Nikewomen NFR Blog

FRIENDLY COMPETITION REAPS MAJOR BENEFITS

LisaLane — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:15:03 GMT

Will competition make you push yourself harder, train longer, and raise money? A campus organization found that the best way to raise money for their philanthropic organization that helps disabled children is to set up a week long event of exciting, intense competition!

Just about everyone loves to compete, and when at the end of the day winning means you helped someone else out, then there will be no sweeter victory. Victory in each game was not just about putting another “W” under your belt; it was about competing hard to make a difference in the life of a child.

Various student organizations signed up and paid an entry fee in hopes to bring awareness to an amazing cause. Not to mention, the competition is a huge mess of fun, intensity, spirit, and heart. Each event of the week brings out a different quality or trait that one must have when competing.

The week kicks off with a decorative "raid" in order to determine who has the spirit, creativity, and energy. These three elements are needed if the individual competitor will be able to last for the entire week! The second day is skit day! Every athlete must have a good personality and want to have fun. If you are playing and not having fun then you are not competing right!

The next day is when the athletic side of the competition kicks into high gear.

On day one of sports each team has to endure a blow up obstacle course, tug-a-war game, wheel-barrel race, sumo wrestling, and a blowup jousting competition. This is where you get to see which athlete has the required stamina, along with the inner drive to compete. Each game is of high intensity, but the athlete with the drive, heart, and right fitness level will come out on top of this day’s event.

The second to last day is the thrilling flag football tournament! Many teams hold practices before that, because if there is one day every team wants to win, it is this day. Single-game elimination really puts the pressure on to succeed, something every athlete has to be used to. Every game has to be your best game. The last athletic event is a single-elimination kickball tournament.

The final day is dedicated to actual fundraising. Here, the competitive edge of the athletic events is transferred to raising money for a very worthy cause. You can earn your most points on this day, because fundraising is the biggest factor in the game.

The best part about this highly spirited week is the fact that at the end of the day everyone wins. What matters most is you are making a difference and impacting another individual. This competition just goes to show that having love for the game and competition really has its benefits. There will never be a day when not one person is going to want to get out there and compete. So why not make it fun and compete for a good cause? Over the course of one week, thousands of dollars were raised for children with disabilities. The smile on the childrens'faces was the greatest victory of them all. We were all champions!

-Lisa Lane

LoveStrong

AshleyJohncola — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:45:12 GMT

I am proud to say that last month, Dana Spera and I attended the Philadelphia LiveStrong Challenge in Blue Bell, PA with 6,500 participants who raised $3.2 million!

Waking up at 5 a.m. has never been more rewarding. Dana and I found each other in a sea of bikers, runners, and walkers; anxious to support friends and family who have either lost, won or are fighting a battle against cancer.

Among the masses were groups of people that formed a team wearing self-designed t-shirts to set themselves apart. One team in particular really left an impression on me: Team Lovestrong.

Team Lovestrong is a group of people who found each other online to support the fight against testicular cancer and continues to raise awareness. They got their name when one mother who was sitting by her son’s hospital bedside was playing with the LiveStrong bracelet and it tore. It tore over the letter “i” and the hole formed an “o”; and thus, “LiveStrong” became “Lovestrong.” And love is exactly what brought this group together and what keeps them strong. They even had a canine team member who was diagnosed with cancer, underwent treatment, and was healthy and ready to participate in the walk! And honestly, it takes great strength, courage and especially love to not only fight cancer, but to hold it together and spread awareness at 7 a.m. on a muddy Sunday.

When we signed in the woman who checked off my name looked me in the eye and said that this day would change my life. After meeting all of these amazing and inspirational people I know exactly what she meant.

There are walks runs and other events going on everywhere all the time. Pick a cause and get involved. You will be moved, inspired, and helping someone just by participating.

~Ashley Johncola

LAX for a Cure

LaurenBrill — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:15:13 GMT

Michael Giangreco is a local sports reporter in Winchester, Virginia. Weekly, he tells the stories of great athletes in the local community but this summer he temporarily put down his microphone and put on his pads as he created Lax For A Cure, a two-day instructional lacrosse camp for children 8-18 that raises money for the American Cancer Society.

