Atlanta Hawks Host Lady Ballers Basketball Clinic For Girls

DECATUR, GA — Nearly 100 girls participated in a basketball clinic hosted by The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy and powered by Georgia Power on New Year's Eve. Held at Decatur High School, the Lady Ballers Holiday Clinic focused on sharpening basketball fundamentals and strengthening transferable life skills such as teamwork, leadership and self-confidence.

The program aims to support youth basketball participation and improve the overall basketball experience for girls ages seven to 16.

“We are thrilled to partner with Georgia Power for this special Lady Ballers Holiday Clinic,” said Atlanta Hawks’ Vice President of Basketball Development Jon Babul in a news release. “As we constantly strive to create an experience for all athletes that they will remember for a lifetime, this clinic and the #PowerFoward panel gave young female athletes an opportunity to ring in the New Year learning, competing and having fun.”

The first #PowerForward panel addressed how sports impact life beyond the court. ESPN Basketball Analyst and Former Tennessee Lady Volunteer Andraya Carter moderated this panel, which aimed to empower, challenge and inspire the girls in attendance to rise above the competition both on and off the court.

The girls heard from female role models such as Atlanta Dream Head Coach Nicki Collen, NASM Elite Trainer Sondi Carter and Pharlone Toussaint. Other panelists included the Atlanta Program Officer at the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA.

“It was great being a part of today’s Georgia Power #PowerForward Panel,” Collen said. “I hope that the young girls in attendance learned that if they are both coachable and put in an unmatched effort that they will be successful in what they set out to accomplish.”

The 2014-15 Southeast Division Champions, the Hawks made the postseason in 10 consecutive seasons and reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history in 2015. Off the court, the organization has built a culture of inclusion, diversity and innovation, all with a touch of Southern Hospitality. It continues into the community where the organization builds bridges through basketball, whether by constructing and refurbishing courts in Atlanta neighborhoods, providing scholarships to their basketball camps, or surprising fans with unique Atlanta Hawks experiences.