If you are looking for an AAU team that is more of a family than a group of athletes, look no further. The Private Snipaz is a non-profit basketball team from Myrtle Beach, co-coached by Maddy Erneston and Ricus Askew, centered around growing their relationship with Christ above all else.

Erneston was born and raised in Palm Beach, Florida. She graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2021 and now serves as a missionary for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes(FCA). About six months ago, she and her team were facing challenges staying in the league. She powered through everything that God had thrown her way. She mentioned that her motivation to keep going was that some of her athletes were unwilling to give up due to a couple of obstacles. After all the challenges she faced, the owner of The Private Shop, Ricus Askew offered to buy The Snipaz’s jerseys. Once one opportunity arose, Capital Vacations decided to sponsor their whole season!

Erneston shared, “I was at a loss for words. A man I barely knew changed my players’ lives and at that moment I knew, that this was God’s plan to continue.”

She was ecstatic to be able to continue her players’ season. The sponsorship was a huge deal because Ms. Erneston believes that finances should not get in the way of talent and opportunity. The most recent tryouts for the team were on March 21. Some of our very own Panthers made the team such as Cedric Bellamy, Miracle Mclean, Maris Kate Payseur, Zydasia Huggins, Naz Thompson, Phillip Mclean, Quavon Ward, Javier Huggins, Sherlyn Mendoza, Helayna Walker, Masyiah Scott, Ava Chestnut and Taniya Simmons. CFHS alumni have also made the team like Wesley Fletcher, Mikah Nelson, Peyton Bridges and Jake Floyd.

“There’s so many amazing people who are a part of this team and put so much work into it, from players to coaches and everyone behind the scenes.  We are all excited to put our skills to work. I couldn’t be more blessed to be a part of this amazing program and cannot wait to see how this season goes,” added junior Sofia Morant. 

Erneston has continued to spread the good news of Jesus Christ as a representative for the FCA in the Conway-Carolina Forest area. She wants every person she comes in contact with to know that a relationship with Christ will change their lives forever! Many look up to her and realize that God can get them through the hard days just like he did for her with The Private Snipaz. 

“It is so much more than basketball. It is an opportunity to change lives forever.”

 -Maddy Erneston.