Bridget Pettis Cultivates Farm-to-Court Connections for Phoenix Youth

Bridget Pettis, a beloved figure in the WNBA and former Phoenix Mercury player, is forging a new path as a community-driven entrepreneur. Using her skills from the basketball court, she is making a meaningful impact on local youth through a spring break basketball skills camp in Phoenix.

Pettis, who played six seasons for the Mercury and later served as an assistant coach, now channels her energy into nurturing the next generation. The week-long camp serves as a platform to keep children active and engaged during their break from school. “It takes a village for children to be successful. I’m a product of that,” she says, recalling her supportive community in East Chicago, Indiana. “I want to give that opportunity to other kids.”

Ten-year-old Delilah Buhr, a dedicated participant, has been inspired by Pettis’ legacy. Buhr, who has previously been highlighted in local media, mentioned her admiration for Pettis, saying, “She makes the lunch and breakfast. Her stuff is delicious and healthy.” Pettis incorporates farm-fresh meals from her own community garden, Ms. Be’s Garden Market, into the camp offerings, ensuring kids receive nutritious sustenance.

The camp features a diverse schedule filled with basketball skills training, fitness activities, and yoga, all aimed at instilling healthy habits and a strong work ethic. “Just trying to give the kids a different experience with healthy food and mindfulness,” Pettis explains, emphasizing the camp’s holistic approach.

Pettis’s storied career with the Mercury began in 1997, where she made history by scoring the franchise’s first points. Her accolades include enduring a franchise-record of 154 consecutive games and being part of the Mercury’s original Ring of Honor. In 2017, she was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame but continues to make her home in Arizona.

This summer, she is expanding her outreach by taking her basketball skills camp to the WNBA All-Star event in Indiana. Furthermore, she is actively fundraising through the Bridget Pettis Foundation to support a camp for orphans in Zimbabwe later this year. Through these efforts, Pettis aims to share her passion for basketball, community, and healthy living with kids around the globe.