Beyond the Court: Quamar Hobbs
04/23/2019
Quamar Hobbs recently joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) scene this past year, when he signed up as a power forward for the 14U Ballers for Jesus out of Tampa. He has had a journey getting there though.
Quamar Hobbs recently joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) scene this past year, when he signed up as a power forward for the 14U Ballers for Jesus out of Tampa. He has had a journey getting there though. Hobbs wanted to play sports for a long time, but due to financial issues and lack of transportation, playing clubs sports was just out of reach. “I promised that once we got transportation that I would allow him to do sports,” Hobbs’ mother, Ieysha Spradley, said. “Unbeknownst to me, my son came home this year and had played every single sport.” For his efforts, Hobbs will be receiving an award in May for his sportsmanlike conduct at Pierce Middle School, making his mother very proud.
The house that Quamar and his family lived in for the last 12 years unfortunately wasn’t a good home for the family anymore. Ms. Spradley made the tough decision to enroll in a transitional housing program, but the leap of faith allowed Quamar to play sports and give Ms. Spradley the opportunity to go back to school. “I help my mom keep stuff clean and do what she asks me to do so that way it isn’t stressful for her,” Quamar said when asked about how he helps his mom out.
In 2018, Coach Robin Dickey approached Ms. Spradley about letting Quamar play for his AAU team, Ballers for Jesus. “Quamar brings very good energy and a very positive attitude at all times,” said Coach Dickey. “He is light hearted and a joy to be around for the players and coaches.” Coach Dickey has helped above and beyond his call of duty as a coach and graciously picks up Quamar and his brother for practice or school when Ms. Spradley swamped with classes. “That means a lot to me,” she said. “Because I am the type of person I very seldom ask for help but this situation has put me in a position where I have had to. I don’t like it but I had to.”
Quamar has easily folded into the Ballers for Jesus family. He says that playing for the AAU is fun for him and gives him the opportunity to build his skills, as well as helps keep him in shape. “It is giving him an opportunity to showcase his talent, but at the same time he is a giver,” said Ms. Spradley. “He wants to help other people to get better, and he wants to learn skills. I think AAU is giving him that opportunity to work with other kids and coaches.”
Quamar and his family traveled to Orlando for the AAU Spring Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex earlier in April. The Ballers for Jesus made it to the semi-final round for the 14U division before falling short to the MBE Elite team.
The house that Quamar and his family lived in for the last 12 years unfortunately wasn’t a good home for the family anymore. Ms. Spradley made the tough decision to enroll in a transitional housing program, but the leap of faith allowed Quamar to play sports and give Ms. Spradley the opportunity to go back to school. “I help my mom keep stuff clean and do what she asks me to do so that way it isn’t stressful for her,” Quamar said when asked about how he helps his mom out.
In 2018, Coach Robin Dickey approached Ms. Spradley about letting Quamar play for his AAU team, Ballers for Jesus. “Quamar brings very good energy and a very positive attitude at all times,” said Coach Dickey. “He is light hearted and a joy to be around for the players and coaches.” Coach Dickey has helped above and beyond his call of duty as a coach and graciously picks up Quamar and his brother for practice or school when Ms. Spradley swamped with classes. “That means a lot to me,” she said. “Because I am the type of person I very seldom ask for help but this situation has put me in a position where I have had to. I don’t like it but I had to.”
Quamar has easily folded into the Ballers for Jesus family. He says that playing for the AAU is fun for him and gives him the opportunity to build his skills, as well as helps keep him in shape. “It is giving him an opportunity to showcase his talent, but at the same time he is a giver,” said Ms. Spradley. “He wants to help other people to get better, and he wants to learn skills. I think AAU is giving him that opportunity to work with other kids and coaches.”
Quamar and his family traveled to Orlando for the AAU Spring Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex earlier in April. The Ballers for Jesus made it to the semi-final round for the 14U division before falling short to the MBE Elite team.
