Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer and and former WNBA Cleveland Rocker Janice Braxton joined the Cleveland Cavaliers youth academy for a special WNBA-themed championship at their all-girls summer camp in Aurora on July 31.
“We want this to be a memorable experience that makes sports synonymous with fun for them,” said Melanie Seiser, vice president of youth sports and community development for Cavs Youth Basketball.
Former Cleveland Rockers player Janice Braxton motivates a group of girls before they take on the coaches during a WNBA-themed girls basketball camp July 31, 2025, at Aurora High School.
The event is part of the Cavs’ support for youth development and opportunities for girls in sports across Northeast Ohio. The camp was for 8- to 14-year-old girls.
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The athletes were able to celebrate their final day at camp with unique WNBA elements and activities.
Around 50 girls showed up for camp, and as they came in they were able to “walk the orange carpet” with their game-day outfits on. Many came in with fur coats and kitten heels and a few came in funny costumes.
After they changed into their practice uniforms, Braxton shared some words with the aspiring athletes.
“It’s always good to see my young ladies out and working hard, trying to get to the next level. I’ve been where you all are. It’s a long road but the thing is to have fun, don’t quit and give your best. These are going to be the days that you’re always going to remember,” said Braxton.
Jessica Davis, director of Youth Basketball Operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers, huddles with campers during a WNBA-themed girls basketball camp held at Aurora High School on July 31.
The girls began their warmups and then started playing their tournament rounds between the coaches. Groups were alternating about every 10 minutes so all of them could get their reps in against the coaches.
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The coaches did win by two points, but that did not discourage the girls. After a water break, they broke up in groups for jump shot practices and other drills.
Toward the end, the girls clapped it out and huddled together for the last time. They were able to win prizes and took a group photo with Braxton.
Ellora McKay of Aurora poses for pictures July 31 on the orange carpet before a WNBA-themed girls basketball camp held at Aurora High School.
Braxton is ready for the 2028 WNBA Cleveland team; shares insights
Braxton, who played with the Cleveland Rockers for three seasons, is engaged in the process of getting Cleveland a WNBA team.
“I’ve been part of it from the beginning. I was able to be with them when we pitched it to the WNBA and I was there when they made the formal announcement in New York,” said Braxton.
Ellora McKay of Aurora warms up basketball camp July 31 in Aurora.
The league announced the return to Cleveland on June 30. The team that has yet to be named is set to begin playing in the 2028 season.
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“It’s a 180 for me. That’s where I came from, that’s where I was when it ended, and I’m now back where it began. Mr. Gilbert, he stepped in and made it happen,” said Braxton of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. “We’ll be forever thankful that he saw something in women’s basketball to bring the team back here to Cleveland. I’m just excited.”
Sophia Losky of Aurora, right, tries to steal the ball away from coach Sunni Smith during a tournament round at Aurora High School on July 31.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs Youth Program hosts WNBA-themed camp with Janice Braxton