Ho-Chunk youth filled the District 1 Community Center on September 7 for the Hoocak Manape Mind, Body & Spirit Basketball Academy, led by professional basketball player Bronson Koenig.

     Koenig, a former Wisconsin Badger standout who went on to play with the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls, returned home to inspire the next generation of Ho-Chunk athletes.

     The daylong camp brought together students from 3rd through 12th grade. Younger players (grades 3–7) kicked things off in the morning, working on fundamentals like dribbling, footwork, and shooting.

     After a community lunch, high school athletes (grades 8–12) took the court for advanced drills and scrimmages in the afternoon.

     For many youth, it was a rare chance to learn directly from someone who has walked the same paths they are on now.

     Koenig shared his experiences as a Ho-Chunk athlete navigating Division I basketball and the NBA, reminding students that their heritage is a strength they can carry into any arena.

     The Hoocak Manape academy capped the day with smiles, tired legs, and renewed confidence.

     For Koenig, it was another step in giving back to his community and showing that success in sports and in life comes from nurturing the whole self, mind, body, and spirit.