Georgia Amoore first caught the attention of a Virginia Tech coach at an international basketball camp during the 2019 Final Four. This opportunity eventually earned her a scholarship at Virginia Tech, where her impressive skills helped lead the team to their first Final Four appearance in 2023. Now a rookie with the Washington Mystics, Amoore is in her third year of basketball instruction despite not playing professionally for long.
“This feels like coming full circle,” said Amoore, who was the Mystics’ sixth overall pick in the April draft, in an interview with The Associated Press. “That camp was where I got my first scholarship offer, and now I can connect with young girls from all over the globe.”
The camp hosts players from over 25 countries, with attendees coming from places like Japan and Australia. College coaches from powerhouse programs to mid-major schools, as well as WNBA general managers, attend these camps to scout talent. Last year’s event in Phoenix helped over 30 players secure college scholarships, including standout Bianca Quiñones, a 6-foot-2 athlete from Ecuador.
Allison Feaster, Vice President of Team Operations and Organizational Growth for the Boston Celtics, highlighted the camp’s impact on female athletes’ pathways to college basketball. “Basketball Without Borders has a strong track record of consistently helping girls advance to college programs, showing how meaningful this platform is,” she emphasized.
Amoore recalled meeting current Mystics teammate Aaliyah Edwards from Canada and Seattle Storm guard Nika Muhl from Croatia at one of these camps. The three forged a friendship, and now Amoore and Edwards are both navigating rehabilitation from ACL injuries.
Despite language differences among players from various countries, Amoore notes that basketball serves as a universal language. “Many of the girls use sign language or other forms of communication,” she explained. “Even if their English isn’t perfect, they find ways to understand and connect with each other.”
Feaster remarked on the transformative nature of these camps, saying, “By opening doors, we give these players incredible opportunities to see what’s possible. We’re planting seeds that inspire their continued success.”
All participants from the camp will take part in the upcoming All-Star Game on Saturday night.
Fan Take: This story highlights the global reach and empowering potential of basketball, especially for young women aspiring to play at the highest levels. For WNBA fans, it underscores the league’s commitment to cultivating international talent, which promises to elevate the competition and broaden the sport’s appeal worldwide.
