WNBA's Myisha Hines-Allen Returns Home to Montclair for Basketball Camp
Photo by: Tim Heitman, Getty Images
WNBA star and Montclair native Myisha Hines-Allen is coming back to where it all began — hosting her first-ever All-Girls Basketball Camp at her alma mater, Montclair High School. For Hines-Allen, this is more than just a basketball event — it’s a homecoming rooted in gratitude, purpose, and a passion for giving back.
“Hosting my first ever all girls basketball camp in my hometown in Montclair means the world to me,” Hines-Allen said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for young ladies to connect and build relationships, not only with my teammates and coaches, but also with one another.”
Before becoming a standout at the University of Louisville and a WNBA All-Star, Hines-Allen’s journey began right here in Essex County — from her early days at Glenfield Middle School to the courts that shaped her game. She remembers having to travel to other towns just to find competition, and those experiences, she says, were instrumental in molding both the player and person she became.
“This camp offers these young women a chance to understand that they too can reach the heights I’ve achieved,” she added. “I grew up in the same gyms that they compete in today.”
The free camp is designed not only to sharpen basketball skills but to empower girls through mentorship and confidence. For Hines-Allen, the message is clear — the game is bigger than the scoreboard.
“My inspiration for creating this camp stems from a desire to show these young athletes that it’s absolutely possible to play at the next level,” she said. “Have fun. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — because when you make mistakes, that means you’re growing. Make connections early. The relationships you build now will last a lifetime.”
Those words mirror the very lessons that have carried Hines-Allen throughout her own journey — perseverance, connection, and belief. With women’s basketball experiencing a national surge in popularity, she sees this as the perfect moment to bring that energy home.
“New Jersey basketball has always been strong,” Hines-Allen said proudly. “We have some of the best players in the country, and it’s critical to instill confidence in this new generation.”
While this marks her first hometown camp, she says it won’t be her last. She hopes to make events like this a recurring opportunity for young athletes to learn, grow, and dream.
“I wish I had started sooner,” she admitted. “But the best time to begin is now. There’s a lot of excitement around women’s basketball, and it’s important for young athletes to reap the benefits of this momentum. Supporting their growth and confidence means everything to me.”
For Myisha Hines-Allen, coming back to Montclair isn’t just about basketball — it’s about legacy. The same drive that took her from local gyms to professional arenas now fuels her mission to open doors for others. As she continues to shine on the WNBA stage, her greatest assist may come right here — helping the next generation of New Jersey girls believe that they can do it too.