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Houston Comets Conduct Basketball Clinic

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Houston, TX (August 26, 2008) - The Houston Comets presented a basketball skills clinic for the Houston Community College and Spring Woods High School girls basketball teams on Friday, August 22 at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. Assistant Coach Laurie Byrd and guards Roneeka Hodges and Erica White led the two teams through a series of training exercises to help improve their playing ability and show them the importance of teamwork.

Coach Byrd, a first year coach with the Comets, emphasized the importance of repeating the same drills to help the players perfect their game. She also spoke to the group about the necessity of communication to help the girls learn more about one another’s abilities and to ensure that the team has players that complement one another.

Rookie Comets Guard Erica White also said that persistent training will allow a player to enhance the basic skills necessary play well.

“There is no one thing that will make you a college or professional basketball player. Be a master of all the little things that make your game better,” she said.

In addition to basketball drills, the Comets also talked to the girls about their life experience and why they play basketball. Coach Byrd said she decided switching from running track to playing basketball at age fifteen when she realized she could earn scholarship money for her talent in basketball. Both Hodges and White developed their love for the sport when they were younger than ten years old.

With women playing a dynamic role in the workforce, guard Roneeka Hodges said that now is the ideal time for girls to see the vast opportunities ahead of them.

“It’s a joy to see young women succeed and play basketball. The WNBA is getting better and better, and it shows girls they can do whatever they want,” Hodges said.

Both the Comets and the clinic participants expressed their appreciation for the time spent playing basketball and the fellowship that resulted. At the end of the clinic, the group made a big circle and danced around as girls went one by one to dance in the middle, surrounded by the cheers of their teammates.

HCC basketball player Odra Recinos expressed her gratitude towards the Comets.

“It means a lot to me that the Comets took the time to teach the basketball fundamentals to help me better my skills and be a better teammate,” she said.

Following a Q&A period, Coach Byrd left the girls with a final thought to help them stay motivated throughout their basketball season.

“Never let anyone discourage you from what you believe in. Love what you do, and know that you will have to work at it,” Byrd said.

For more information about basketball or other sports opportunities at Houston Community College Northwest, contact Student Life Coordinator Troy Jefferson at 713-718-5702 or email troy.jefferson@hccs.edu.

The WNBA Cares: The WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy
lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.