20 Jan, 2009
Girls basketball: going the way of the dodo?
Posted by andrea tomkins in: - Ottawa for kids|- Westboro
Emma takes a basketball “skills and drills” class for girls at Fisher Park on Monday nights. She loves it. In fact, this is her second semester. I had my doubts when she first started. I wasn’t sure if 60 minutes once a week was going to make a difference. I was afraid she might find it discouraging. But the price was right and I couldn’t say no. (It only cost $35 for 8 – or was it ten? – weeks. Regardless, A GOOD DEAL.)
Emma had a rough start but didn’t give up. She was one of the youngest in the group, but she persevered and by golly, she learned some moves, conquered her fear of the ball, and even started to sink a few baskets here and there. (On a regulation-height net!)
Did she improve? Oh yes, by LEAPS AND BOUNDS (no pun intended). The young woman who coaches the class is fantastic. I’m assuming she’s a local high school student. She’s fun, fit, patient, and energetic. You couldn’t ask for a better role model for young girls learning the game.
Sadly, Emma’s class is probably going to be cancelled this term because she is only one of TWO girls signed up. Apparently no one cares about girls basketball anymore. They won’t run a program with such low enrollment.
Sad huh?
All we need is a few more girls to keep it going. But I’m tapped out and have run out of people to ask. Gah! I’m hoping for a miracle.