Mt. View teacher April Whitaker "hooping" it up

Mountain View Hoopsters: When sixth grade teacher April Whitaker started a basketball team for 5th and 6th grade girls at Mountain View Elementary four years ago, she opened new doors and mentorship opportunities with lasting impacts. "Many of these girls had never even seen a basketball team on TV, much less being played by women," said Whitaker, who says playing on the afterschool team helps prepares the girls for middle school sports.

The team is appropriately called "The Small Storm" and they recently had the opportunity to see the game in action at a women's basketball game at The Evergreen State College. Afterwards, the coach and members of the TESC team came and played with the girls after school as they wrapped up their season. TESC coach Monica Hever and her team, including Alex Saab, Ali Matisons and Mele Rich , says it's a great way to get out in the community. "It's wonderful for my team to be able to give back to these young girls and be role models."

One MVE hoopster, Hannah, has been playing for two years. "It's awesome…I love it!" She and her friends said they all plan to play middle school basketball too. The team's season will culminate in a field trip to opening night for the Seattle Storm game.

The above is taken from the weekly NTPS Success page.