Tampa Thunder was established in 2010, growing to 12 teams in that time frame.  Tampa Thunder Elite is heading into their 3rd Spring season, while Tampa Thunder-Team Dupree will begin in 2015. Located in Tampa Florida, President of Tampa Thunder Rob Walker’s mission is to provide a healthy but competitive venue for young athletes aspiring to be skilled basketball players. “ We believe in giving our players a firm foundation in the many individual skills required to be a strong basketball player. Equally important, our coaches teach our players to use these skills effectively as a team”. – Rob Walker

 

Our 2015 committed players include:

Peyton Walker - Wofford College

Charlisa Jenkins - Gardner-Webb University

Emily Lines - University of New Mexico

Rebecca Moura - University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Rachel Briere - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Angel Golden - Bethune-Cookman University

Nandi Jorden - University of Mobile

Asia Royster - St Leo University

 

Our Program:

Top prospects from the class of 2016 include; Hayley Duren (6-4/F/American Heritage) Versatile lefty that moves well on the court.  Hayley is a great passer and can play with her back to the basket or in a face up game.  Has very nice touch from 15-18 feet and solid ball handling skills for a player her height. Savannah Plentovich (5-8/CG/Calvary Christian) High IQ player with a very high motor. Lefty with good three point range.  Very good at every aspect of the game and can play the PG or wing effectively.   Plays hard on both ends of the court and is very scrappy. Another guard Carley Plentovich (5-8/CG/Calvary Christian)  High IQ player that makes everyone around her better.  Very good at all aspects of the game, she can beat you from behind the arc or attacking the basket.  Scrappy player that does the little things to win. Jennifer Bollinger (5-11/W/Calvary Christian) Versatile player that can play and defend three positions at the college level.  She has diverse offensive skill set, which allows her to be dangerous from any place on the court.  

 

 

There is no lack of talent for the class of 2017, leading the way is Madison Pack a 6’3 Forward from Sarasota. )  Very fundamentally sound player with a high basketball IQ.  Excellent inside-out game, efficient from behind the arc and excellent footwork in the post.  Runs the court well and is a very skilled passer.  Solid interior defender that is a capable shot blocker. A 6’1 forward Tina Stephens, from Seffner Christian Academy is a raw player with a combination of speed and strength. Has the athleticism to develop into a Small Forward at the college level.  Aggressive rebounder and has a nice face-up game from 15 feet and in.  Excellent shot blocker and can defend faster players on the perimeter. 

Looking towards the Future:

Also attending Seffner Christian Academy is a 5’6 point Guard Nykeria Reed. A 2018 lock down defender, quick as lighting. Has poise at the PG position well beyond her years, does a great job of facilitating the offense and getting players involved. Deceptively good rebounder and makes the hustle plays.  Runs the floor well and has a consistent shot from behind the arc.  Audra Leipold a 5’7 guard from Academy at the Lakes is one of the top perimeter shooters in Florida. Excellent at attacking the openings and taking great shots. A nifty player that can get into the paint against faster defenders and finish. An unselfish player that makes great hustle plays.

         Brylee Bartram a 2019 recruit from Seffner Christian Academy, is known as one of the top shooters in Florida. She has excellent range along with efficiency from behind the arc. With nice frame and ability to grow, Brylee will be able to endure the physical style of the game. The future of Tampa Thunder is a two fold- President Rob Walker envisions his program fulfilling a huge gap in the greater Tampa Bay area by truly teaching young kids how to play the game the right way. “We want to ensure our middle school student-athletes are prepared to give meaningful contributions to their future high school basketball programs.  From a high school level, we want to establish the Thunder on the national recruiting scene to ensure we can give our players the greatest opportunities to reach their dream of being a college basketball player.  We don't just want our players to make it to the college level, but we want to ensure they are prepared to be successful at the next level and they have a rewarding experience.  We are vested in building Tampa Bay's basketball community to put our community on par with the best in the nation.”