A former collegiate club lacrosse player himself, Michael’s grandmother died of colon cancer just a year ago, motivating the young broadcaster to use his love for lax to raise money for a cause close to his heart. Fortunately, the community responded well, making donations, cheering on participants and providing equipment.

However one participant, 12 year-old Ry McWhorter, played not only with a lacrosse stick in hand but also with a heavy heart in mind, as his father recently lost his battle to cancer. According to Ry’s mother one of the reasons her son wants to continue to play and excel at the sport is because his father introduced him to the game. Losing his father this past January, the lacrosse field has been a place for him to grieve and heal and participating in Lax For A Cure only brought him closer to a game he loves and a father he misses.

Although there are many young athletes like Ry, who are passionate about the game of lacrosse, there is no high school lacrosse team in Winchester. Surprisingly, much of the town is still being introduced to the sport. Despite the fact that many were strangers to the game of lacrosse, when all the drills were done and all the campers put away their pads, the town of Winchester helped raise $2,700 for the American Cancer Society. So while Michael tells hundreds of sports stories every year, ironically the story he helped orchestrate was one that had a happily ever after ending.

-Lauren Brill

Pink Links

JamieErdahl — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:10:30 GMT

It looked like your typical clubhouse at a country club. It was a gorgeous Monday afternoon and about eight men were enjoying the weather and cold beverages on a deck after playing a rigorous 18 holes of golf. Roaming around nicely decorated tables, this group of well dressed gentlemen would soon be joined by the rest of the people playing golf that day. But the one thing that brought all of these people together? It could be the fact that they were all wearing pink... but also, they were supporting a common cause.

The event was the 4th Annual Pink Links Open in Reston, VA. The Mid-Atlantic Affiliate of the Network of Strength hosted the tournament. There were about 100 golfers, both male and female – eight of who were survivors. There was an incredible atmosphere present that day. Groups of people from small companies in the area supporting breast cancer any way they could.

After the foursomes were done playing golf, everyone got cleaned up to have dinner. Their night would be spent chatting about local support services that their time and financial support from that day would end up benefiting. Things like the 24 /7 hotline that the Network of Strength provides, available to anyone who is struggling with breast cancer.

The most moving of scenes I witnessed that day was the 18th hole. As you approached the final hole, the sidewalk was lined with flags representing someone who had lost their battle with this terrible cancer. Not only was the event benefiting the future of knowledge and strength regarding breast cancerbut also the people involved took the time to recognize those who lost the battle.

It was one beautiful day of golf devoted to a beautiful common cause… the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

-Jamie Erdahl

Remember 9-11 Run

RosaMillan — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:30:42 GMT

Running a great race is satisfying, but doing it for a cause greater than yourself is always much more rewarding. That’s why I ran the Remember 9-11 5K Race at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, AZ. When I heard about the event, I immediately knew it was something I wanted to be part of it. You couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to embrace patriotism while getting some morning exercise.

From kids to adults, to active and retired military, police and fire service individuals, people ran in support of our country and for those who risk their lives every day to protect it. More than 300 runners took on the course, which included a couple of small hills. Participants encouraged one another, as it appeared to be a race for one’s self, rather than a competition.

The proceeds from the race benefited the Arizona National Guard Emergency Relief Fund and Freedom for Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to motivating and empowering military and others with severe head and spinal cord injuries as well as amputees to re-learn how to live and embrace a better life.

The highlight of the race occurred as a firefighter crossed the finish line in full gear. The crowd celebrated his efforts and perseverance with cheers of support. After it was all done, I felt really good about my physical accomplishment. However, I felt even more proud of being an American.

-Rosa Millan

A Tennis Fan's Dream

SarinaMorales — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:00:22 GMT

Taxis honked. The summer sun beamed. Tennis balls flew. On the corner of busy Broadway and 23rd street, I stood facing the Empire State building on a regulation-sized tennis court. Nike transformed one of the busiest street corners in New York City, into stands full of screaming tennis fans. Oh yeah, and did I mention Roger Federer?

