Through the team’s Together We Rise Community Hoops series, the Seattle Storm partnered with the Swinomish Boys & Girls Club to deliver professional-level basketball clinics — and unforgettable memories — to students from first through 12th grade.
“It’s always a great day when you have a gym full of kids,” said clinic coach Jaci McCormack, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe and CEO of the Seattle-based nonprofit Rise Above, which empowers Native youth to lead healthy lives through education, prevention skills, and mentorship programs.
McCormack, a former Illinois State University standout whose game-winning turnaround jumper once landed on ESPN’s “Play of the Day,” kept the focus on fun. “It’s OK to fail,” she told the young players. “That’s how we get better.”
Seattle Storm Youth Basketball Clinic
Kiana Peterson of the Seattle Storm coaches Katelynn Cayou during a youth basketball camp at the Swinomish Boys and Girls Club that featured coaching from the Seattle Storm of the WNBA. Photo by Rod Mar/Special to La Conner Community News
The fast-paced sessions covered dribbling, shooting, passing, pivoting, and rebounding. Each participant received praise, a basketball, and a Junior Storm T-shirt to take home.
“Take these basketballs home and practice your dribbling and shooting,” said clinic coach Ashley Corral, a former University of Southern California and Storm player. “Have fun with it.”
The second session welcomed older students, who also benefited from the hands-on coaching provided by McCormack, Corral, Grand View University alum Kiana Peterson, and longtime Seattle-area coach Zac Townsend.
Swinomish Boys & Girls Club Unit Director Charlie Edwards called the partnership a slam dunk.
“You saw enthusiastic, joyful kids out there with smiles on their faces,” he said. “That says it all.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
