LOS ANGELES – For some people, meeting their role model is a dream. For these young hoopers, that dream became reality when they learned firsthand from LA Sparks stars Rickea Jackson and Dearica Hamby.
It was all part of the LA Sparks’ annual 3-on-3 tournament BallN on the Beach — a powerful day of play, mentorship, and community impact. On Friday, July 11, The Sparks hosted this all-girls contest in collaboration with a nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities through basketball, the Hoopbus. Known for their court beautifications, social cause support, and youth programs, the Hoopbus strives to help young athletes envision succeeding in the sport they love. BallN on the Beach unites the competitive spirit of youth girls basketball with the inspiration from professional players.
Among all the talent and tough competitors in the tournament, one team stood out: the 626ers, who went undefeated in the rookie division. Representing their area code of San Gabriel Valley with pride, the 626ers brought hustle, chemistry, and joy to every matchup. Their coach, Joey, emphasized how the young ladies used their motto of staying together in order to win it all.
“We went up there just wanting to have fun and establish comradery for the girls,” Coach Joey said about their game plan. “A lot of good teams out there, a lot of good competition but sticking together was the biggest thing for us to win that tournament.”
Christopher Rodgers - LA Sparks
The 626ers celebrate with their rookie division trophy at center court in Venice Beach.
This tournament meant more than just wins and highlights. It was a celebration of women’s sports, hosted by an organization who knows firsthand the importance of investing in the next generation of female athletes. Under the leadership of Vice President of Community Relations and Social Impact Natalie White, the Sparks are determined to promise a brighter future for youth sports and beyond. Initiatives like Jr. Sparks, BallN on the Beach and partnerships with after-school and summer programs like Girls Got Game, allow the Sparks to help close the gap between underrepresented communities and opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
“It was so cool for the Sparks to do that. They are always looking out for the youth and utilizing that platform,” Coach Joey said about the Sparks organization’s community engagement. “We see women's sports just exploding right now and it’s so fun to be a part of that wave.”
From games to meet-and-greets, attending Sparks events has become a meaningful tradition for the 626ers. For these young girls, staying close to the players who inspire them is key to visualizing what’s possible. Always locked into the sport they love, the San Gabriel Valley team soaks in every moment by watching, learning, and dreaming. During games, you’ll often find them in the stands holding up handmade signs, smiling ear to ear as they wait to catch a glimpse of their future selves on the court.
Seeing LA Sparks stars Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson in person was the kind of moment that will stick with them forever. Before the games tipped off, the players had a chance to meet both pros and take pictures with them. Hamby and Jackson took time to sign autograph balls and jerseys from each youth player. Some even shared a heart-warming moment of sharing the same jersey number as the pros.
“I know we talk about the number of young girls who drop out of sports as they grow older.” Sparks’ forward Dearica Hamby said about the empowering event. “So, it’s things like this that keep them motivated and excited. Something they can look forward to.”
Rickea and Dearica lit up the court by simply being themselves, reminding everyone how representation can spark a fire inside a young girl who just wants to be seen.
And seen they were.
“It reminded me that I can be there one day,” 626ers’ point and shooting guard Zadie said about meeting Hamby and Jackson. “Anything I want…my dreams.”
Christopher Rodgers - LA Sparks
Fresh off their tournament win, the 626ers showcase their medals with pride.
At the LA Sparks and Connecticut Sun game later that weekend, all of the tournament-winning teams were honored on the court. By highlighting these young athletes, the Sparks organization truly acknowledged the values that define the game: sisterhood and determination. In a space where so many legends have played, they stood tall as the next generation shaping the future of women’s basketball.
“The Sparks did a good job of putting that platform together,” Coach Joey said about the 626ers being recognized at the game. “But also the experience of being able to go out and hold the trophy…Going to Crypto [.com] Arena’s center court just created core memories for these girls that I know they’ll never forget.”
When asked to describe that moment with only one word, Zadie smiled and said, “Amazing.”
“Not a lot of people get these opportunities that we have.”
In a world where women’s sports still fight for equality and investment, events like BallN on the Beach show us why they matter. Because somewhere out there, young girls like Zadie fell in love with the game of basketball and believed they could be the next Dearica Hamby or Rickea Jackson.