by Milinda Atallian
We’ve all heard the saying, “defense wins games.” How about “be a play-maker,” or “a good pass is just as important as a basket,” “you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take,” and of course, “nothing but net.” It is hard not to get swept up in the moments when you are watching a good basketball game.
If you’ve been on a basketball team, surely you can recall holding your hand up a little bit longer after a shot that goes “swoosh.” Or the squeak of your shoes on the gym floor, the volume of the buzzer at the half or the end of the game, and the sound of players communicating on the court – that is what makes basketball so much fun.
It is because of that fun that adults want to hold on to those sensations. And by participating in HAC’s Adult Basketball League, they can. Started in 2010 by our very own Assistant General Manager and Sports Director, Dave Mulvena, what started out small has now grown to 36 teams.
HAC’s Adult Basketball League started with 4 teams made up of persistent players looking for an athletic outlet for themselves and fellow HAC members. A community was instantly formed, and by year two of the league, the number of teams doubled.
At first, the league offered just one hour a week of games, but as it grew, the scope of the program grew, too. Dave established a Facebook page, enabling the players to take and view photos during games and read weekly write ups with stats and video highlights. Facebook provided a forum for players to showcase what they love to do – play basketball. Not only did the players get more involved, but their vested interest grew with aspirations of being in the all-star events and games and reaching for the MVP award!
As the popularity increased within the HAC, the league started to invite teams from outside of Delaware, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Not only did the men’s league grow, but Dave added a women’s league, too. As of today, there are currently 30 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams.
Earlier this year, the HAC Adult Basketball League also began its partnership with Baller TV, a platform designed for streaming sports games. The platform provides a dedicated station for family members and players alike to watch the games live and via playback.
Dave’s goal for the program is to “never settle with the product we offer.” He attributes the league’s success to the continuous evolution of the program, the dedicated staff, and the strong sense of community built at the Hockessin Athletic Club.
Where can I sign up? You can sign up via the HAC website or the Facebook page, “HAC Adult Basketball League.”
When do the seasons run? The league runs in three seasons: January to May, June to August, and September to December.
How many games do teams play per season? Eight games per season – and every team makes the playoffs.
How old do you have to be to play? 18 years old and up.
When are games played? Sunday evenings.
Are there different skill-level teams? Yes, there are currently four divisions with every skill level.
Where are they held? The games are held at the Hockessin Athletic Club as well as other local gyms and schools
Do you have a lot of players that return every season? Absolutely – we’ve also had former NBA, WNBA, college and overseas players join the league as well.
The HAC Adult Basketball League has become such a massive community thanks to the passion of all players and staff involved. If you want to see just how popular it is, stop by on a Sunday afternoon and see for yourself.
If you are thinking about joining, “just do it!” There is a division and a team for everyone, and you will soon hear your own feet squeak on the gym floor and the swoosh of the net as you make basket after basket.
Camaraderie, sportsmanship, competition, organization and the fun of being able to do something you enjoyed as a child are just a few of the things the basketball league can offer you. Through Dave’s commitment to the league and the many amazing players, the league will continue to be an integral part of not just the HAC community but dozens of other local teams and fans season after season.
