Kemba Walker's impact in the Charlotte community continues

The Kemba Walker Academy is hosting a youth basketball camp focused on fundamental skill development, teamwork and confidence building on and off the court.

2025 Kemba Walker Academy Basketball Camp / Ashley Stroehlein

Hornets legend Kemba Walker is continuing to impact the Charlotte community by giving back to youth in the area. The Kemba Walker Academy is once again hosting a basketball camp for children and teenagers who aspire to gain knowledge in fundamental skill development, teamwork, and confidence-building both on and off the court.

Ashley Stroehlein

"We just want kids to be able to have a place to go to and enjoy themselves while working hard, being around good people, meeting new people and learning new things. I'm trying to create create a safe space as well," Kemba Walker explained. "It's been fun and my friends have been doing a heck of a job at running these camps."

Kemba Walker’s impact in Charlotte continues.

This week, his academy is hosting a youth basketball camp — giving back to the community that’s always meant so much to him. 🐝💜🏀✨@KembaWalker | #KembaWalkerAcademy pic.twitter.com/JtP6D3e8AX

— Ashley Stroehlein (@ashstro) June 16, 2025

Walker, a four-time NBA All-Star, is generous with his time, making it a point to show up at camp and spend time with the children who attend. "It's not normal to see just an NBA guy in your presence like that. I mean, obviously, I'm not in the NBA anymore, but I had a long career. So for these kids to come out here and be able to play knockout against me or just even play one-on-one, I'm sure it's something that they might not ever forget, hopefully," Walker said. "If I could put a smile on someone's face just by one little game, one-on-one and just shooting around, that's more than enough for me."

Ashley Stroehlein

The impact Walker hopes to make doesn't stop with giving back to the Queen City; he is also contributing to the organization that gave him his opportunity to play in the NBA. Walker is set to join the Hornets coaching staff for a second season.

When asked about what his first year on the staff taught him, Walker took time to reflect before answering. "I think for the most part, I just have a great deal of respect for the coaches, to be honest. When I was a player, you don't really understand what goes into these games and practices and things of that nature. So much goes on behind the scenes that you, just as a player, you just wouldn't even imagine," Walker shared. "I just have a great deal of respect for the coaches. The amount of work and detail that goes into these games and practice plans and each individual player is unbelievable."

Feb 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Former Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker smiles before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images / Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

As for his responsibilities for the upcoming season, Walker is excited to take the next step and appreciates the opportunity to do so. "This year was a learning year for me, just really just sitting back learning, and then them allowing me to do it as well. I appreciate those guys for that," Walker said. "I think I'll have maybe a little bit more responsibility this year, which I'm looking forward. I'm looking forward to having a specific player this season and going from there."

For more information on camps and events the Kemba Walker Academy will be hosting visit here.

Ashley Stroehlein

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