Brooklyn girls inspired by Knicks' John Starks at basketball clinic

BED-STUY, Brooklyn (PIX11) — For a group of young girls in Brooklyn, Women’s History Month took on a whole new meaning as they dribbled, passed, and shot their way through a special basketball clinic at the Bed Stuy YMCA, hosted by the New York Knicks.

The free event, held on Saturday, was designed to inspire the next generation of female athletes.

“We want them to feel special, we want them to feel acknowledged, and really and truly we want girls to really just get accustomed to movement and sports as early as possible, so it becomes a lifelong thing for them,” said Sonaa Atherly, Executive Director of the Bed Stuy YMCA.

Dozens of girls aged 11-18 filled the gym participating in the clinic, which is part of the YMCA’s Saturday Night Lights program. It’s an initiative designed to provide the youth with safe and engaging experiences during critical weekend hours.

The young athletes gained firsthand knowledge from none other than Knicks legend John Starks. He shared his expertise and passion for the game with the aspiring hoop stars.

“You always want the youth to be in a positive setting and this is a very positive setting, a safe setting,” Starks said.

He added, “Hopefully, they continue to get the joy of the game of basketball and a passion for it, and that’s what it takes in order to be successful in whatever you do in life.”

Fifteen-year-old Joschlynn Young discovered her love for the game in middle school. She now has big dreams of one day playing professionally, as she eagerly soaked up every lesson from the NBA icon.

“From his experiences, I feel like he knows more so, when he teaches me, I’ll take that into my time so then I can get better,” she said.

Sara Maldonado also has her eyes set on the big leagues as she pushed herself through every drill with the determination of a future WNBA star.

“It feels like a privilege to be honest ’cause like, I have big dreams about being good in this sport,” Maldonado said.

She added, “I want to be remembered.”

Being remembered is the goal for the young athletes who are driven by their dreams and determination on a journey that’s only just beginning.

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