The byways and buildings at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) came alive with competitive game play at Hooplandia, the basketball beast of the Northeast. This third installment of the festival, made possible by the partnership between ESE and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, was a resounding success. On Sunday, June 22, amidst the sound of sneakers slapping pavement and bouncing basketballs, two standout volunteers, Kaily Godek and Phil Dumond, were recognized by ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy with MVP Awards for their exemplary efforts.
“The MVP Awards honor those who go above and beyond their roles as volunteers by demonstrating excellent customer service, a love for Hooplandia and being the ultimate team players,” said Samantha DePergola, Hooplandia’s volunteer manager.
“I extend heartfelt gratitude to both of you,” said Cassidy as he presented both MVPs with their awards, which were novelty basketballs bedazzled by Designs by Amanda Kate. “This is gesture of thanks for what you and all of our volunteers do, as the backbone of this event.”
Kaily Godek of South Hadley, Mass., is a rising senior at Western New England University in Springfield, where she was recently named to the prestigious Skookum Award list for academic commitment, leadership and representation of the student body. She has been a volunteer with Hooplandia since the event’s inaugural year in 2023 and is a self-proclaimed basketball superfan as a season ticket holder and media member for UMass Amherst’s basketball team. During her first year as a volunteer, she began as a court monitor and worked to corral young players. Now, she serves as both a scorekeeper and timekeeper.
Phil Dumond of Enfield, Conn., began playing basketball at the age of 12 at St. Bernard School in his hometown. The sport piqued his interest, and a friend helped him train so that he could make the team. Many years later, he is still enjoying the sport from the other side of the court, as a scorekeeper at Hooplandia, keeping tabs on the Celtics and proudly driving around New England with the license plate “4HOOPS.”
“I found out about Hooplandia at a Thunderbirds game a year and a half ago,” said Dumond. “You had a table there, so I took a card and looked on the website!”
Top performing volunteers can receive MVP recognition, but all volunteers enjoy perks when they sign up for the tournament, including meal vouchers during their shifts, free event parking, t-shirts, swag and more.
Interested in volunteering at Hooplandia 2026, June 19-21? Head to Hooplandia.com or check out our social media to find ways to get involved!