In anticipation to this year’s New York City tennis season frenzy, Nike hosted Game.Set. NYC. An event that provided hundreds of tennis fans and young players a first look at what the Nike athletes would be wearing at this year’s Open. Nike designed New York City taxi inspired prints for players like Rafael Nadal and Gael Monfils. I chuckled to myself remembering my mother’s comments she’d make watching tennis together. “Isn’t Nadal beautiful?” I’d usually brush her off,“Oh mother, there’s more to the game than good looks.” Today I bite my tongue.

Above and beyond the good looks and fashion, the event allowed local youth tennis players to try their hand at experiencing what it’s like to go one-on-one with the pros. Tennis superstars, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams (to name a few), came out days before their big matches, to dish out a few tennis lessons. Each of them went one-on-one with New York City youth tennis players from the New York Junior Tennis League, Athletes for Charity, New York City Parks Foundation and Mentoring USA. Some specially selected kids had the opportunity to win money for the organization they represented. Nike donated thousands of dollars to these organizations to help support the growth of young athletes.

It was in the midst of the media frenzy and trying to get that solid sound bite, that I realized just how awesome these athletes really are. It was the fact that Serena Williams took the time to think of this year’s victory dance move with me and that Gael Monfils taught me how to say, “I love tennis” in French. My personal favorite part of the event was watching Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal play a mini match against each other, with John McEnroe as the official.

The beauty of the game came alive, days before the matches had even begun. Fans and young tennis players witnessed and participated in a once in a lifetime experience. Their cheers and their excitement gave me goose bumps and it is an experience I will always remember.

Now let’s see who takes home the trophy!

-Sarina

5K for a Cause, Women Only!

AllisonObrien — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:30:01 GMT

The Cause:

The registration table read “NOCC 5K - For Women”. I marched up to the table and happily pined on my bib, as I had just entered to run in the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition 5K. Participants began to gather at the starting line, and I was suddenly swimming in a sea of elated ladies, a majority proudly dressed in their teal race shirts. The bib pined to my shirt read “640”, my race number, as I was there running to support the cause. The bibs pinned to the shirts of many ladies in my near sight had handwritten names or common words that read: “Mom”, “Grandma”, or “Survivor”. These ladies participated for individuals that had unfortunately been affected by the illness.

Just before we set off to run the 3.1-mile course, I looked to my left to see a bib on the back of a participant’s shirt. She had triumphantly written, “5 Year SURVIVOR”. She fought the disease and would now fight the finish line. I would soon embark on a run with this brave woman and many more a like, all who would finish the 5K, proudly after beating Ovarian Cancer. Now that’s motivation!

The Race:

I ran well that day, but not great. My pacing was off; as a result I began to burn out towards the end. My first mile was one of the fastest miles I have run to date, while my last mile was probably one of the slowest miles I have run to date! It was my first outdoor run in weeks, as I am constantly battling the 100 + degree days under the Texas summer sun. More important than my average pace or my finishing time, running in the event was a great experience. One common cause brought women for all ages and fitness levels together to fight for Ovarian Cancer survivors and further the research of the dreadful illness.

The Aftermath:

After crossing the finish line, I cheered those behind me across the line. Following the run, I headed inside for the Balanced Women’s Health & Wellness Expo. There I was able to see the presentation of awards. The winner crossed the finish line at 19:28, a grandmother - granddaughter team placed 2nd in their respective age groups, and a 74 year old women took home a 1st place finish in her age group. Not often can you run in a women’s only event. If you have interest in doing so or to support the fight against Ovarian Cancer, check out the NOCC website. Upcoming 5K events will be held in numerous U.S. cities including: Wichita, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and Cincinnati.

-Allison O’Brien

160 Mile Run for St. Jude!

AshleyKoehn — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:05:48 GMT

20 Teams & RV’s.
160 miles.
31 hours.
Running from Chicago to Peoria, IL.
Along back country cornfield roads.

During the day, our stride was encouraged from people cheering from their doorsteps!
During the pitch-black night, the stars guided our steps.

We slept in brief 30-minute increments.
We didn’t shower for the first 26 hours.
Our blisters bulged.
Our RV smelt of sweaty socks and PB&J sandwiches.

Yet, believe it (or not), Team, “Jude! Where’s my Car” couldn’t stop laughing and smiling.
And in the end, this race raised more than $300,000!

