News Summary
The Play Like a Girl event at Lakewood High School provided a unique opportunity for young female athletes to improve their basketball skills through mentorship from professional athletes. Hosted by the National Police Athletic League, participants aged 7 to 18 engaged in coaching sessions and skill-focused drills. Seasoned athletes led activities that emphasized technique and empowerment, promoting both athletic development and the importance of women’s participation in sports. The event showcased a commitment to nurturing the next generation of female athletes and reinforcing the value of mentorship in achieving athletic success.
St. Petersburg, FL – The ‘Play Like a Girl’ event held at Lakewood High School provided a dynamic platform for young female athletes to enhance their basketball skills while being mentored by professional athletes. Hosted by the National Police Athletic League (PAL), this event took place to align with the excitement of NCAA Women’s Final Four weekend on April 4.
Key attendees included local participants such as Ke’niah Milton, Nevaeh Cruz, and Deniesha Griffin, who represented the Pinellas County PAL. The event featured influential figures in women’s sports, including National PAL’s Program Director Kenneth Harris and Volunteer VP for Wellness Dr. Galen Duncan.
The clinic welcomed several prominent athletes who shared their expertise with the attendees. Jacquia Winstead, a former college standout, engaged in one-on-one instruction, helping the girls refine their on-court techniques. Schonna Banner, recognized for her achievements as an All-American with the South Carolina Gamecocks, led ball handling skill drills that focused on enhancing the participants’ basketball fundamentals. Furthermore, retired WNBA Forward Rushia Brown built a strong rapport with the young girls, offering encouragement and guidance as they practiced their skills. Staci Carney Studesville, a former point guard at Purdue, also contributed by sharing her experiences in sports, promoting the message of empowerment and resilience.
The Play-Like-a-Girl clinics specifically aim to inspire girls aged 7 to 18 by providing elite coaching, practical drills, and valuable discussions championing the role of women in sports. These clinics emphasize the significance of developing confidence and fostering a deep appreciation for athleticism among young female athletes. During the event, participants learned essential basketball skills including proper dribbling techniques and defensive guarding practices.
The initiative serves as part of a broader movement to promote female participation in sports and to challenge existing gender stereotypes. By connecting young athletes with successful female role models in sports, the Play-Like-a-Girl event fosters a sense of empowerment and community among participants. Each session emphasizes the potential of these young girls, underscoring the impact that women can have within the sporting world.
As a reflection of increasing support for women’s athletics, this event marks the continuation of efforts aimed at enhancing opportunities for girls in sports across the nation. The involvement of high-caliber athletes, such as those present at Lakewood High School, demonstrates a commitment to inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
The positive atmosphere at the event highlighted the importance of mentorship in sports, encouraging young girls to pursue their athletic dreams while reinforcing the notion that they can achieve greatness both in sports and beyond. As more initiatives like the Play-Like-a-Girl event emerge, it is anticipated that the visibility of women’s sports will continue to grow, motivating many more young girls to engage with athletics.
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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
