Erica Woods, the former Marshall University guard, has sacrificed a professional career to channel her energies into reviving women’s basketball in Bermuda instead.

The ex-NCAA Division 1 women’s college player turned down offers to take part in several overseas trials in favour of devoting her time to groom and create opportunities for future generations of players in Bermuda.

“I had the opportunity to pursue a career overseas after graduating from Marshall University,” Woods, who attended college on a full athletic scholarship, said. “But I have a passion for the youth of Bermuda and wanted to focus on exhausting all of my resources and other talents to help create opportunities for the upcoming generation here in Bermuda.

“I was invited to about three or four Combines to be scouted for teams in the Euro Leagues, but chose not to participate all together.

“I’ve been extremely blessed to travel the world to numerous countries playing the sport that I love, and I’m eager now to attract more females to the sport of basketball as women’s basketball has taken a tremendous decline over the past years.

“I’m currently coaching some of the young ladies throughout the Island in multiple settings, offering one-on-one personal elite training through Wolfpack ‘Lady Cats’ Basketball, as I have recently been appointed director of women’s basketball.”

Woods, who won a bronze medal with Bermuda at the 2007 Island Games in Greece, will share more of her expertise at the E-Zone Basketball Camp to be held February 16-20 at Berkeley Institute Gymnasium.

The five-day camp, open to male and female players ages seven to 17, is designed for all skill levels with emphasis on teaching participants the fundamentals of the sport, such as ball handling, shooting mechanics and passing and defence. The camp will also feature competitive shooting drills and games.

“The aim of the camp is to create a fun and productive environment for the youth of Bermuda through the sport of basketball,” Woods, who represented Great Britain’s at the 2009 European Championships, said. “The camp will be an alternative outlet for the young people in the community while also learning the fundamentals of the game and honing their skill set.

“My plans are to host camps throughout the school year during each break catering to the public and private school schedules so that all youth are given the chance to experience the camp.

“Also in the future I would like to hold specialized camps for those who become serious about basketball and would like to further their education through the sport.

“I’m eager to get this first camp underway and look forward to having a great time with all involved.”

For further details on the E-Zone Basketball Camp contact 504-8823 or e-mail ericaldub@gmail.com.