My friends and I have always run for “ourselves.” We’ve raced in marathons and triathlons, yet we have never run for those who couldn’t run, those who could barely leave the hospital to play on the swing set. The “inspiration” behind our 160-mile run was for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

St. Jude Children’s Hospital was founded by the entertainer, Danny Thomas. Early in his struggles to become an entertainer, Thomas prayed to St. Jude and pledged to “build a shrine to the saint if he would show him the way.” His prayers were answered as today, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers. More than 5,000 children are treated every year. In addition, St. Jude is the ONLY pediatric cancer center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay.

This was team “Jude! Where’s my Car?” first appearance to the St. Jude Run, and absolutely not our last!

To help, donate, volunteer and learn more about this race and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, visit: www.stjude.org

-Ashley Koehn

Get Your Dirt On!

AshleyCeaser — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:40:03 GMT

I had never been dirtier in my life. Every inch of me was covered by mud. I could not see my shoes or even my legs and arms. In fact, I could not touch anything without leaving a trail of mud. I had mud on my face, even in my hair and ears. And the funny thing is I paid money for the experience.

The other month, I participated in a 10K race known as Muddy Buddy. As stated in its name, you and a buddy switch off, as a team, between biking and running (one person starts off running while the other is biking). At designated transition spots, the biker drops the bike and begins running, and the runner picks up the bike and begins riding. But, in order to keep it interesting, both team members must go through obstacles such as a rope crawl, a fence (to climb over) and even a giant inflatable slide before continuing onto the next leg. Finally, before crossing the finish line, the team must crawl on their hands and knees through a huge mud pit. My buddy (or as Muddy Buddy likes to call them--partner in grime) was my youngest sister, Caitlin. We had so much fun and really bonded over the experience. The spectators and fellow participants were enthusiastic, with many racers wearing costumes with decorated helmets and bikes.

The race is open to everyone, ages 16 and up, and racers are grouped according to their combined ages and team type (male/male, female/female or co-ed). If you do not think you are much of racer, do not worry. My sister who had never run more than 2.5 miles had no problem completing the race.

The cost is $150 per team. Moreover, when registering for the race, teams have to opportunity to receive their own customizable website to help raise money to enable Challenged Athletes Foundation to help athletes with physical disabilities. By raising at least $25, the team will receive a gift bag, a meet and greet with a CAF athlete, and other rewards.

Races are taking place in 8 more cities around the country until the end of the year. Check out www.muddybuddy.comfor more details. If you do the race, remember to wear something you’re willing to get some dirt on.

-Ashley Ceaser

Little Trike Hundred

KatieOsborne — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:15:32 GMT

Have you ever stopped to think what it would be like if bicycles were really tricycles instead? Do you think having that one extra wheel would make it easier or harder to ride? The Little Trike Hundred in Bloomington, Indiana is a philanthropic event put on to raise money for CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. Participants in the race were able to put that question to the test and to find out if it is easier or harder to ride tricycles, while having fun and raising money for a great purpose.

This tricycle race is unlike any other cycle race. The Little Trike Hundred is based off of a college bike race called the Little 500, which was created to mimic the racecar race, the Indianapolis 500. The Little Trike Hundred is held on a cul-de-sac using adult size tricycles for the competition. Teams are compromised of all different groups of people in the community, whether they are from Greek houses, dormitories or other organizations that want to participate.

To add a little more excitement to the competition, each team has the option to “theme up” their team for the best costume contest. The teams cover a distance of approximately 50 yards for a quick 180-degree turn around and ride back to the start/finish line. This year, there was three times the number of participants and teams compared to last year, raising over $2,500 for CASA. Not only is this competition fun, but it is also great knowing that when you are having fun participating, you are also helping others. The beneficiary, CASA, is an organization that places volunteers with kids to help advocate and support in legal issues when the kids do not have the means for the assistance. It was amazing to know a check will be written to CASA to help those who need it.

