Bett gives back with camp

May 31, 2012

Former Mississippi State women's basketball player Catina Bett is hosting a one day basketball camp at the Starkville Sportsplex Saturday. (Photo by Kim Murrell, SDN)

Catina Bett enjoyed her basketball career with the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs so much that she wanted to give something back to the community.

Even though she was only a member of the team for three years and played for just two seasons after transfering from Kentucky, Bett came to love Starkville.

That's why she decided to hold the Catina Bett Developmental Basketball Camp on Saturday at the Starkville Sportsplex multi-purpose building and gym.

"It's about giving these kids something to do and give back in a way because it's something I know how to do," Bett said. "I know basketball is important here as well as football, but I know about basketball so I wanted to have a little mini developmental camp to show kids different skills.

"It's not just a basketball camp. I want to give a mentor aspect and before the camp, I'm going to talk to the kids about staying in school and making it something positive. It's a way to keep them of the streets and give them something to do this summer when they are out of school. It's a way to give back to Starkville. Everybody has been good to me here."

Bett said there were individuals that helped guide her in the right direction when she started playing basketball at camps.

"They were an influence on your life in a mentor aspect and you learn what people have been through in playing basketball," Bett said. "It's just to show kids the different things you go through and experience."

The camp takes place from 8 a.m. until noon, but Bett encourages campers to show up at 7:30 a.m. for registration and fill out a form.

Bett said the camp is open to boys and girls of all ages. The registration fee is $35 and drinks will be provided. Children should wear a t-shirt that parents wouldn't mind being autographed.

For more information on the camp, Bett can be contacted by phone at 256-295-8841 or by email at clb704@msstate.edu.

"I want it to be a success because it's my first camp so I can come back and do it longer, maybe more than one day," Bett said.