National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic Connects Young Athletes with Seawolves Role Models

Stony Brook University Athleticshosted more than 120 young athletes in the Pritchard Gymnasium for its annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Youth Clinic.

The February 1 clinic is a free community event designed to introduce girls to a wide range of sports while connecting them with the University's Division I student athletes.

The event brought together children ages 6 to 12 for hands-on instruction led by Seawolves student-athletes and coaches from across the athletics department. Participants rotated through multiple stations, including basketball, volleyball, softball, track and field, cheer, dance and swimming, giving them the opportunity to try sports they may not otherwise have access to.

"A lot of times kids come in having only done one sport," said Jaylen Davis, graduate assistant for student-athlete development. "Here, they get to touch and see all sports. It might ignite a spark."

Stony Brook women's basketball head coach Joy McCorvey encouraged participants to focus not just on athletic performance, but on teamwork, confidence and resilience.

"As you watch our game today, I want you to focus on how they're connected, how they love each other and how they celebrate each other," McCorvey said. "This day is all about empowering women and breaking barriers."

McCorvey also shared the women's basketball team's mantra, "TOUGHER," explaining that it stands for ideals like trust, unwavering belief, energy, effort and resilience.

Participants also heard from Judith Brown Clarke, Stony Brook's vice president for equity and inclusion and chief health equity officer, as well as an Olympic silver medalist in track and field and multi-time national champion. Clarke stressed the importance of perseverance and support between teammates, reminding the young athletes that success is not about being perfect, but about doing their best.

For Marissa Thalassinos, a senior outfielder on the Stony Brook softball team, the clinic was an opportunity to serve as a role model for younger athletes.

"It's really important to lead the next generation of athletes," Thalassinos said. "Women's sports are still growing, and it's important for young girls to get exposure to this."

Thalassinos added that she did not have the opportunity to attend a clinic like this when she was younger, but she wishes she had. "I think it's awesome to be trained by so many different players and coaches."

Parents also highlighted the value of the clinic in connecting the university to the local community. Patrick Carlucci, senior associate athletic director for business and finance, attended the clinic with his eight-year-old daughter, Ava, who was participating for the second year.

"This allows her to play sports she doesn't always get to play," Carlucci said. "It also shows kids that right in their backyard, there's a Division I athletic program."

Carlucci emphasized the importance of introducing girls to sports early.

"I think sports give them discipline and help them know they can go out there and do the same thing anybody else can," he said.

The clinic concluded ahead of the Stony Brook women's basketball game against Monmouth, which clinic participants were invited to attend, continuing the celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day on campus. Stony Brook defeated Monmouth, 61-51, and Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith served as a guest coach for the game.

- Lily Miller