What sets Lord’s Gym Ministries’ new girls developmental basketball league apart?
Mya, 7, knows firsthand.
“There is more happiness and you also learn about Jesus,” the young Lady Panther professed.
Playing & Learning
Mya enjoys running, doing layups, shooting hoops, and spending time with friends.
For her mom, Amy, signing her up was an easy decision.
“She played soccer with Lord’s Gym and loved it, so we decided to give basketball a try,” Amy said. “It keeps her busy, active, and away from electronics.”
Amy has also seen Mya grow — not just as an athlete, but as a person.
Purpose of the League
During the 2024–25 winter season, Lord’s Gym began offering basketball for 2nd- and 3rd-grade girls. A gap quickly became clear: there were few rec-level teams and most leagues were athletic-level.
Rather than letting that discourage players, Lord’s Gym Ministries created a solution. This season the ministry launched a girls developmental basketball league — giving young girls a safe, local, rec-level place to learn fundamentals, build confidence, and fall in love with the game.
As players grow, they can move up to Lord’s Gym teams in the SWOB League, creating a pathway for continued development.
Coaches’ Experience
Volunteer coach Tomisin — known as Coach O — has watched the girls grow in skill, confidence, and love for the game. This is his second year with Lord’s Gym, coaching the third-grade girls.
“Some of these girls couldn’t make a shot on a lower rim at the start,” he said. “Now they’re playing games on regulation hoops. The league has given the girls the space to learn the game and build good habits.”
The blend of faith and competition makes the experience special.
“Being able to share the Gospel while coaching competitive kids is a dream come true,” said Coach O. He encourages others to volunteer.
First-year coach Lenna said partnering with Lord’s Gym felt like a natural fit. She played basketball growing up and has a strong faith in Christ. Her vision is “to pour into them not just as athletes, but by helping them know who their Creator is and how deeply He loves them.”
Her favorite sport has become her mission field.
“Coaching them reignited my love for the game in a way I didn’t even know I needed,” she said.
She is grateful to coach these “energizer bunnies, always full of joy.”
Community & Partnerships
The league’s impact reaches beyond the court.
Lord’s Gym Price Hill Youth Athletics Chaplain Sara said keeping games and practices local removed barriers for families, leading to greater participation and stronger community bonds.
“Between giving girls rides, spending every Saturday at noon together, to celebrating at the banquet at The Sanctuary, it was fun to get to watch the families come together in a way that echoes the community we will experience in heaven,” Sara said.
Partnerships also made the season possible. Thanks to Good Sports, Inc., every girl received brand-new uniforms. Youth Athletics Manager Chris McNutt said these partnerships “keep costs low and allow us to continue offering scholarships.”
Without a home gym, Lord’s Gym relied on the CRC in Price Hill. Thanks to SAC Tammi Nuber and her team, the Lady Panthers practiced and played there weekly.
Northern Kentucky University’s women’s basketball team also invested in the girls — hosting clinics, inviting them to games, welcoming them into the locker room, and assisting practices.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” said NKU Director of Basketball Operations Lindsey Duvall. “Our players love connecting with the girls and seeing them serve as role models is incredibly fulfilling.”
Last season’s frustration has become something new. Girls who once faced overwhelming competition are now learning together — building confidence, community, and faith.
