Hampton, Va. – Local basketball hero Marquis Godwin gave back to his hometown on Saturday by opening the inaugural Next Season Haunted Hoops skills camp. The event, aimed at children and early‑teens, provided a day of drills, mentorship and character building under the guidance of the former Hampton High, Old Dominion University and Howard University player‑turned‑coach.
Camp focus: skill development and personal growth
“My message is to come in here, learn, have a lot of energy, and be the best version of yourself,” Godwin told the assembled youngsters. He emphasized the importance of living in the moment, saying, “Sometimes we tend to not focus on the present. I want you to come in here and really focus on the present and really focus on growing yourself not only as a basketball player but as a person in general and just being a great teammate.”
Godwin explained that teamwork is essential in a camp setting, noting that participants must interact and support one another to succeed. The drills covered fundamentals such as shooting, ball handling, footwork and defensive positioning, while short talks reinforced values of respect, perseverance and community service.
Giving back to the community
“Pouring back into my community is the most important thing that I really try to take pride in every single day,” Godwin said, adding that he thinks of the next generation of Hampton athletes when he steps out the door each morning. He recalled his own experience growing up in the area, describing how the camp offers current kids the same opportunities he once received.
Godwin’s commitment to the neighborhood extends beyond this single day. In June, he hosted the inaugural Next Season Skills Academy, a longer‑term program designed to develop local talent throughout the summer. He hopes both events become annual fixtures, providing consistent, high‑quality training for Hampton’s youth.
Looking ahead
While the Haunted Hoops camp was a one‑day showcase, Godwin plans to expand the offering in future years, potentially adding more age groups, guest coaches and community service projects. He encourages parents to sign their children up early, noting that early exposure to disciplined practice and positive role models can set the foundation for both athletic and personal success.
Local families responded enthusiastically, with many parents praising the opportunity for their children to learn from a hometown figure who understands the challenges and aspirations of growing up in Hampton. The camp also attracted attention from nearby schools, which are exploring partnerships to integrate the program into their extracurricular offerings.
As the sun set on the first Haunted Hoops session, Godwin reflected on the day’s impact, saying, “Seeing these kids give their all, supporting each other, and leaving with a smile—that’s why I keep doing this.” He hopes the camp will inspire a new generation of confident, skilled, and community‑oriented athletes.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
