Wisdom Lane MS Enjoys Spalding Grant

The Wisdom Lane Middle School girls' volleyball team has benefited this season from a Spalding Team Ball Grant. One hundred girls' sports programs from high school athletic teams, clubs and YMCAs across the country will have the opportunity to participate in sports thanks to a Spalding Team Ball Grant, administered by the Women's Sports Foundation.

Many teams around the nation applied for the grant and Wisdom Lane was one of the 100 winners selected. The district started seventh grade teams this year in both boys and girls volleyball and basketball. Coach Rosemary Daly saw the need for more equipment and applied to the sports foundation for the volleyball team. Ten balls arrived on Nov. 5, just in time for the sports season. The Wisdom Lane girls' volleyball team has enjoyed a successful run since the sport was first organized in 1983. Under the tutelage of Coach Daly since 1985, the team has enjoyed many undefeated seasons, having approximately 100 wins and 10 losses. Many of her former players have gone on to play in high school and college and some have even gone on to coaching volleyball in their teaching careers.

Spalding and the Women's Sport Foundation created the Spalding Team Ball Grants to provide balls to girls' sports team in need and make a contribution through sports participation in the lives of girls in communities nationwide. The Wisdom Lane Girls' Volleyball team received their equipment and are working hard to learn the fundamentals of the sport.

"The number of girls participating in organized athletic teams has increased dramatically," stated Benita Fitzgerald Mosely, president of the Women's Sports Foundation.

"Sports participation teaches girls leadership and team building skills, and enhances their self-confidence," said Anne Flannery, manager of women's sports at Spalding. "The equipment provided by the Spalding Team Ball Grant will create opportunities to get involved in organized athletics. This program allows Spalding to assist female athletes both on and off the court."

The Women's Sports Foundation is a nonprofit, member-based organization dedicated to increase opportunities for girls and women in sports and fitness through education, advocacy, recognition and grants. Founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, its founder; Donna deVarona, a founding member and its first president; and many other champion female athletes, the foundation seeks to create an educated public that encourages females' participation and supports gender equality in sport.