Beyond the Jersey: Louisiana women’s basketball hosts Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana mini clinic

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — Typically, college athletes spend their off days unwinding after a long week of training. Head coach Garry Brodhead and his Louisiana women’s basketball team instead took time out of their busy off-season schedule to put a smile on the faces of others.

Over the weekend the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun women’s basketball team hosted the Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana‘s Drills and Skills Mini Clinic. The clinic was free of charge for special needs individuals who are members of the DSAA and the UL Life program.

Brodhead enjoys hosting these kinds of events especially because of the bond his team makes with their fans and supporters.

“We make so many friends doing this and you know, and people that come together like that, and the love you know. We talk about it all the time. We don’t take time in life to try to grow friends and have people come into our school to show them what we are all about,” Brodhead said.

“You know, sometimes all they do is just watch us play and they don’t really know us. So, I think that’s what we get. You know, it’s very touching to me to be able to bring friends in and people in and, you know, we’re all competitors. They come as competitive as us. So, it’s just a fun time,” the coach continued.

The athletes spent the day putting up shots alongside the Cajun basketball stars and breaking out their best dance moves after making a bucket.

DSAA President Molly Guidry is happy to see the players gravitate towards their kids.

“It’s a win win for both the individuals on the UL team and our individuals with downs syndrome just to get together, show their skills, have fun, be included. That’s the best, the main part is to be included and to have that feeling that they’re accomplished. They can make goals. They had some dribble skills going on, and of course the dance contest,” Guidry said.

Ragin Cajun basketball star Tamiah Robinson takes pride in giving back on the team’s off day.

“You know, all of us coming together on a Saturday. We don’t have anything to do, this is our only off day. So, this means a lot that we’re all here just trying to show support and love. And have fun with one another,” Robinson said.

Cajuns’ Shooting Guard Aasia Sam loves making these connections ahead of their season.

“I feel like we get really excited, you know, making new bonds. Knowing that these kids can like come out to our games and support us. Like we really enjoy it,” Sam said.

The Ragin Cajun women’s basketball team tips off the 2024 season at the Cajun Dome on Oct. 30 with an exhibition game against Centenary College.