A Day of Celebration and Community at the WNBA All-Star Bounce
Thousands of children gathered outside American Legion Mall in Indianapolis, dressed in red WNBA All-Star T-shirts and carrying free orange and white Wilson basketballs, ready for the All-Star Bounce. This event, held on July 19, featured a half-mile dribble to the finish line at Monument Circle, drawing waves of young athletes through downtown. The day was filled with excitement as parents, volunteers, and even a group of Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders cheered on the participants.
Twelve-year-old Jillian Hawley led the way, sprinting to the finish line ahead of the crowd. “It made sense I came in first,” she said, referencing the weekend dedicated to women’s sports. “And I play basketball.” Her younger sister, Pippa Hawley, 10, was also participating, and the two were already excited about their next stop: the WNBA Live fan event at the Indiana Convention Center. There, they looked forward to hands-on games, giveaways, and surprise appearances from WNBA players.
For Addi Hanshew, 11, the Bounce was an opportunity to push herself. “My mom gets to take videos of me doing good, to see what I can work on,” she said. Her mother, Kara Jennett, praised her determination: “She pushed herself all the way through.”
Corey Wilson, senior vice president of community engagement for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, expressed his appreciation for events that bring the community together. “It’s good to be able to do events beyond what’s happening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and allow the youth in our community to enjoy the game of basketball for WNBA All-Star weekend,” he said.
Families continued the celebration at Monument Circle, where the All-Star energy was still high. A live DJ played music, kids raced to shoot baskets at pop-up hoops, and others took breaks with handheld fans and water.
Ella Miller, 13, had an unforgettable moment when she spotted Paige Bueckers, a Dallas Wings point guard and All-Star player, walking into the InterContinental Hotel. “That’s Paige! That’s Paige!” she and her family shouted, pointing toward the player. Ella and her sister, Kylie, 10, were both wearing Bueckers shirts, and they had been in the right place at the right time to catch her.
“I’ve been watching her since third grade,” Ella said, nearly in tears. “I’m so proud of Paige.” She once did an entire school project on Bueckers and calls herself an “OG fan” of the player. “Ella introduced me to Paige,” Kylie said. Although she plays soccer, Kylie was thrilled by the energy surrounding women’s sports.
As she walked back to her car, Jaimie Kennedy, 39, reflected on her morning as an All-Star Bounce volunteer. “I really enjoy giving back,” she said. “I love seeing those little kids’ faces and asking if they had fun. When their faces lit up, it made my day.” For Kennedy, the joy was evident.
Her kids, now 18 and 20, grew up playing sports, and she is a fan herself. For her, Indy was the perfect place to be this weekend. “It’s amazing we get to have a place to host these events,” she said. “I love it here.”
The WNBA All-Star Bounce was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community, sports, and the future of women’s basketball. From the start of the day to the final moments at Monument Circle, the energy and enthusiasm of the participants and spectators alike made it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
