Hamden Hall Celebrates Female Athletes with Community Clinic

Nearly 60 female sporting enthusiasts descended on the Beckerman Athletic Center Super Bowl morning to learn about basketball, volleyball, soccer and more from Hamden Hall Country Day School’s own preeminent lady coaches and players.

The sports clinic was offered in celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, which is being recognized across the country today. Hamden Hall supported the event last year as well with a similar Girls in Sports clinic.

“Maybe you will pick up something here today that you truly love and hopefully all of you will be here playing for Hamden Hall someday,” Athletic Director David Doyle told the gals assembled for the event.

Participants, ages 8 to 14, selected four sports of their choice (out of six: basketball, swimming, volleyball, dance, field hockey, and soccer) and received hands-on coaching on each during half-hour blocks.

On the basketball court, Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Megan Borelli went over some of the game’s fundamentals, such as ball handling, passing, and shooting. Players Bianca Tomassini and Naomi Van Nes (among others) then worked one-on-one with their young charges to further hone their technique.

“Athletics helps build confidence and it’s good for the girls to learn to work together and be a part of a team,” said Coach Borelli.

In the dance studio, prospective hip-hoppers learned that counts of eight are inherent with all moves. Dance team members such as Alex Acquarulo were stationed in the front of the studio to help the girls learn a routine that they could go home and practice.

Popular, too, was the pool as swimmers donned their suits and learned about streamlining, kicking, and proper breathing. Aquatic Director Ken Pierson left time at the end of his blocks to allow free swim for the girls. Many took advantage of the diving board.