Sheena Wethington got a picture with coach Mark Pope and others with his players at Hoops & Heels Friday night.
By SHEENA WETHINGTON, Contributing Writer
The first annual Hoops & Heels event can be summarized in one word: organized. At least that is the word I heard murmured throughout the conversations during the duration of the event.
As the women walked down to the court of historic Rupp Arena Friday night, they were greeted with a practice of the 2024-2025 men’s basketball team. While the team was practicing attendees could grab food and drinks and check out the vendors. Lee Anne Pope and her daughters (Ella, Avery, Layla and Shay) came out for a meet and greet a little later.
We must protect these Pope ladies at all costs — they are truly some of the sweetest human beings you’ll ever meet. All five took the time to have conversations with each clinic attendee, offering compliments and getting to know them personally.
“Of all the camps and clinics we do, this is the one we were most excited about,” Coach Mark Pope said as he welcomed the audience. He proceeded by having his daughters introduce each other. Avery is about to leave next week to serve a mission in El Salvador. Shay is a sophomore at Lexington Catholic and plays volleyball. Ella is married and played basketball at Ohio University but currently lives and works in Utah. Layla is a current Brigham Young University (BYU) student and dances for the Utah Jazz.
Do not think the men’s basketball players got off easy — they also each had to introduce one another which is a good way to see who has been paying attention to their teammates. Fun facts: Amari Williams and Otega Oweh were both born with an extra finger on their hand, Lamont Butler was born in a garage and according to Brandon Garrison, Kerr Kriisa is currently looking for his green card.
Attendees were then ushered off to one of three stations: a meet and greet with the players, a Q&A session with coach Pope and Lee Anne, and a tour of the locker that ended with a breakdown on team film with assistant coach Mark Fox and assistant coach Jason Hart.
Overall, this clinic was exactly what the women had been missing these past few years. We want to meet the players and take photos with them (or make Tik Toks). We want to see their personalities shine through. We want door prizes (even though I never win—but hey, my friend did!). We want a well-organized event. And this clinic delivered on all fronts.
A huge thank you to Lee Anne and Mark for all their hard work in putting together this fantastic event. From organizing each detail to creating a welcoming atmosphere, they made sure every attendee felt recognized and loved. We’re already looking forward to next year!
