The St. Charles 4th Grade Girls’ Basketball team (2-2 CYO) was working out at the Twin Lakes Recreational Facility for a regularly scheduled practice when they received a brief interruption for some encouragement and advice from 2 very recognizable names in the world of women’s athletics. Sophomore Forward Kiandra Browne and Senior Guard Grace Berger of the Indiana University Women’s Basketball team took some time out of their day to check out the hard-working, young ball players, and to offer some advice for advancing both their skills and their perspectives.
“Basketball is a game that rewards hard work,” said Browne as she addressed the team. Browne knows about hard work, as a former member of the Canadian National U18 team, where she accomplished a Silver Medal. “If you put in the effort, you will grow your skills and get better as a player,” she added. Browne spoke of a commitment to excellence and how that translates both on and off the court.
Grace Berger, a WBCA and USWBA All-American as well as member of the USA Basketball AmeriCup Team also spoke about commitment, telling the girls that they can control their own growth by how hard they decide to work. “If you commit yourself to the game, you can achieve your goals,” she said. She told the girls that every basketball team can use ball handlers, so, “I decided to work really hard on my ball handling, practicing every day.”
The team was starstruck in the presence of a couple of their favorite players, hanging on every word their heroes had to offer about the game of basketball. The advice translated to more than on the court skills, however. Both Browne and Berger talked about the comradery of the team and making lifelong friendships with their teammates. “We are best friends,” said Browne of her teammates. The girls were asked if they were also friends with each other, to which they responded with an overwhelming, “yes,” along with several hugs and high fives.
Saint Charles’ Coach Mitchell was very pleased for the opportunity to have her team connect with the Lady Hoosiers, saying, “[Browne and Berger} are so inspirational. This was an amazing opportunity for our team and such a boost for the girls!”
Although there are only 3 games left in the St. Charles Hawks regular season, the memory of meeting these players and having the chance to discuss basketball with them will last a lifetime.
