Youth sports programs at Kids Unlimited recently got a boost from a former player.

Bodey Howell was honored as the Gatorade Idaho boys basketball player of the year, recognition that empowered him to select a beneficiary of Gatorade’s Play It Forward Fund. Designating KU as the recipient of a $1,000 grant, Bodey is sharing his success with the next generation of hoopsters.

“We’re really proud of Bodey’s journey and grateful for his continued belief in Kids Unlimited,” said Tom Cole, the nonprofit organization’s founder and chief executive officer. “He grew up playing in KU developmental basketball when he was in elementary school and spent a lot of time here and has fond memories of a place where he would spend his summers and his afternoons learning the game of basketball.”

Previously a student at South Medford High School, Bodey transferred as a junior to Owyhee High School in Idaho where he led his team to Class 6A state title this past season. The point guard received a full Division I scholarship to Rice University in Texas, Cole said. Bodey’s sister has played for the South Medford Lady Panthers varsity squad, which Cole coaches, and volunteered for KU’s basketball instructional leagues.

KU is gearing up to host its next developmental league, a five-week summer basketball camp, June 24 through July 24 for players in grades 3-8. Coaches will include nationally recognized high school coaches, USA basketball certified coaches and former collegiate players. The cost is $200 per player, including league T-shirts and game jerseys. Registration is open online, and scholarships are available.

KU Summer Basketball Academy is designed for players who have a passion to grow their skills, work hard and get better. Each week will focus on different developmental aspects with season-ending game competitions. The program is similar to what jump-started Bodey’s basketball career.

“It’s been fun to watch his development as both a player — and a person — and to achieve the rewards of winning state and national championships,” said Cole.

Gatorade selected 610 Players of the Year among 12 sports across all 50 states in 2024-25. Each of the state winners have an opportunity to select a youth sports organization to receive a $1,000 grant. Player of the Year winners’ grants have totaled more than $5.6 million across more than 2,000 organizations since 1985, according to Gatorade.

Youth participation in sports over the past decade has been on a double-digit decline, largely due to a lack of resources and limited access to athletic programs, according to Gatorade. To help reverse this trend, Gatorade launched its Player of the Year Community Grant, an initiative that empowers athletes to give back to other athletes so they can realize their potential through sports.