Aspiring basketball players from military Families throughout San Antonio hit the court here Aug. 22 to shoot hoops with two WNBA stars.
San Antonio Silver Stars center Ruth Riley and Detroit Shock forward Taj McWilliams-Franklin helped more than 30 children hone their basketball skills during a clinic at the Jimmy Brought Fitness Center. The clinic was presented by United Service Organizations, the WNBA and Booz Allen Hamilton.
“I’m an Army brat and my husband is ex-military,” said McWilliams-Franklin, who has played pro basketball for nine years. “I’m always available to help aspiring players. I love to help keep kids involved.”
During the basketball clinic, children worked on dribbling, shooting and passing. The Fox, the Silver Stars’ mascot, also made a special visit to the gym.
“I’m having fun,” said 13-year-old Jasmine Valadez. “It’s great. I’d love to play for the WNBA some day.”
Jasmine’s mother, Veronica, found out about the clinic through the USO and immediately signed up her daughter, who is an avid player.
“Jasmine’s into sports. She plays basketball for her junior high,” she said. “Her team went undefeated last year.”
Sgt. 1st Class Dwayne Dozier, from the Fort Sam Houston Staff Judge Advocate office, and his daughter Morgan also attended the clinic. “My daughter loves basketball and wants to play for the WNBA,” he said.
“I’m having a great time,” Morgan said. “I like meeting new people. I’m getting better, too.”
Riley had a few words of wisdom for the aspiring players.
“The kids are great; they’re having a lot of fun. To play (at a professional level) takes hard work and devotion, but it’s just as important to be devoted to school and getting good grades,” she said. “At the same time, dream big.”
Along with the clinic, a luncheon was held at the Sam Houston Club to honor Family member Jackie Parsons, winner of the WNBA/USO Inspiring Women Essay Contest.
Parsons was named an “Inspiring Woman” based on an essay written by her husband, Air Force Lt. Col. Larry Parsons, from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
“She’s amazing,” said the colonel, referring to his wife. “She’s overcome a lot of hardship in her life, but instead of asking for help, she goes out and helps others.”
Jackie is finishing her Ph.D. in counseling despite battling ovarian cancer and raising seven children.
She was also honored at the WNBA Inspiring Women Luncheon at the Palace Hotel in downtown San Francisco in July, along with Robin Roberts, an ABC News “Good Morning America” co-anchor, who is battling breast cancer.
“Winning was an absolute surprise,” Jackie said. “It was amazing to fly to San Francisco and meet Robin Roberts. We also met the women’s Olympic (basketball) team.”
The Inspiring Women events celebrate motivational women who are role models and ignite the dreams and aspirations of women, according to a USO news release. Parsons was selected because her life inspires and motivates people.
