On October 26, the Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils women’s basketball team paid a special visit to Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community youth for a basketball clinic at the Way of Life Facility (WOLF).

The visit brought out a huge crowd of youth and family members to the gym. ASU Sun Devil Athletics Director Graham Rossini said that women’s basketball is as popular as it’s ever been in our country right now.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the chance to come in and inspire these young people here at the SRPMIC,” said Rossini. “I think it’s a powerful ability for collegiate athletics, for professional sports, to make sure that the youth in all of our communities are looking up to heroes and mentors and people that inspire them to go work hard and accomplish some incredible outcomes.”

The ASU team started the day at the Accelerated Learning Academy, where they played a private scrimmage game vs. Northern Arizona University before heading over to the WOLF.

At the clinic, ASU players were stationed throughout the basketball court, rotating at a variety of stations where they showcased their skills and taught basketball fundamentals to the youth.

ASU guard and small forward Hannah Miller said her experience at the clinic was rewarding for her. Miller taught the fundamentals of layups at her station.

“It’s fun to see such little kids wanting to learn basketball and getting exposed to it, because I know at this age I was doing the same thing,” said Miller. “So, it’s nice to see that the younger kids are following in those footsteps.”

Coach Natasha Adair was also on the court, encouraging both her team and the Community youth. She joined the players after the clinic for an autograph and photo session with kids and their families. At the end of the clinic, the ASU players shared slices of pizza with everyone before boarding their bus to head back to ASU.

“Today is a great opportunity for us to give back and serve a part of our pillars as a program,” said Adair. “Our mission as a program is to make sure that we involve our program, our players, myself, our coaches and the Community. The Native American community is important to us.”