The Tucson Jewish Community Center is proud to host former UA Women’s Basketball & Phoenix Mercury star, Sam Thomas, for the 4th Annual Sam Thomas Hoop Group basketball clinic for children and teenagers on Sunday, August 10.
This year, the clinic will be co-led by Dominique McBryde, a former UA Women’s Basketball player and the current coach of the women’s basketball team at the University of Evansville. Throughout the clinic, players will participate in a variety of drills and games assisted by Thomas, McBryde, UA basketball trainers, other former players, and Tucson J coaches.
The clinic is split into three age groups and sessions: ages 6-10 from 10:30am-1:30pm; ages 11-14 from 1:45-4:45pm; and ages 15-18 from 5-7pm. The 15-18 year-old group is new this year and will be an excellent skill-building opportunity for student athletes before returning to school in the fall.
“We’re honored to welcome back Sam Thomas and Dominique McBryde to the Tucson J for this wonderful clinic,” said Mallory Shenker, the Director of Athletics + Aquatics at the Tucson J. “This event is such a special opportunity for young athletes to learn from incredible role models, and we are grateful that such talented athletes choose to return year after year to give back to our Tucson community.”
Over the last three years, well over 100 kids have participated, many of them returning for multiple years. A highlight of last year’s event was TV coverage by KVOA, which played up the idea that the program is about more than just basketball; it is about teaching kids how to be successful both on and off the court.
“I am so excited to be back at the Tucson J for year four of the Sam Thomas Hoop Group,” said Sam Thomas. “None of this would be possible without all the hard work from everyone involved. There is so much going on behind the scenes, and I am glad to be supported by the team at the J. We are thrilled to welcome all the familiar and new faces, and we hope everyone brings the energy this year!”
Interested athletes can register for the clinic at bit.ly/tucsonjsamthomas25. If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact sports@tucsonjcc.org to apply for a scholarship, generously donated by Rancho Sahuarita.
