A philosophy built on giving
Dawn Plitzuweit, the head coach of the Gophers Women's basketball team, begins each interaction with a simple question: how can I be an energy giver rather than an energy taker? That mantra shapes every practice, every community outing, and now a three‑day camp designed for girls between six and thirteen.
The camp, held in St. Cloud, Minnesota, brings together the team's players — including Grace Grocholski, Mara Braun and Tori McKinney — to lead drills, run games and share the same upbeat mindset they model on the court. Each morning the campers receive a small assignment that pushes them out of their comfort zones, from trying a new skill to writing a note of thanks, reinforcing the coach's belief that gratitude fuels performance.
Service that reaches beyond the gym
One of the camp's most distinctive components is a visit to the Miracle League, an organization that provides athletic opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. Plitzuweit and her squad spend time meeting those athletes, listening to their stories and offering a high‑energy presence that mirrors the team's on‑court intensity. The encounter not only deepens the players' appreciation for the power of sport but also embeds a sense of purpose that extends past wins and losses.
Beyond the drills and the service project, the camp serves as a crucible for team bonding. By working side‑by‑side with the campers, the Gophers' roster builds chemistry that translates directly into the rigors of the upcoming season. The experience is credited with helping the team secure a Sweet 16 berth last year, a milestone that reinforced Plitzuweit's energy‑giver philosophy in the broader program.
Looking ahead
As the camp wraps up, the lessons of gratitude and positivity linger. Campers leave with a reminder to carry that energy into every chore, every class and every interaction. For Plitzuweit, the exercise is more than a preseason warm‑up; it is a blueprint for how the Gophers intend to approach the next chapter — by giving, by listening, and by staying relentlessly upbeat.