In many ways, Sarah Murrens of Libertyville is a typical high school sophomore.
She spends her weekdays studying. Then, she heads to the gym to work on her basketball game in the afternoon.
There is one different in Murrens’ routine: She’s a home-schooled student and plays basketball through Home Run Kids, a co-op program based out of Village Church of Gurnee that provides athletic opportunities to home-schoolers.
“I like playing sports,” Murrens said. “I have the opportunity to play competitively without having to go to a high school or play for a club team.”
Just like her studies, Murrens’ basketball activities are more self-directed than they would be at a typical high school. The athletes competing for Home Run Kids practice together or play games only two or three days per week.
The rest of the time, Murrens trains on her own schedule.
“It’s a nice in-between,” Murrens said. “I’m so glad they have something like this.”
Murrens scored 12 points in the Eagles’ 45-40 loss to Woodlands Academy on Jan. 5 in Lake Forest. Murrens, a 5-foot-10 forward, showed strong footwork and apt defensive positioning throughout the game. The Eagles were missing their starting point guard and only had six players in uniform, so Murrens played almost the entire game.
Coach Nate Gardner said the loose dynamic of the Home Run Kids program is what makes it both appealing and, at times, competitively challenging.
Home Run Kids also sponsors track, volleyball, cross country and flag football.
“Since they are home-schooled, it’s harder to get together on a certain night like a normal school,” Gardner said, adding the team usually practices in church or middle-school gyms throughout Lake County. “(Home Run Kids is) great for them to learn how to be on a team and how to work hard and stay in shape. These girls would otherwise not have a chance to play basketball.”
Gardner, a Spring Grove resident, home-schools all seven of his children, including Addi Gardner, a 5-9 sophomore guard for the Eagles. Addi Gardner tied Murrens with a team-high 12 points against Woodlands.
Addi Gardner’s school day begins at 8 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. She solves math problems and reads about history.
“The only difference is I’m with my family,” she said. “I can read a book and think about it on my own time. There’s not a set time for each subject.”
Her primary practice facility is the family’s barn, which has a basketball hoop. No need to drive to the gym.
Although there are clear differences between a typical high school setting and what Home Run Kids offers, the Eagles eagerly point out the similarities.
“We have the same experience in being different than the other kids,” Addi Gardner said. “We have great sportsmanship and attitudes with the other kids on the team.”
“My parents have a big influence (on education) and they teach us what they think is valuable in life,” said senior guard Sophia Alexakos, who resides in Lindenhurst. “Everyone is understanding. It’s a nice atmosphere.”
The Eagles get to enjoy the camaraderie of being on a team together, but they also have academic options for meeting new people. Murrens said she has studied at Indian Hill Elementary School in Round Lake Heights, which offers foreign language classes and electives to home-schoolers.
Home Run Kids does not participate in any postseason tournaments. When the regular season ends, the Eagles will gather for a party at Village Church.
“We get the sports side and the faith side,” Murrens said. “We are similar in a lot of ways although we are unique.”
Jon J. Kerr is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
