Athletic Department to sponsor annual sports clinic for area girls

Marshall's Athletic Department will sponsor the Third Annual Sweetheart Clinic on Saturday from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Gullickson Hall Gymnasium.

Associate Athletic Director Beatrice Crane said the program, which is in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, is intended to teach girls 12 and under developmental skills in all women's sports.

Crane said she started the program because it is important for Marshall to showcase its female athletes and give area girls a chance to interact with them.

"When I got here Marshall wasn't doing anything to recognize National Girls and Women in Sports Day so I pulled it together in about a month," Crane said.

"Now I think it's one of the best things we do here at Marshall for the community."

Those participating in the one-day sports clinic will receive instruction from coaches and athletes in each of Marshall's six women's sports.

Thundering Herd volleyball coach Stefani Legall said the clinic is beneficial because it gives the participants a chance to try a variety of sports.

"It introduces all girls in attendance to try different types of sports," she said.

"The program encourages young girls to see sports as fun and entertainment and also gives them a chance to meet with college athletes who should be seen as role models."

Meredith Osterhoff, a freshman volleyball player from Pittsford, New York, said the program is a good opportunity for girls to see that they don't have to be on a professional level to play sports.

"It's good for them to see that there are a lot of female athletes," she said.

"They need to know that there are other athletes besides the big names that they see on television. It's important for them to know that there is a level of play anyone can reach."

Crane said she hopes the success of the program will help the participants to realize the dedication of Marshall's student athletes.

"This has been a huge success," she said. "Our attendance doubled from 70 to 140 from the first year to the second year.

"I just hope the girls in the community will see the hard work of our student athletes and continue to see them as role models."

Kristin Bailey, a freshman volleyball player from Indian-apolis said she realizes the importance of the program for the children, but added that it will be a good chance for the athletes as well.

"It's important for the little girls self-confidence to see that they can play," Bailey said, "but it will be a good chance for us too.

"Sometimes you take the game too seriously and this will give us a chance to see it through kids eyes again."

Registration is free and will begin Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Gullickson Hall Gymnasium.

Participants will be invited to stay for Marshall's women's basketball game against Ohio at 4 p.m. at Cam Henderson Center.