PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team and the Clinton County Youth Bureau (CCYB) teamed up to offer a free basketball skills clinic for children in Clinton County.
A total of 150 children attended, and they were put through several stations staffed by members of the women's basketball program. Some of the skills taught included shooting, boxing out, ball handling and dribbling.
"This event is huge for our program," 20th-year head coach Cheryl Cole said. "This is something we've done for a long time, and it keeps growing in popularity. Our players look forward to this event every year, and I'm proud of how involved they were. I think that it's valuable that the student-athletes understand how important they are in the Plattsburgh community; they're very recognizable, and I want them to understand their importance and the responsibility they have as public figures. We want them to graduate as great people who can do the right thing, and giving back to the community is one of them. This event is a win-win; it helps us as much as the community."
The free clinic segues into another programming endeavor that is cosponsored by the CCYB and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics: Meet the Cardinals Day on Jan. 14 during the men's and women's basketball teams' games against SUNY Cortland at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively. Youths who attend wearing their own team jersey when accompanied by an adult will receive free admission and a prize. An autograph session with the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team will be held at halftime of the men's game, while an autograph session with the Plattsburgh State men's basketball team will be held after the men's game. Women's basketball student-athletes who are not available during the team's scheduled session will sign autographs after the women's game. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will provide complimentary posters to all youth for the student-athletes to sign.
Freshman guard/forward Olivia Souky helps walk some of the attendees through drill work.