Jan. 16, 2007

NEW HAVEN, Conn.--Included in the crowd of 506 that saw the Yale women's basketball team run its winning streak to five with a 70-60 victory over Massachusetts on Jan. 6 were approximately 80 children ages 10-14 who participated in the NYPP Basketball League clinic earlier in the day.

The NYPP Basketball League is a joint venture between the New Haven Board of Education, Yale Athletics, the New Haven Police Athletic League (PAL) and the New Haven Department of Parks & Recreation. The season, which runs through the beginning of March, kicked off last Saturday afternoon with a clinic in the William K. Lanman Center. All 14 members of the women's basketball team, as well as the four coaches, served as instructors at the 1.5-hour clinic.

Yale Assistant Athletics Director for Alumni and Community Relations Greg Brinn said, "It was a great opportunity for the young kids of New Haven to interact with one of our varsity teams. Everyone really enjoyed the morning and the chance to play with the Yale women's basketball team."

The Bulldogs continued giving back with another clinic, held Monday afternoon, Jan. 8 at the Children's Center in Hamden. This time, about 40 local children showed up. Once again, all Yale players and coaches participated in the two-hour session, which included defense and shooting drills, as well as three-on-three games. The day concluded with a Q&A session with the players. In addition, all of the campers in attendance were given Yale women's basketball posters and t-shirts.

Report filed by Joe Clifford, Yale Sports Publicity