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Mar 29

"#LikeAGirl" Program Encourages Athletics and Empowerment for … – Hillsborough County

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Westchase Recreation Center after-school program partners with USF to teach girls self-esteem through sports

"Do not give up. Your mind will tell you it's hard, but do not give up. There's only wins and lessons. There are no losses." This was the advice that Ragan Kinard gave a group of young girls during her visit to an after-school program at the Westchase Recreation Center.

Kinard is a junior at the University of South Florida where she plays on the women's volleyball team. She was invited to speak with students about her experience as a female athlete, as well as give a volleyball demonstration. Her visit, coordinated through the "#LikeAGirl program," was a hit with the kids.

Ragan Kinard takes questions from students in the "#LikeAGirl" after-school program

"#LikeAGirl"Karlie Mintzer, Recreation Assistant Supervisor at the Westchase Park & Recreation Center, was organizing a kid's game of soccer for an after-school program when the idea came to her. After the children had picked their teams, she had found that the best player that day was chosen last.

Mintzer was told by a little boy that it was because the player was a girl. It was at that moment Mintzer realized the need for a special sports program just for young women.

"#LikeAGirl" was developed through a partnership with the Hillsborough County after-school program and the University of South Florida. Once a week, a female collegiate athlete from a different sport visits the recreation center and gives a presentation. Each session begins with the visiting athlete introducing herself and taking preplanned questions from the kids. The conversation gives the young girls a chance to practice speaking in front of a group, as well as gain insight into the world of women's sports.

Following the question-and-answer portion of the program, the visiting athlete delivers a sports demonstration. The girls learn pointers on how to play specific games, as well as practice newly learned techniques. After the physical activity, the girls participate in a team-building exercise. Topics such as how to be a better teammate and friend are taught, then discussed as a group.

Ragan Kinard, USF volleyball player, teaches volley techniques to students in the "#LikeAGirl" after-school program

Volleyballin' like a girlIt was clear that Kinard made a strong impression on the girls. Her session with the students was filled with more questions then they had time for. The kids were intensely engaged in learning about Kinard's experience on her volleyball team and how she was recruited in high school to play for USF. By the look on some of their young faces, you could tell the girls were in awe.

Before showing the group how to volley, Kinard was served a slew of questions from the curious girls. Everything from beach volleyball and her height to what career Kinard wanted was discussed.

One young student asked Kinard, "What's the worst part about being a girl in sports?"

Without missing a beat, Kinard answered with a smile. "Nothing."

The Westchase Park & Recreation Centeris located at 9791 Westchase Dr., Tampa, FL 33626. Call (813) 744-5978 or email recreation_admin@hcflgov.net for more information about Hillsborough County after school programs.

Photo Information: Ragan Kinard, USF volleyball player, teaches volley techniques to students in the "#LikeAGirl" after-school program.

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"#LikeAGirl" Program Encourages Athletics and Empowerment for ... - Hillsborough County

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