Community Service - A staple in our program...

Once again around the New Year, we were able to travel to Lima South Middle school and conduct a basketball clinic with the 7th and 8th grade teams. This is our chance as a team and program to give back to our community through the game that has given our players so many opportunities. We have worked in this partnership with Lima South for the last 4 years, and each year, we are reminded how great it is to help someone else, especially with the game of basketball! We have our players put together the plan for the clinic and implement the skills, drills, and games. Each member is responsible for doing her share to make the event a success. I was really proud of our team for working so well together on this project, but most importantly, for working so well with these middle schoolers. Everyone had a great time and a lot of laughs!

Erin Waehner, Jo Snyder and Kara Dysert work some ball handling drills (above)

Left, Steph Hicks had the passing drills down, and Katie Jones, Heather Armbruster and Britt Schroeder offer some guidance.

Above, we are getting ready for some full court ball handling, while below, Britt Bogart cheers on her basket, along with Lauren Cassell and Allie Drewes and Kara Dysert during the lay-up competition (s).

This was my favorite part of the morning as it required our team to actually demonstrate a proper defensive stance...below, our middle schoolers get a little appreciation of the effort involved in staying low!

After our session is over, we answer questions as a team. Here, Coach Durand offers insight into our program and what it takes to be successful in college. Our basketball team did an excellent job representing Ohio Northern University, and our Women's Basketball program. I believe our team are excellent role models to these youngsters.

Our staff has maintained this relationship with Lima South Middle school because we believe in community service. And, we believe that it's a win-win situation. Our players also get a whole lot from this experience too. When it's all said and done, there are a lot of laughs and an appreciation of a game that can always bring people together.

All Smiles....Lima South Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Girls Basketball and Ohio Northern University Women's Basketball