Athlete Spotlight is sponsored by Card & Associates and the Pacers Athletic Center.
Championship titles can be hard to come by, especially at the age of 8 – Lincoln Adwell holds four.
Adwell is honing his basketball skills at Pacers Athletic Center (PAC), with two of his championships achieved through the Indy Youth Basketball League (IYBL). He won his first championship ring in just the first grade, undoubtedly causing his passion for the game to grow.
With only two years at PAC under his belt, Adwell has been able to feel the impact and draw that the professional coaches at the facility are instilling in the young athletes.
“Coach Braden [Heil] encourages me to play as hard as I can, and to never give up,” he says. “He also makes me keep my head up whenever I make a mistake, and not get too down on myself.”
As a Primetime 2034 player, Adwell has found immense joy through his teammates, coaches, and the spirited competition the game brings. His passion has propelled him to claim championship titles in the IYBL Fall League and IYBL Back to School League, as well as secure the runner-up position in the IYBL Winter League.
Adwell has already cultivated a determination to continuously improve through dedicated practice and observing others on the court. He’s drawn to those around him, gazing at the talent that he hopes to one day mirror in his game, whether that’s studying professional NBA player Steph Curry’s shooting skills, or watching those who are a little bit closer to home.
“Watching my brother and his teammates play for the Golden Eagles [motivates me],” he says. “I go to their practices and play with them. They are a really good team, and I want to be really good.”
The young, impressionable athlete doesn’t shy away from knowing what work is required to further enhance his already successful skill set. These goals for the sport aren’t normally taught, and are ultimately only afforded through learned mental perseverance – something that has already been engrained in Adwell.
“I want to thank my papa for teaching me important things about the game, like how to shoot and how to make moves to get to the basket – to never give up and always keep working hard,” Adwell says.
His surrounding family members and coaches enrich that mentality to help him elevate his game.
“I would say [papa] is my biggest fan, and always encourages me and believes in me, and pushes me to do my best,” he says. “I would also like to thank my coach, Braden Heil. He always supports me and pushes me to do my best.”
The strength gained from his support system, matched with his early instinctive talent, has already shown PAC what’s to come and the mark he’ll leave behind.
