At a basketball camp, a former WNBA player bestows an accolade upon a young flood victim, recognizing the child's courage and tenacity.
A Tribute to Lucy Dillon: The Lucy Dillon Legacy Award at Hoops School
The Hoops School basketball camp in West Houston is drawing to a close, but the spirit of one young girl who was a beloved member of the community remains alive. The camp has transformed from feelings of sadness following the tragic loss of 8-year-old Lucy Dillon in the 2025 Hill Country floods to a focus on honoring her memory and legacy.
Former WNBA player Heidi Horton, who coached Lucy since she was six years old, established the Lucy Dillon Legacy Award as a tribute to the young girl. The award is given out at the end of each week, with permission from the Dillon family, to a child who embodies Lucy's determination, tenacity, sportsmanship, and fierce competitive spirit.
This year, 6-year-old Neesha Mehta was the recipient of the Lucy Dillon Legacy Award. The award is not a typical camp award, but a tribute to a young girl who was a part of the Hoops School community.
In memory of Lucy Dillon, the Lucy Dillon Legacy Fund has been set up by her family to support causes embodying her spirit. While specifics about the supported causes by this fund are not detailed, it can be inferred that the fund is dedicated to activities aligned with Lucy's memory, potentially including support for flood victims, youth basketball development, or community aid, reflecting the camp's mission and Lucy's involvement.
The Lucy Dillon Legacy Award aims to honor Lucy's memory and keep her spirit alive, not just within the Hoops School community, but also through the causes supported by the Lucy Dillon Legacy Fund. The award serves as a testament to Lucy's impact on those around her and her enduring legacy.
The Hoops School basketball camp was started 25 years ago by Heidi Horton, and the establishment of the Lucy Dillon Legacy Award is a fitting tribute to a young girl who was a shining light in the community. The camp community is showing respect and appreciation for Lucy Dillon and her family by establishing this award in her memory, ensuring that her spirit will live on for years to come.
Lucy Dillon's love for basketball, nurtured at Hoops School, continues to inspire as the Lucy Dillon Legacy Award recognizes strong sportsmanship and competitive spirit, reminiscent of her own, in young players. The WNBA, NBA, and sports-analysis communities could learn from the impactful legacy Lucy has left behind in this sports environment.
