For Taylor McKinney, a simple lesson taught years ago ultimately led her into a new business adventure.

McKinney, a Webster City High School and Iowa Central graduate, has started “T-Money Elite Basketball Training” as a way to help youth players improve their all-around skills.

As someone who spent countless hours in the gym herself growing up, McKinney wants to provide the same kind of support and services to the next generation.

“The reason why I chose to start my own basketball skills workouts is because I want to grow the game in the community,” McKinney said. “Once I graduated from Webster City, I’ve always wanted to put together a way where I can help individuals grow a passion for the game, but haven’t been able to do that as I spent my freshman and sophomore year of college playing basketball at Iowa Central.

“I wanted to find just the right time where my full attention will be focused on basketball and growing the love for the game, which happens to be this coming summer.”

Plans are in place for two camps to be held, with one for boys and girls in grade 3-6 and the other for grades 7-12.

The first will focus on all aspects of the game to get kids interested in the sport.

“I fell in love with the game at a very young age,” McKinney said. “I remember going to camps myself that got me interested in continuing to play as I grew up.”

The focus of the other camp will be on the offensive side of basketball. As a Lynx standout, McKinney scored a school-record 1,340 points with 469 made field goals and 188 made 3-pointers.

“I want to instill in them that the more work you do outside of the season, the more it’ll show during the season,” she said. “As I started my playing career for AAU at All-Iowa Attack, they would always tell us to go pick up a ball outside of practices and that’s what I would do. I would go to the gym many times having my dad (former WCHS boys basketball coach Marty McKinney) rebound for me just to get shots up. That grew my game tremendously over my career.

“I want to give those age groups the tools to be a better all-around offensive player — not just shooting.”

Individual and small group workouts will also be offered around the camps.

“My dad and (current Webster City activities director) Jess Howard have been great help on helping me get all of this set up as they both have been huge mentors in my life all throughout my playing careers both in basketball and softball,” McKinney said. “I’m excited to start this new opportunity and all the information to come will be posted on the Facebook page ‘T-Money’s Elite Basketball Training.'”