To answer the question, does having that extra wheel make it more difficult to ride? In my opinion, the answer is yes! When originally looking at the tricycle, I thought that it would make for an easy ride because, duh, there is an extra wheel, but after my own experience, I would have to say that is not the case. The placement of the wheels on the tricycle made it more difficult to turn, especially when under pressure with people cheering to win. It is fun to participate in events that are different than others, especially when it is for a good cause and even more enticing when the winners receive the infamous “Golden Tricycle.”

-Katie Osborne

Down and Dirty

TanyaLopez — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:44:01 GMT

The Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation has come up with the perfect activity for people who want to give back and have fun doing it. The foundation has been helping special needs children since 1963, by helping the children and their families with various funding and resources.

So you like volleyball? In June, the foundation will put on their 15th annual Mudd Volleyball tournament for over 12,000 people.

Here’s how it works. If you and mud do not get along, you can still participate by becoming a sponsor. Otherwise, get your team together. Many people play with their co-workers but a group of friends can also do the trick. The teams can be co-ed of 12 people. All players must be 18 years and above to play the game.

It’s okay if you are not very good at volleyball, most of the players aren’t and just remember that it’s for the kids. Once you have your team together, start the planning. Register your team and get creative with the name. Once registered, you can plan a creative tent for your team that can be set up at the volleyball site.

Although you are having fun, there are rules that need to be followed like, no pets or coolers with alcohol.

If you’re the type of person who likes the mud but would like it gone as quickly as it was put on, a mass amount of showers are offered at the site so you can rinse off and enjoy the rest of the day. Don’t expect it to be a short day because most teams play five games.

Teams can also win prizes for their creativity and other incentives include food vendors and beverages.

If you really don’t want to participate in getting dirty, there is one other option. Become a referee by volunteering your time at the event. You only have to be 14 years old and you can see all the action up close.

There are so many events for the summer that keep you active while contributing to great foundations. Find the Mudd volleyball in your community. Maybe it will bring back childhood memories of playing in the mud.

-Tanya Lopez

Dana Leonard: Coaching Joy Of The Game

DanaFine — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:19:14 GMT

One summer when I was in junior high I decided I should go to basketball camp. The camp was for girls in my district but because I didn’t go to public school I didn’t know even one girl. I just played basketball but didn’t really talk to anyone until a young coach started talking to me and got me involved with the social aspect of the five-day camp. I knew right then that this coach was special but I was unaware of the impact she would have on many other girls from then on.

Dana Leonard, 30, was a star basketball player in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Since she was a very little girl she has loved playing basketball. Her dad was a coach at a local high school and she used to go watch him coach as a youngster. She went onto play at a Division 1 college and major in Communications. While she was in high school and college she helped run clinics. She originally thought she would go into sports marketing or be a sports agent. However, her love for coaching was too strong and she started coaching leagues and travel teams as well as running clinics all year round.

She runs clinics for girls in grammar school through high school. It doesn’t matter what age these girls are, she has their attention as soon as they are on the court. If you were to walk into one of Leonard’s clinics you would see a bunch of girls staring at and admiring her. Being a coach and being a role model are synonymous and it is clear that Leonard takes that very seriously with her teams.

For about the past four years Leonard has been running her programs with the help of Joy of the Game in Deerfield, IL. Hundreds of girls have gone through her program and have gone onto to be stars at their high schools. She also has some of her high school player’s help out with her younger leagues. Not only is she helping teach young girls to be players, she is giving these girls the skills to become great coaches. Women’s basketball is only growing and with the help of people like Leonard the possibilities are endless for these rising stars.

-Dana Fine

A Special Day At The Special Olympics

AshleyCeaser — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:18:30 GMT

The oath is “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Recited by the athletes before the competition, their dreams of participation were realized at the 2009 Regional Basketball Tournament for Special Olympics Northern California, where I recently volunteered.

Not only was volunteering a lot of fun, but it gave me a renewed sense of camaraderie, friendship, and teamwork. It was just so inspiring to watch each and every one of the athletes. There was no end to the amount of cheers, “high fives”, and smiles that day. The positive feelings of the moment reminded me that first of all, a sport is fun.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the Special Olympics, they are a non-profit organization that provides training and competition to individuals that have developmental disabilities. Not only does it give the athletes an opportunity to take part in a variety of sports, but the games also help foster the development of physical fitness, courage, confidence, and friendship. While I only saw the basketball tournament, there are up to 15 other sports (in Northern California) that more than 13,000 members can take part in, including Aquatics, Gymnastics, Power Lifting, and even Roller Skating. Rather than teaming the athletes by age, it is based on skill level and anyone from ages 8-80 can play.

