Community Corner

April Pickleball Tournament Recap

Our April monthly family pickleball tournament was won by the Hamley Family: Steven Hamley - a student at Timber Creek High School; Ryan Hamley - a student at Rollins College and Ryan teaches the Summer Chess Camp for Kids at the South Village Clubhouse in June; and father Mark Hamley who is director of athletics at University High School. Incredible players. The Mark and Monica Hamley have lived in Avalon Park for 18 years and have only been playing pickleball for less than a year.

Two barred owls appeared again at the tournament as soon as the sun set and the court lights came on. One owl sat on the fence and periodically looked out across the grass lit by the lights for food and also watched 9 year old Brayden and father Tony Geronimos play pickleball as you can see in the attached picture. Fun night.

Local Student Highlight: Jamar Ingram

Jamar Ingram, University High School Senior began playing Junior Magic Recreation Basketball at Econ Rec. Center when he was in Elementary School. He admits when he started playing, he did not really know the game that well but after much training and playing with some area travel teams, it was clear that he discovered his true talents.

By the time, he entered High School many student athletes begin transferring to other schools to get more notoriety and have better athletic programs with connections to more colleges. On the Eastside, we have to put in more work, maintain good GPAs and market ourselves more than the other schools. The conversation I had with my parents was that I wanted to stay at University High School and represent East Orlando.

My 2021-2022 season basketball accomplishments are as follows: leading basketball scorer at University High School, Vero Beach Holiday Hoopla 2021 All Tournament Recipient, Bill Jarrett Invitational 2021 All Tournament Recipient, Nathan Hayes Shootout 2022 Character Award Recipient, 2nd Annual Madlegz Senior Showcase 2022 nominee and named to the All Metro Team for the East.

It’s been a challenge with COVID-19 impacting seasons and so many student athletes in the transfer portal. However, I am glad that Webber International University saw something special in me and are giving me the opportunity to play at the next level and pursue my academic degree.

I am forever grateful to everyone that gave me encouraging words and cheered for me in a win or loss.