The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy recently hosted its first Lady Ballers Youth Basketball Clinic of 2024, in honor of Women’s History Month. The event, supported by Google, took place at Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead and welcomed 60 girls to participate in the clinic in which girls, ages 8-15, learned the fundamentals of basketball, explored the dynamic crossroads of science and tech and developed meaningful life skills.
The Lady Ballers Program aims to empower, challenge and inspire girls to excel both on and off the court, enabling them to rise above the competition.
“Our Lady Ballers Clinic is dedicated to creating a welcoming and secure space where girls can come together to enjoy the game of basketball while also gaining valuable life lessons,” said Hawks’ Vice President of Community lmpact and Basketball Programs Jon Babul. “Our program focuses on fostering a sense of inclusivity and empowerment, encouraging girls to develop their skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships through the sport.”
The clinic involved Atlanta Hawks Youth Development Coaches, staff and Google volunteers who helped coach and instruct the girls through different basketball stations and STEM activities.
Girls in attendance had to the opportunity to learn and develop their basketball skills through the use of different on-court skill instruction such as shooting, rebounding, ball handling, agility, defense and passing drills. Throughout the clinic, Jr. Hawks coaches and volunteers assisted the girls on court with basketball contests. Additionally, the kids built catapults to test and explore physics as they launched tiny basketballs on a miniature court. Later on, participants received prices and giveaways, including a t-shirt, swag bag and wristband.
The Hawks, with the support of Google, announced a new initiative to further strengthen their continued commitment to the community. The Hawks will host an additional clinic next month along with one four-day week of Jr. Hawks Summer Camps, in which girls will focus on building life skills. STEM activities will be integrated into the one-week Lady Ballers basketball camp set to take place later this summer at Northside Youth Organization.
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