Former WNBA player starts free basketball clinic for Benton Harbor students

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. --- A former WNBA player is now a top recruit for Benton Harbor Area Schools with her new fundamentals clinic.

Kristin Haynie is a southwest Michigan native, who is a hall of famer at Michigan State University and former guard for the Sacramento Monarchs. Haynie said basketball has taken her all over the world and provided many opportunities that she wants to give to students in Benton Harbor.

“I know Benton harbor is rich in talent,” she said.

Haynie started her basketball fundamental clinic on April 14. The clinic runs through skill and drills for students in the 1^st through 6^th grade.

“I saw a need here in Benton Harbor and I just really want to help the youth grow and give them opportunity,” Haynie said.

The clinic is completely free for area students, as it’s covered under BHAS’ $2 million safety grant, awarded to the district last spring. Haynie’s clinic costs $13,000 in total, but is priceless because it keeps students off the streets when their not in school.

The clinic will run at the Arts and Communications Academy gymnasium this Saturday, April 21, next Saturday, April 28, and April 5. 1^st through 3^rd graders will meet at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for 4^th through 6^th graders.

“Basketball is a platform, I think it helps kids better themselves for the real world,” Haynie said. “They know how to get through the trials and tribulations that you have out on the basketball court, and that translates after basketball in real life.”

For more information send an e-mail to [email protected].