Empowering Young Girls Through Sports at Duke University
In a flash of blue, Mia Minestrella, a forward from the Duke women’s soccer team, makes a bold pass to a rookie Blue Devil. The newcomer, a local elementary student from Durham, glides past the defender with ease and scores a stunning goal. However, this isn’t happening at the grand Koskinen Stadium; instead, it unfolds in the cozy upper area of Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day Youth Clinic
Duke Athletics hosted its yearly National Girls & Women in Sports Day Youth Clinic on Saturday morning. Nearly every sport was represented as female athletes united to share their skills with girls from across the Durham community. From personalizing swim caps with the swim team to practicing rallies with tennis players, the free clinic is designed to inspire local girls to build confidence and explore the joys of sports in their everyday lives.
Building Confidence in Young Athletes
“My girls were initially nervous about playing with the athletes. But as we moved through each station, they began to engage more and gain confidence. Witnessing that transformation in less than an hour is truly heartwarming,” expressed Whitney Busse, who attended the clinic with her daughters.
A Growing Initiative
Duke has been hosting this empowering clinic since 2018, organized by Kate Senger, the director of women’s basketball operations. What began as a small initiative within Duke Athletics has flourished every year since its inception, but Senger envisions even greater possibilities.
“I would love to see this space filled with 500 kids coming together to meet our female student-athletes, shoot hoops, or play volleyball,” Senger shared. “The joy that everyone experiences is paramount at the end of the day.”
Introducing Olympic Sports
By the student entrance to Cameron Indoor, a pair of rowing machines were set up, manned by enthusiastic members of the rowing team. A group of eager kids waited their turn, watching as the athletes rowed vigorously in sync with MKTO’s “Classic” playing over the stadium speakers. This clinic is one of the rare opportunities for young athletes to explore Olympic sports like rowing.
“The clinic’s biggest asset is providing exposure to a variety of sports. While women’s basketball gets airtime on TV, how often do you see rowing or fencing? It’s about allowing them to discover and try out lesser-known sports,” highlighted Abby DeHaas, assistant director of academic services at Duke Athletics.
Involvement of Dance and Cheer Teams
In addition to the varsity sports, the Dancing Devils and Duke cheerleaders also participated in the clinic. A tumbling mat was laid out across the Hall of Honor, inviting attendees to showcase their acrobatic talents. The Dancing Devils taught a short routine to a lively group of middle schoolers, providing them with pom poms to enhance the experience.
A Celebration of Female Empowerment
The women’s soccer station buzzed with excitement as children and parents gathered to celebrate the team’s remarkable 2024 season. The players were equally enthusiastic about utilizing the clinic to uplift the next generation of athletes.
“I’ve had several parents come up to congratulate us on our successful season, and while we’ve had an outstanding run, our mission extends beyond soccer. We aim to showcase community spirit and promote female empowerment, demonstrating to kids that they can achieve anything,” Minestrella remarked.
As the clinic continues to expand, it not only serves as a source of empowerment for all involved but also fosters a shared joy in sports that resonates throughout both the Duke and Durham communities.
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