Final Ball Game

Basketball was such a fun experience for Kelsey!  We were sorry to see it end, but glad to have gotten to participate.

Kelsey had a great coach and a great team of girls who welcomed her even though she was new and inexperienced.

And from having never dribbled a ball before she progresed to this - making a steal!

Bringing in the ball

Ready to make a pass

Where Kelsey really grew was on defense - she was small, but a real obstacle!  The girl Kelse is guarding is trying pass the ball into the other half of the court.

Kelsey did not make it easy!

A super season and an all around great experience!

First game

Kelsey is ready should the ball happen to come her way!

 Man to man defense is a concept she mastered in soccer

 "I'm open!"

 Kelsey is not going to let the other girl get away from her no matter how she might try :).  Kelse may be small, but she is tough!

So fun :)!  Kelsey is enjoying it so much that she asked to go to the gym to practice almost every day this week.  Love that she is having fun!!!!!

Basketball!

 Despite never having dribbled a ball before last Monday, Kelsey joined a team and had her first practice.  She is great about jumping in and trying new things when they interest her.  It is an Upward type program, and so far we like it very much.  The coaches were positive and Kelsey had a lot of fun. 

 Kelsey takes a shot! -->

 <---  Oof!  It can be a little startling when that big ball comes towards your face!

Kelsey makes a pass --->

 <---  Getting the ball under control after grabbing a rebound

She is picking up on dribbling --->

<---- Shoot, Kelsey, you can do it!
She actually did make one basket, which I thought was pretty exciting for her first time playing. 

Practicing dribbling at the end.  Notice her cute UT shirt for extra inspiration :).  Go Vols!  And go, Kelse!