Youngstown, Ohio — Youngstown State head women's basketball coach Melissa Jackson and her staff will host three individual camp sessions on campus this summer for players and teams wishing to improve their skills on the court.
The camps are run by Melissa Jackson Basketball LLC and are open to any and all entrants, limited only by number, age, grade level and/or gender.
The first camp session this summer will be the annual Individual Half Day Youth Camp for boys and girls entering grades 3-8. It will be held on June 22-24 and will focus on improving fundamentals and each player's all-around game. Discounts are available for select camps for YSU employees and siblings of campers.
There are also two Elite Camp sessions scheduled for June 28 and Aug. 2 for players looking to play at the collegiate level and who wish to showcase their skills.
For more information on the Individual Half Day Youth camp and Team Camp, email Director of Women's Basketball Operations Jason Pacanowski at jfpacanowski@ysu.edu. The contact for the Elite Camp is assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Shayna Gore at sbgore@ysu.edu. Registration for all three camps is available on penguinscamps.com.
Jackson, one of Northeast Ohio's most recognizable names in women's basketball over the past two decades, led the Penguins to unprecedented success in her second season in Youngstown. YSU played in the Horizon League Championship game for the first time in program history in 2025-26, and Jackson led a team to a postseason tournament for the third time in seven seasons as a head coach. She has been in the region for the past 18 years of her career, and she owns the highest winning percentage in Akron's history.
Camp Sessions
Individual Half Day Camp
Dates: June 22-24 (9 a.m. – Noon)
Cost: $100 (50% discount for YSU employees; $20 for second sibling)
Target Group: Boys and girls entering grades 3-8 in fall 2026
Contact: jfpacanowski@ysu.edu
Register: penguinscamps.com
Camp Description
The focus of this camp is to improve the all-around game. Participants will work on all fundamentals with ball handling, passing, shooting, defense, and rebounding drills. There will also be individual and team competitions where awards will be given. Campers will be separated into groups based on age and skill level. There will be a maximum of 10 campers per instructor. Prizes and a T-shirt are included.
Elite Camps
Session I Date: June 28 (Noon-4 p.m.)
Session II Date: Aug. 2 (Noon-4 p.m.)
Cost: $50
Target Group: Players entering grades 9-12 in fall 2026
Contact: sbgore@ysu.edu
Register for Session I: penguinscamps.com
Register for Session II: penguinscamps.com
Camp Description
This camp is designed for players entering grades 9-12 who are looking to play at the collegiate level and want to showcase their skills. The camp will cover all aspects of the game but focus on drills, station work, competitions and scrimmaging.
