Big deal to Little: Starkville Academy player gives back with girls camp

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Starkville Academy girls basketball player Anna Lea Little, middle with whistle, organized and ran a camp at the Starkville Sportsplex this week. (Photo by Michael Wardlaw, SDN)

There was something burning inside Starkville Academy girls basketball player Anna Lea Little.

She felt the need to give something back to the community that she loved and was trying to find the right avenue to do it.

By using the game of basketball, Little found a way by hosting the All-Fun summer basketball camp.

The camp concluded on Wednesday at the Starkville Sportsplex and Little was satisfied with the way the event turned out.

"During school I realized that everything I did was for myself and didn't do enough to help other people," Little said. "Things like making good grades and practicing basketball to accomplish my goals so I could use that to help some kids or help people so the idea just came from that."

Even though the participation equaled out to about 10 girls, Little thought it was a good way to get the camp off the ground.

"I was actually glad there weren't too many because that way I could build some relationships since it was my first time to do something like this," Little said. "It was good not to have a big number."

For Nicole Horstemeyer, she appreciated the way Little taught the basics of the game.

"You can practice all of the fancy stuff and it will take you away from defense so you have to learn the basics first," Horstemeyer said. "She did a fantastic job and she's a good person, a strong Christian, and I just love her."

Little thanked Sheila Runnels and the staff of the Starkville Park and Recreation Department for their help and the use of the Sportsplex gym.

"(Runnels) made it go from an idea to actually happening," Little said.
Little enjoyed her time with the camp and believes it's something that can continue next summer.

Now her thoughts turn to school at Starkville Academy and helping the Lady Volunteers duplicate the success they enjoyed last season with the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Division 2-AAA, Class AAA and Overall State Championships.

"That's what we're hoping for," Little said. "We'll have to see how the pieces fit together, but I think we're all willing to do whatever it takes to get another ring."