SEATTLE – Seattle University Athletics, in partnership with the university's Indigenous People's Institute (IPI), hosted a basketball clinic and campus experience for members of the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Fourth, fifth and sixth grade boys, and their family members, participated in the events, which began with a skills clinic run by Redhawk alum and current international basketball player, Riley Grigsby. The clinic focused on teaching basketball fundamentals while also encouraging teamwork and sportsmanship. The clinic concluded with a Q&A session with members of the Seattle U men's basketball team.
"Thank you to all of the staff and players who helped make the day a memorable one for our players and parents," said Shane Pahukoa, Athletic Director of the Tulip Boys and Club. "It gave the boys a glimpse of what it could be like to play college basketball, which I know they all aspire to do. Seattle U put on a fantastic skills clinic for our young boys, followed by a photo op with the men's team, which the boys were ecstatic over. All our boys were amazed that the players came out after the game to say hello and to sign t-shirts. They were all very personable which made the experience for the kids that much better."
The group enjoyed a catered lunch and campus tour with their families featuring a special look at the Indigenous People's Institute's facilities for Seattle U students.
"It was wonderful to share that we have a special home away from home for Native students in the IPI Center," said IPI Program Assistant and Assistant Track & Field Coach Tony Monroe. "The group made themselves at home and for me personally it was exactly what should happen there, a gathering place for Indigenous people, friend family and staff."
"On the tour of the campus a few of the boys spotted the statue in front of Loyola and wanted to get a group picture," said Monroe. "I quickly showed them our 'hawks up' sign and they all did it on cue for a photo."
The day concluded at the Seattle U men's basketball game against Southern Utah, which the Redhawks went on to win, 73-63.
"At the game the boys were amazing getting into the game, cheering loudly for their favorite players, and the autograph session afterwards was icing on the cake," Monroe added. "There is no doubt that we have continued an amazing relationship with the Tulalip Tribe Boys and Girls Club, made some new Redhawk fans and I am sure some future Redhawks!"
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