sports.
“I had a lot of fun and playing with Upward taught me some good values,” said Sydney. “If you are thinking about getting involved with an Upward Sports league—do it!”
Permission of Use by: The DeMoss Group
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Upward Unlimited is a non-profit organization that partners with local evangelical churches to provide resources and training for conducting kids sports leagues and camps. Upward Basketball, Upward Cheerleading, Upward Soccer, and Upward Flag Football are all ministry programs of Upward Unlimited.