The Dawg Class: Training with Kelsey Plum to Reach the Next Level
Introduction:
At IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, a group of talented collegiate guards gather for the second iteration of Kelsey Plum’s annual Dawg Class. Plum, a WNBA All-Star, aims to help these rising stars in their transition to the professional level. The camp, sponsored by Under Armour Next, not only offers on-court workouts and live games but also provides access to Plum’s network of resources, including her performance coach, mental preparation coach, and trainer. Plum emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration within women’s basketball and aims to create a holistic event that caters to each participant’s needs.
Learning from the Best:
For Raven Johnson, a member of last year’s camp, the experience was transformative. Plum’s mentality of being a “dawg” helped Johnson regain confidence after doubting herself following the 2023 Final Four. This year, Johnson focuses on improving her basketball IQ and studying Plum’s footwork to enhance her offensive game. Similarly, Georgia Amoore, another two-time attendee, admires Plum’s style of play and seeks one-on-one time with her to understand how small guards can succeed in the WNBA.
Preparing for the Pros:
Dyaisha Fair and Kate Martin, both recent draft picks for the Las Vegas Aces, appreciate the opportunity to learn from Plum as they navigate their professional careers. Plum understands the challenges faced by talented players entering the league and aims to provide guidance on how to make an impact beyond simply scoring. By sharing her knowledge of training camp expectations and organizational preferences, Plum hopes to help these players secure roster spots and develop their skills further.
Supporting Each Other:
Despite being competitors on the collegiate level, the participants of the Dawg Class prioritize learning and supporting one another. Plum fosters an environment of camaraderie and encourages players to watch film, update their strength and conditioning regimens, and stay connected throughout the season. The players are not envious or jealous of each other’s success; instead, they understand the importance of building a stronger women’s basketball community.
Looking Ahead:
As the camp concludes, Plum remains committed to maintaining relationships with the participants and being a resource for their future endeavors. By bringing these players together, Plum hopes to elevate their collective achievements and contribute to the growth of women’s basketball. With the knowledge and skills gained from the Dawg Class, these talented guards are poised to make a significant impact in the 2024-25 season and potentially become future champions.
Conclusion:
Kelsey Plum’s Dawg Class provides a unique opportunity for collegiate guards to train with one of the WNBA’s best and gain access to invaluable resources. Through her holistic approach, Plum ensures that participants receive both on-court training and support in areas such as mental preparation and performance. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, Plum creates an environment where players can learn, grow, and support one another. The success of the Dawg Class highlights the potential for future champions to emerge from this talented group of guards.