32 FEBRUARY 2024 By Kylie de Best Over the summer, the Vasbinder family went on a trip to Wisconsin, where kids Jamie and Eva spent time playing gaga ball with their cousins. The family noticed the game’s popularity in the Midwest, seeing it at every playground. Earlier this year, the family was inspired to bring the game to the southwest and donated a ball pit to Hopi Elementary. “We knew gaga ball was an enjoyable group activity that many kids can play at once and that kids of any athletic ability can play. It’s friendly and fast-paced, which is perfect for recess,” Kelly Vasbinder said. “We thought that for our twins’ final year at Hopi, it would be special to give something they love playing for kids to enjoy for years to come.” After the family suggested donating the ball pit, it was approved by the PTA, and from there, they connected to the PE department to determine which size and style would best fit the needs of the student body. After the pit arrived, the community pitched in to help set everything up, with Vasbinder Development and Princeton Construction leading the installation. Kelly said the most challenging part was “digging a hole wide enough for the pit, as Arizona dirt is pretty hard!” Students are ecstatic about this new addition, and it has become the most popular activity during recess: “The gaga ball pit is so much fun,” student Karter Spellman said. “I was over the moon when I discovered they were adding a gaga ball pit to the playground. I love the game because it’s exhilarating, and a lot of kids can play at once,” fifth-grader Lexi Matz said. Lexi and her sister Scarlett also head to Wisconsin in the summer, so they are familiar with the game and always look forward to playing during camp. “I was so excited when I found out Hopi was getting a gaga ball pit. I watched it being built and was counting down the days to play. My favorite part is that it’s a fun game that kids of lots of ages and abilities can play,” second-grader Scarlett said. Gaga ball works like this: one person throws a lightweight ball (like a dodgeball) into the center of the pit. Players have to wait for the ball to bounce three times before they can start, shouting “GA” on the first two bounces and “GO” on the third bounce. Players then hit the ball with one hand, trying to get someone out by getting the ball to touch another person below their knees. Each game lasts around five minutes, and the last person in the pit wins. “The best part has been all of the texts we received from parents, telling us how excited their kids were about gaga ball and how much they love playing,” Kelly said. “Elementary school is such a special time. We hope that the gaga ball pit gives students a fun game to play with all the kids and encourages new friendships and inclusivity in a unique way.” HOPI GOES GAGA! Welcoming a new addition to the elementary school playground Students at Hopi Elementary help with the pit that was donated by a local family. PHOTO: JD LASSWELL