WESTFIELD-Westfield High School senior Devin Callaghan appreciates the basketball skills she learned at a young age during a Westfield Park and Recreation program and encourages parents to consider enrolling their daughters in a free basketball clinic series that starts next week.
Westfield High School varsity coach Meg Lavner will be joined by several captains including Westfield High senior Devin Callaghan for a free basketball clinic series for girls starting Sept. 7.
“My love of basketball started when I was around six,” said Callaghan on Thursday afternoon in the gym at Westfield High. Callaghan has played on the school’s basketball and softball teams the past three years.
“I’m looking forward to instructing and encouraging the girls who are part of this new clinic series,” said Callaghan.
Westfield High School varsity coach Meg Lavner has invited Callaghan and her fellow basketball team members to serve as captains at the clinics, knowing they will make ideal mentors for the young girls enrolled in the Park and Rec program.
The free basketball clinics will run once a week for both recreation and suburban players. Pre-registration is not required but helpful, according to Lavner.
Parents wishing to sign up their daughter can email the child’s name and grade and include a contact phone number to Lavner at [email protected].
Clinic classes are planned on Wednesdays from Sept. 7 to Oct. 26 at the North Middle School. The schedule at press time is: Grades 3 and 4 from 5 to 5:45 p.m.; Grades 5 and 6 from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.; Grades 7 and 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Grades 9 to 12 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
“My goal during the clinics is to bring back the technical part of basketball by breaking it down into sections including dribbling, proper defense stances, and shooting techniques,” said Lavner. “I also think it is important to teach in a fun and positive atmosphere.”
Lavner noted the importance of building confidence in girls at a young age, as well as introducing them to high school students who are role models.
“I want the girls to be successful in high school basketball so I’m trying to build bonds for them with older players,” said Lavner. “My hope is the girls and the captains will build camaraderie and in turn the girls will want to come and see the junior varsity and varsity team games.”
Lavner said the clinics are a win-win scenario for all involved.
“I’d like to see the younger players get excited about playing the sport,” said Lavner. “What is also important is the older players will be giving back to the community by volunteering their time.”
Ultimately, Lavner said if she can reach the girls at a young age and teach them the basics, then when they reach high school they will have a solid foundation and can start playing without hesitation.
Callaghan echoed those sentiments.
“I wish they had clinics like this when I was growing up,” said Callaghan. “My goal with volunteering will be to share what I’ve learned about teamwork at Westfield High where everyone works together.”
On a related note, Lavner will also be organizing a Girl’s Suburban Basketball League for students in Grades 7 through 12 during September and October on Sundays at the North Middle School. A minimum fee will be observed.
“Currently, students from Westfield, Southwick and West Springfield are expected to participate in the league,” said Lavner.
For more information on the league, contact the Westfield Park and Recreation Department at (413) 572-6263.
