Colorado City, AZ – For the past ten years, the sound of bouncing basketballs and cheering fans has echoed through the Short Creek community, thanks to the dedicated volunteers behind the “Hoops” youth basketball league. What began in 2015 as an initiative of the Colorado City PTSA, spearheaded by Laura and Smith Timpson, has become a beloved annual tradition for children aged 9-14.
This milestone year marks a decade of providing a consistent and positive sporting outlet for the local youth. Following Smith and Laura Timpson’s retirement from Hoops and the PTSA in 2022, a new wave of passionate volunteers stepped up to ensure the program’s continued success. Mardi Holm, along with Heidi Hammon, Melissa Rain, and other dedicated PTSA members, took the reins and continued to foster the league’s growth and impact.
“This year, we had an incredible turnout with around 180 boys and girls eager to play,” shared Mardi Holm. The league comprised six teams in the 12–14-year-old boys division, three teams for girls in the same age group, and six co-ed teams for the 9–11-year-olds.
What makes Hoops truly special is its entirely volunteer-run nature. Holm emphasized the invaluable contributions of numerous individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making the league a reality. “We had multiple current and graduate high school basketball players generously volunteer their time to coach and referee games,” Holm noted. “It’s so great watching these kids give back to their community.”
The success of Hoops hinges on the collective effort of many. “We could not do this without the many people who volunteer their time in their already busy lives to coach these kids, ref games, run concessions, keep score, and track stats,” Holm stated.
Looking to the future, there’s a desire to expand the program to include even younger age groups. However, this ambition is currently limited by the availability of gym space.
Despite the challenges, the rewards for running Hoops are immense. “My favorite part is watching these kids progress over the season,” Holm expressed with enthusiasm. “It’s so fun to see a kid make their first shot ever in a game and the light that explodes in their faces! We do this for the kids… it’s a lot of work but worth it.”
The anticipation for Hoops begins well before the season even starts. “I have kids coming up asking when Hoops starts the fall prior to the season,” Holm added, highlighting the league’s significance in the community. “It has been the one constant sport they can look forward to every year in this small community.”
The dedicated efforts of the Hoops organizers and volunteers are also supported by the generosity of local businesses. The 2025 Hoops season is proudly sponsored by:
Bees Marketplace
Creek Valley Health Clinic
Ridgeline Storage
Hydrapak
Southwest Automatic Sprinklers Inc.
All Time Fitness
Zitting Bros Construction
Their contributions play a vital role in ensuring the continued success of this cherished community program. As Hoops celebrates its 10th year, it stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and the enduring love of basketball in the Short Creek area.
