318 Foundation’s 318 SPORTS Champions Academy is a new initiative geared toward girls with extraordinary talents but limited exposure and girls who lack the necessary support to unlock their full potential. Our Champions Academy is a no-cost one-week WNBA-style training camp and coaches clinic that will focus on enhancing skills, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and leadership abilities thus preparing athletes for success in basketball and beyond.
A key topic of discussion during camp will be mental wellness and how to foster positive mental health, build resilience, and gain the “stick-to-itiveness” required to bounce back from challenging training sessions or difficult losses.
One shining example of this is Angel Reese, a remarkable athlete whose journey from the NCAA to the WNBA illustrates the profound impact of perseverance and sports on mental health.
During the most recent NCAA March Madness, Reese faced a significant setback with LSU’s Elite Eight loss to Iowa, 94-87. However, her response to this difficult loss highlighted her mental toughness and resilience.
Reese didn’t let the loss define her. Instead, she used it as fuel to improve and push herself further. This mindset is crucial for young girls to understand—setbacks are a part of life, but how we respond to them shapes our future. Reese's journey continued as she transitioned to the WNBA, where she now shines as a professional athlete. In a recent interview after an aggressive game between the Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun, Reese showed maturity and poise in the post-game interview discussing the hard on-court foul by Alyssa Thomas.
"They're not supposed to be nice to me. I hope y'all know that. They're not supposed to be nice to me or lay down because I'm Angel Reese or because I'm a rookie," said Reese. "Like, thank you, AT, for sending a message to me because I got back up, and I kept going and kept pushing."
Reese understands gameplay, and what it means to be physical on the court but to let the emotions and feelings fall aside after a game.
Her story is not just about athletic success but about overcoming obstacles, maintaining a positive mental outlook, and persevering in the face of challenges, showing maturity as a rookie in the WNBA.
Perseverance is more than just pushing through; it’s about staying focused on goals and embracing challenges. Angel Reese's story exemplifies this power. Her journey from NCAA setbacks to WNBA success shows that with the right mindset, support, and determination, anything is possible.
To the young girls reading this: Remember that sports are more than just games. They are opportunities to learn, grow, and build mental strength. Embrace the challenges, stay focused on your goals, seek support when needed, and maintain a positive attitude. Your journey, like Angel Reese's, can be filled with resilience and triumph.
To parents and donors: Your support is invaluable. Encouraging young girls to participate in sports and providing them with the resources they need can significantly impact their future success. By investing in their mental well-being through sports, we are building a stronger, more resilient generation. To donate to the 318 SPORTS Champions Academy visit: https://www.318foundation.org/318-sports
Through 318 SPORTS, 318 Foundation can tap into the power of sports to cultivate girls' voices, nurture their identity and innovation, and create valuable opportunities in school and beyond. Help us empower gifted and talented athletes, donate today.
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