07.01.2022

Creating a Legacy Starts at Home

Under Armour Athlete Aliyah Boston Provides Access to Women’s Basketball in Her Hometown of St. Thomas

Aliyah Boston is one of the country's most talented and recognizable basketball players. She has come a long way from her makeshift driveway basketball court in St. Thomas, but that doesn’t mean she’s left the islands in her past. Earlier this month, Aliyah crossed yet another milestone off her list by hosting her first UA Next Basketball camp in her hometown in the Virgin Islands. Created to educate, empower and encourage athletes of all ages, backgrounds, skill and socioeconomic levels—especially youth athletes—to get out and get moving, Under Armour’s UA Next platform launched in 2021 and has since expanded to cover several team sports categories.

On June 10th, nearly 70 middle and high school female athletes filled the University of the Virgin Islands fitness center ready to improve their basketball skills under the tutelage of their hometown hero. All youth athletes attended the event at no cost and received Under Armour shoes, shorts, a jersey, a t-shirt, basketball, socks, a sackpack, and a bag tag. In addition to serving as the camp host, Aliyah provided attendees with an inside look into the mindset and skills she leans on to continue changing the game of basketball for female athletes today and beyond.

"Under Armour has a history of investing in youth sports. Providing girls in the U.S. Virgin Islands the access to basketball will help them realize their potential so they, like Aliyah Boston, can become one of the great leaders of tomorrow."

Sean Eggert, SVP of Global Sports Marketing at Under Armour

Several campers acknowledged how costly it’d be to travel to the mainland US to receive similar training from a certified basketball star. It isn’t lost on Aliyah how important creating this access to basketball is for players in the Virgin Islands. One camper’s parent shared that their daughter had been bullied throughout the school year, but that wasn’t the case at camp. She felt included; that this camp “really boosted her confidence.”

So, what’s next for Aliyah’s involvement with UA Next? She’d love to see her camp expand to different locations, but one thing she’s sure of is ensuring this camp continues in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She wants to give back to this community however she can and inspire the next generation of talented, hardworking, dedicated young women. 

 

This first UA Next camp is just the start of Aliyah Boston’s legacy. As one high school camper earnestly stated, “If we had more camps like this, then we’d discover more Aliyah’s on the island.”

“I want to be regarded and remembered as a role model for young female athletes. I want my legacy to be one of hope and change. When they hear my name, I want people to think, ‘Aliyah Boston changed the game of basketball.’”

Aliyah Boston, Under Armour Athlete