DeMarre Carroll & The Carroll Family Foundation All Girls Basketball Clinic
On June 22, NBA veteran DeMarre Carroll and the Carroll Family Foundation (CFF) held their second annual All-Girls Basketball Clinic at Basketball City in Manhattan for girls ranging in age from 7-18. During the clinic, Carroll — previously a forward with the Brooklyn Nets until signing this week with the San Antonio Spurs — led the girls in defensive drills and motivated them to continue working hard toward their goals.
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The event also served as an empowerment event for attendees, with NBA analyst Sarah Kustok returning to the clinic again this year to lead an inspiring conversation with three fellow women in sports:
Kym Hampton - retired WNBA legend with the New York Liberty
Lauren Okafor - former WNBA player and current medical student
Gina Nassivera - manager in the Brooklyn Nets’ front office
The ladies discussed everything from their favorite subjects in school to dealing with unkindness from others. As a model, singer, and more, Hampton offered advice for pursuing and managing multiple careers. Additionally, Okafor shared her experience going from the WNBA to her current role as a medical student. Also, Nassivera provided inspiration when asked about the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, stating that she sees it as an opportunity rather than a disadvantage. Teenage twin DJ sensations Amira and Kayla also returned this year to entertain the crowd, spinning tracks all afternoon. In addition, participants enjoyed healthy refreshments, giveaways and other perks from event sponsors Adidas, Brooklyn Nets, Modell’s, BODYARMOR, Trader Joe’s, Champions for Philanthropy, and LWS Marketing and Management. CFF established its free all-girls basketball clinic last year to demonstrate support for female athletes and help fill the gap in opportunity that girls face in receiving access to high quality skills training and facilities, which are often dominated by boys’ games and tournaments. Founded by Carroll, the Carroll Family Foundation provides support for youth in underserved areas in addition to education and fundraising to develop enhanced preventives, diagnostic services and treatments for adolescents suffering from pediatric liver disorders. Drafted in 2009 right after learning he was diagnosed with liver disease, DeMarre Carroll continues to beat the odds as he heads into his eleventh NBA season this fall.