New Heights’ 2025 Middle School Trip!
This past Saturday we took our middle school student-athletes on a day trip they won’t soon forget - a visit to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame before going to support some current high school student-athletes, while seeing a familiar face in the process!
After a brief bus ride to the Hall of Fame, student-athletes were immediately enamored by everything the museum had to offer before even stepping inside - an extensive history of the game and those who have built it into what it is today, more stats and memorabilia than you could imagine, and a basketball court where everyone was able to show off their skills!
Amelia Edwards, one of our 7th grade student-athletes, comparing her hand to two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant’s.
Once inside, our student-athletes were greeted with an inspiring short film about how the sport of basketball came about and why legends of the game continue to push it forward. After, each team was free to roam with their coaches to check out all the space had in store. There was a lot to see - a recreation of the Inside the NBA set, installations honoring basketball legend Kobe Bryant, and much more. Some of our student-athletes’ favorite offerings were comparing how they stack up size-wise with current professional players (see above), learning about the history of women’s basketball (see below), and, of course, shooting around on the hall’s indoor basketball court!
(From left) Gregory Louis (Director of Programs), Brittney (7th grade student-athlete), and Jessica Fairweather (Girls Basketball Coach) watching a video detailing the WNBA.
New Heights coaches pause for a photo at the famous TNT Inside the NBA desk.
Following a couple hours touring the space, we headed back out on the road to travel 20 minutes away to support some of our current high school student-athletes: Christian Jeffery, Deron Rippey, Jr., and Ian Archbold. All three have begun being recruited nationally, with Christian having already committed to attend the University of Maryland. On top of that, New Heights was met with a big surprise when NBA legend Tracy McGrady walked into the gym, and was nice enough to take a photo with some of our student-athletes!
A few of our student-athletes posing for a photo with NBA legend Tracy McGrady.
Despite not coming away with a win on the day, New Heights represented themselves well, with all three boys having solid games. On top of that, they were showered with love and fandom from our middle school student-athletes, who couldn’t wait to talk to them after their games. Before everyone headed out, we made sure to take a group photo, then got everyone some much-needed food from Red Rose Pizzeria for the bus ride back to our Brooklyn facility!
Middle school student-athletes from our boys teams posing for a photo with their coaches, Christian, Deron, and Ian.
We take our annual middle school trip outside of New York City in order for our student-athletes to get experiences they wouldn’t have access to otherwise, all while showing them the importance of showing up for one another regardless of age or grade. By giving them a chance to see and learn from those older than them, our young people leave inspired and motivated to follow in their footsteps, which is not only a testament to their work ethic, but the role models our high school student-athletes become as they progress through school. This is just one way New Heights fulfills its mission of educating and empowering promising underserved youth to be leaders, champions and student-athletes.
We can’t wait for next year’s trip!