West Chester Lightning took the court for the first time in the fall of 1996. Prior to this, there was no organization specifically for girls to play basketball in West Chester. The league's purpose upon its inception, was to provide girls with a place to learn and grow within the game of basketball. Since nothing of its kind had existed before, the league drew a large crowd, proving that many girls were willing and able to step on to the court when given the opportunity. In its 20 past season the league has not strayed from its initial vision of providing an opportunity for all girls in grades 1-8 not only to play but to learn and improve. And in its 20 seasons, the league has been home for many players, some of which who went on to take the court at the collegiate level including Villanova, Drexel, Gwynedd Mercy, Immaculata, Loyola, St. Joseph's, Mount St. Mary's, Holy Cross, Millersville, George Washington and Bucknell among others.
The league consist of different levels dependent upon grade and ability. The youngest group is the clinic group which focuses on teaching the fundamentals of basketball in a fun and energetic environment to keep everyone involved and excited. The older groups are separated into teams with a season of practices and games allowing girls to continue to work on fundamentals, but also to work as a team to achieve an overall common goal. Throughout the season the league also hosts clinics with special guests to talk to and demonstrate different drills or games to help. These clinics allow the girls to see a different point of view and work closely with players and coaches that they may not have had the opportunity to.
If the players are learning and having fun then we feel as though we are moving in the right direction. And after 20 seasons West Chester Lightning continues to operate as the only non-profit girl's basketball organization in West Chester.
Basketball is just a game. Games are meant to be fun.
The league consist of different levels dependent upon grade and ability. The youngest group is the clinic group which focuses on teaching the fundamentals of basketball in a fun and energetic environment to keep everyone involved and excited. The older groups are separated into teams with a season of practices and games allowing girls to continue to work on fundamentals, but also to work as a team to achieve an overall common goal. Throughout the season the league also hosts clinics with special guests to talk to and demonstrate different drills or games to help. These clinics allow the girls to see a different point of view and work closely with players and coaches that they may not have had the opportunity to.
If the players are learning and having fun then we feel as though we are moving in the right direction. And after 20 seasons West Chester Lightning continues to operate as the only non-profit girl's basketball organization in West Chester.
Basketball is just a game. Games are meant to be fun.