Recently, the Memphis Grizzlies Youth Basketball Program hosted an inspiring all-girls LeadHERship Clinic at the MAM Grizzlies Center, bringing together 50-60 young athletes, including 14 from Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM). Designed for girls ages 10-14, the clinic combined leadership development, basketball training, and meaningful discussions on mental health and goal setting, creating a transformative experience for all involved.
The day kicked off with workshops that encouraged participants to focus on their mental well-being, envision their futures through vision board activities, and engage in an empowering panel discussion. The panel featured legendary WNBA Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes, Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) Executive Director Terri Jackson, and University of Memphis volleyball coach Cheri Lindsay. These accomplished women shared their journeys, offering wisdom on hard work, perseverance, and the growth of women’s basketball.
“LeadHERship was such a special event for these girls,” said Chalice Harbor, MAM’s Chief Operations Officer. “It gave them a chance to learn from amazing women, talk about important topics like mental health, and, of course, get on the court and have fun. For our MAM girls, opportunities like this remind them that they belong in leadership spaces—whether in sports, school, or life.”
Following the discussions, the young athletes took to the court for basketball drills and games led by the Grizzlies Youth Basketball staff. They had the unique opportunity to sharpen their skills while being mentored by experienced coaches and former professional athletes.
Meanwhile, parents participated in a workshop led by the Positive Coaching Alliance, learning valuable strategies to support and uplift their young athletes both on and off the court.
Each participant walked away with more than just newfound knowledge and confidence. They received a WNBA basketball, an exclusive Grizzlies LeadHERship t-shirt, their completed vision board, and two tickets to the February 28 Memphis Grizzlies vs. New York Knicks game—making the experience even more memorable.
Events like the LeadHERship Clinic reinforce the importance of providing young girls with spaces to develop leadership, confidence, and community. The collaboration between the Memphis Grizzlies Youth Basketball Program and MAM continues to create lasting opportunities that inspire the next generation of female leaders—on the court and beyond.
