Clarks Summit, PA – Minnesota Lynx guard Amber Jacobs returned to her Baptist Bible College roots Friday, making a surprise visit to help close out Lady Defender Basketball camp. Her appearance caused quite a stir among the campers and coaches at the camp which is held yearly for high school players that enjoy learning fundamentals and how basketball fits into a life of serving God.
Amber opened her visit speaking about her history with Lady Defender basketball, recalling how she attended camp, practiced skills in the summer, and worked out with the college team during the year.
The visit was significant to her.
“I wanted to be a part of Coach Sherrie Holloway’s last camp and show attendees what it takes to succeed,” she said.
As coach of the Lady Defenders for the past 20 years, Holloway watched Amber grow up through high school, move on to college and advanced to the WNBA team in Minnesota. She knows Amber’s character and the importance of God in her life. That is why she wanted to invite her for the close of her last camp.
“While having a WNBA player at camp is great, she is simply the type of person we want campers to rub shoulders with,” said Holloway, who is stepping down as the Defenders coach. “Amber is an example of what this camp is all about.”
“Discipline, excellence, and passion” were the three words that Amber used on Friday to challenge the group in basketball and their Christian walk. She encouraged them to work hard, strive for excellence, and highlighted the passion that God has given her for the game of basketball and the importance of giving Him the glory.
Amber remained at the camp for the day running various drills and speaking individually with campers and coaches. She will return to Minnesota later this weekend. The next game for the Lynx is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:30 pm against the Connecticut Sun on ESPN 2.