Girls shoot hoops at Jr. WNBA basketball clinic in Brooklyn
Nothing but net for 13-year-old Shea Dichiara.
“I want to make it to my college team and progress from there but I obviously want to make it to play professionally,” Shea, who has been playing basketball since second grade, said.
Friday’s clinic was one of two Jr. WNBA events scheduled during the WNBA Finals
Former and current WNBA players help coach the girls and run drills
She’s among the dozens of aspiring ballers who got to hone their skills at a Jr. WNBA Basketball Clinic in Brooklyn.
“I feel like it just gets you out of reality, so if you’re having a bad day, you get out onto the court and it’ll just make your day so much better,” Shea said.
Girls as young as eight dribbled up and down the court at Major Owens Community Center in Crown Heights Friday. The prospective players were also treated to coaching from New York Liberty point Guard Jaylyn Sherrod.
“These kids are great and to know that they’re chasing their dreams, I think it’s always big to see somebody in front of them that has made it to where they wanna get to, to know it’s possible,” Sherrod said.
The Liberty are currently playing in the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx. Despite a disappointing loss in Game 1, Sherrod says her head’s in the game and she’s ready to rebound.
“Basketball is a kids game, and this is the same game I’ve been playing since I was eight, so it’s a very serious moment and this series means a lot to me and the team, but also knowing it’s bigger than us,” Sherrod said.
Friday’s clinic was one of two Jr. WNBA events scheduled during the Finals. Organizers say their goal is to continue to empower girls and women through sports.
“Representation is so important across the board. Not just specific to sport,” Jr. WNBA host Arielle Chambers said. “Knowing that it’s possible to play in the finals and it’s somebody in your neighborhood, that’s a direct pipeline.”
Shea says regardless of what the future holds for her, she hopes to lead by example and inspire the next generation of hooping hopefuls.
“Help other girls like me continue to in basketball, to not give up and do the best that they can,” Shea said.
Meanwhile, the Liberty will take on the Lynx in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals Sunday at 3 p.m. at Barclays Center.
