Nimitz coaches create free sports clinic

Extracurricular activities are a vital part of childhood for so many students, but not every child has an equal opportunity to participate. A group of coaches at Nimitz Middle School is working to change that through the Seahawk Sports Clinic.

“There is a lot of focus on closing the academic gap, but there is also a need to close the athletic gap,” said Jennifer Hall, Nimitz Assistant Athletic Coordinator. “Money is sometimes a big issue and it prevents a lot of students from being able to participate outside of school and get ready for UIL competitions that they are going to face when they come into seventh grade.”

The coaching staff spotted this need and identified a solution by creating a free sports clinic for fifth graders attending feeder elementary schools, as well as current Nimitz sixth graders. This was the start of the Seahawk Sports Clinic. On Monday and Wednesday nights from 5:30-7:30, you will find coaches volunteering their time to lead the students in various drills and practice techniques.

“It’s 100 percent voluntary on both the boys and girls coaching sides,” said Hall. “It’s not even an ask really. We love to do it, and it’s something we all look forward to coming to every week.”

The impact the free clinic has had in these past two years is tremendous.

“We are able to start closer to where some of the other schools are starting already [ability-wise], and it worked like night and day,” said Hall. “This year alone, we won a total of eight District titles and they have learned to have confidence in themselves and one another. 

If you would like more information about Nimitz Middle School, please visit https://www.neisd.net/Page/121