With more than 1 million athletes worldwide, volunteers are always more than welcome at the local, state, national, or international level. Whether you can commit some time on a consistent basis or for just a couple of events, I would definitely recommend participating. To find out the nearest Special Olympics in your area, you can check out www.specialolympics.org and if you live in Northern California, visit www.sonc.org

-Ashley Ceaser

And The Winners Are...

meghanbrennan — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:56:16 GMT

Saudi Arabia has a population of roughly 28 million. This past summer, during the Beijing Games, 16 Saudi Arabian citizens represented their country in five events. Prior to Beijing the country has participated in 7 Summer Games. In all, Saudi Arabia has produced 166 athletes.

Not one was a female.

The oppression of women in society and sport is an ongoing theme in many parts of our world. Because of this, Nike – a long time advocate for the equality of women in sport – and Ashoka’s Changemakers – a non profit support system for social entrepreneurs - teamed up to produce the GameChangers competition.

The idea: To scour the globe in search of individuals or groups taking lead in the social change movement for women in sports.

The criteria: Candidates, hailing from all corners of the earth, must exhibit innovation, social impact and sustainability within their program.

The forum: Nikewomen.com/gamechangers, where participants can submit nominations and raise awareness of the issues that prevent women’s involvement in sport, like social stigmas and personal safety.

The prize: $5000 awarded to the top two finalists and $1500 to the runner up.

After roughly five months of sifting through 1550 nominations from 59 countries, Nike and Ashoka’s Changemakers are proud to announce the top 3 winners:

1. A JOURNEY THAT WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES – Nepal
2. LET US PLAY – Kenya
3. Team – UP for Girls – United States

Whether training Nepalese women as trekking guides, providing affordable sanitary pads for girls in East Africa or mentoring girls from low income communities, all three of the GameChangers’ winners are taking steps toward a brighter future for girls and women in sport.

Like the transformation from carbon to diamond, social change of this magnitude does not happen overnight. But with persistence, constant pressure and the right amount of heat, we can be responsible for a drastic circumstantial change.

We may see that change in 2012, if the International Olympic Committee rules that every country participating in the London Games must produce a female athlete. And if we do, we will see a sparkle in the eye of every Saudi Arabian woman that shines brighter and holds more value than all the diamonds in the world.

-Meghan

To find out more about the winners and other finalists, visit Nikewomen.com/gamechangers

PowerPlay For Girls

LaurenBrill — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:10:52 GMT

“I want to play professional basketball,” a sixth grader participating in the PowerPlay program told me. PowerPlay is a non-profit organization that uses sports to teach life lessons and instill confidence in young girls throughout New York City. Recently, I visited IS 49 in Brooklyn where several sixth graders learned the technicalities of basketball and engaged in games that improved their skills. Jen Butler, a former All-American and professional player overseas ran the show, as she not only provided the girls with a basketball coach but also a positive role model.

To fully integrate life lessons that relate to young women, weekly PowerPlay programs follow the Women’s Sports Foundation’s GoGirlGo curriculum, which discusses body image, bullying, drugs, stress and other issues young girls encounter. However it is the education they receive on the court that I saw resonate with the young girls, as one child told me basketball taught her the value of a good work ethic, the importance of teamwork and what it feels like to have a sense of accomplishment.

All of PowerPlay’s programs consist of an all-female environment, providing girls with a safe and comfortable place to play their game and be themselves. Coach Butler told me through this program there is one particular participant who has really come out of her shell, as the girl entered the program shy, both in her personality and her game, but is now enthusiastic, outgoing and of one the program’s best players.

After speaking with the preteens and watching them grin from ear to ear with a ball in hand and hoop in sight, it was apparent that what they learn and how they play on the court will follow them off the court. With teammates by their side and a role model in their corner, basketball is surely showing these impressionable young athletes that no matter what they shoot for in life, they are equipped with ability to score.

-Lauren Brill