‘It’s just as rewarding for us.’ TCU basketball teams relish Special Olympics clinic
TCU women’s basketball guard Lauren Heard knows playing defense isn’t the most enjoyable part of the game.
As she put it, “Typically defense is the most boring thing.”
But running defensive drills became an exciting thing on Thursday afternoon. That’s because of the energy in the building for a basketball clinic featuring TCU’s men’s and women’s programs teaching folks the game from the Special Olympics of North Texas and the Beautiful Lives Project (DFW Chapter).
“They brought a lot of energy to our station,” Heard said. “It was really cool. They were being loud and matching our energy. I thought that was really awesome.”
Heard was just one of the many TCU basketball players who embraced the event and enjoyed giving back to the community. There were 80 participants who took part in the drills and then received autographs from both teams afterward.
“This is super special,” Heard said. “Being a women’s basketball player, we get to work with young kids and young girls specifically, but to get to work with the Special Olympics is really fun. It’s a different opportunity to connect with our community. It’s just as rewarding for us as it is for them.”
TCU men’s senior guard Desmond Bane echoed those thoughts. He was touched when one of the participants talked about TCU’s victory at Kansas State on Tuesday night, and how much he wanted to meet the team after watching the game.
“He was so excited to get to finally meet us and talk to us,” Bane said. “People often overlook those types of things. He may carry that experience with him for a lifetime. It’s great.
“Getting to spend time with these people obviously means a lot to them and means a lot to us as well.”
TCU coach Jamie Dixon was pleased with how the event went, thanking everyone who helped put it together. And he was proud to see his players enjoy it just as much as the participants.
“You don’t know how your guys are going to handle it, but their enthusiasm, the Special Olympics, they bring so much,” Dixon said. “All of a sudden you see our guys smiling and laughing and playing and enjoying it. I’m thinking we get more out of it than the Special Olympics folks do.”
The TCU men’s team (11-3, 2-0 Big 12) returns to action against Oklahoma State on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. at Schollmaier Arena.
The TCU women’s team (10-3, 1-1 Big 12) hosts Kansas on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. at Schollmaier Arena.
This story was originally published January 9, 2020 at 5:16 PM.
