Welcome back to the Knothole Foundation’s official blog — Knothole Gang CLT. In this edition, I want to catch you up on some of the great things happening here at the organization — especially around Girls in Sports.
First, I want to give high praise to our Director of Girls in Sports Programming, Gerlea Patton. She has done an amazing job since joing the organization in November to launch our girls programming. A former Queens University of Charlotte softball player, Patton has taken her role with Knothole to new heights.
First, please take the time to click on the photo below to watch two really special TV segments about our Girls in Sports programs courtesy of QC Life/WBTV News. Special thanks to Jana Angel for highlighting Girls in Sports.
Over the last few weeks, the Knothole Foundation has hosted several key girls in sports events including:
On February 21, Gerlea Patton set up a special “Westside Story” High School Softball Scrimmage Tournament with three teams from the area — West Charlotte High School, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology and Mallard Creek High School.
As the calendar turned to March, the Knothole Foundation celebrated Women’s History Month in a big way — right from the start of the month.
Girls in Sports Programming (March 2-7)
- On Monday, March 2 – Gerlea Patton arranged and delivered Harris Teeter subs to the Phillip O. Berry softball team ahead of their game.
- On Tuesday, March 3, I read to a class about both baseball and softball. More reading programs and educational initiatives are coming soon to all programming here at Knothole.
- Thursday, March 5, Matthew Corlew led a Coaches Clinic with Queens Softball, talking to them about some important topics.
- On Friday, March 6, Gerlea scheduled a special high school softball doubleheader at The Stick featuring West Meck against Julius Chambers. Coach G also fed both teams for their post-game meal.
- On Saturday, March 7, Coach G hosted a FREE girls softball clinic. A total of 27 girls registered.
This is not it. There will be more. In fact, there is a special doubleheader planned on Saturday, March 21 featuring two 50 and older softball teams. That doubleheader will be followed by a Queens Softball doubleheader.
Plus, in the coming months, more softball clinics, a softball pitching academy and so much more are on tap.
With a state-of-the-art facility that features a turf softball field and a learning center, the Knothole Foundation is ready to take things to the next level.
“We believe girls and women should see that sports can be part of their lives at every stage,” stated Tommy Viola, Knothole Foundation’s Chief Communications Officer. “From youth clinics and high school games to collegiate softball and now a 50+ women’s league, we want The Stick to be a place where female athletes are celebrated and supported. In addition to on-field play, educational programming is always top of mind when hosting events.”
For more information about the Knothole Foundation’s Girls in Sports Initiative, please see this special presentation: Girls in Sports Presentation
