The Dallas Mavericks spent the summer hosting all-girls GEM Hoop Camps around North Texas, with the final event taking place last week at Duncanville High School. 

GEM, an acronym for Girls Empowered by Mavericks, aims to engage, inspire and empower girls, using basketball as a backdrop for their continued personal development and success.

The franchise launched the initiative during the pandemic and it’s since gone on to become one of the most cherished programs in the organization. 

The all-girls camps provide a valuable platform for young women to enhance their self-worth, develop their strengths and receive the necessary support to navigate challenges they may encounter. 

With basketball as the central theme, the Duncanville GEM Camp offered a unique opportunity for the young women to improve their skills and form lasting friendships, while meeting noteworthy role models who inspired them to chase their dreams.

Three-time NBA champion and Dallas Mavs veteran JaVale McGee made a surprise appearance last Friday to visit with the student-athletes. Other Mavs players attended camps earlier in the summer. 

Murphy DiRosa is the Dallas Mavs Business Operations Coordinator. She said GEM camps are special because the young ladies leave with a new passion for the game and friendships to go along with it.

“It’s a whole different experience being all girls,” DiRosa said. “We do a lot of character-building activities and we’re big on encouraging the girls. If you look out there now, there are some people competing on the court and others are on the sidelines braiding each other’s hair before it’s their turn to play. We learn a lot about each other. We start the day with positive affirmations, we talk about our CRAFTS at the Mavs, and they get to have a different experience that is built on empowering the girls. It’s a good time.”

What sets Dallas Mavs GEM camps apart is that the girls are coached by an all-women staff, creating an environment that promotes empowerment and gender equality.

Beyond basketball drills and training sessions, the camp includes daily journaling sessions and self-discovery activities to foster character-building and personal growth.

The Dallas Mavericks organization is committed to emboldening young girls throughout the year, hosting several GEM events to ensure a sustained impact on their lives. 

Mavs.com had the privilege of sitting down with one of the campers, Jamia Cleveland, to learn more about her experience. She is entering her freshman year at Mansfield.

To view photos from the Dallas Mavs All-Girls GEM Camp in Duncanville, click here. 

Mavs.com: Hi, Jamia! It’s a big move to head into high school next month. How excited are you, and how has the GEM camp helped you prepare?

Jamia: I’m super excited and prepared for basketball tryouts. I know that high school is at such a different level. I feel like this camp has helped me become a better athlete. Just yesterday, Coach Candice (Isaac) and Coach Danielle (Johnson) told us how important it is to have strong character on and off the court. They explained how coaches look for what people say about you, what social media reflects, and how you act on the court and toward your teammates. So it’s really all important, and I’m just taking it all in to make the team. 

Mavs.com: You’re older and maybe more advanced than some young children out here today. Have you been able to carry a different role at GEM Camp and encourage the younger generation, and how?

Jamia: My team right now is the Seattle Storm, and I have a lot of younger kids on my team. I definitely think I’ve played a leadership role. Sometimes I get a little frustrated, and even though we might not win, we will still do our best even if we lose. I try to give them the ball as often as possible, and I like seeing them smile when I cheer them on. 

Mavs.com: Today you got to meet JaVale McGee! What did it mean to you? 

Jamia: I think it’s really important because women need to be encouraged and brought up. Stuff like this really helps us to learn the game better. I was shocked to see JaVale, which was really cool. 

Mavs.com: Did JaVale share anything that really hit home with you? 

Jamia: He said his mom motivated him to do his best because his mom was in the WNBA. My mom inspires me to do my best, too, so that really touched me. My parents, in general, really motivate me to do my best, and they teach me basketball and stuff. My dad’s name is Jamar, and my mom is Latisha. 

Mavs.com: What do your parents mean to you? 

Jamia: I appreciate them so much, all they do, and all the money they pour in. I also have a sister who does a lot for me, too. Her name is Janae, and she’s really special to me. I don’t know where I’d be without my family. They are important to me. 

Mavs.com: Finally, what are your dreams? 

Jamia: I want to be a basketball player. If that doesn’t work, I want to sell houses and do real estate! 

On behalf of the Mavs, best wishes, Jamia! We will cheer you on as you embark on your freshman year! Dream big! 

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