Marquette University Athletics
Marquette Players Participate in Clinic with Mia Hamm
9/5/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 5, 2006
MILWAUKEE -- Members of the Marquette women's soccer program, including several student-athletes and graduate assistant coach Katie Bissen, participated in a soccer clinic with Mia Hamm this afternoon at Valley Fields.
The clinic, donated by the Mia Hamm Foundation, benefitted the Milwaukee-area Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Hamm, along with Bissen, sophomores Kaley Connelly and Kaitlyn Darcy, and freshmen Alison DeGroot, Kate Sternke, and Amelia Ndely, worked with 20 area young soccer players on the Valley Fields pitch for over an hour. Following the soccer clinic, Hamm held a photo and autograph session.
"Last night, we were told to be at the field to help out with a clinic." Sternke said. "What a surprise it was to see Mia Hamm!"
DeGroot added, "I thought it was punishment or something at first. And then this afternoon, I got a text message from Markus saying 'say hi to Mia for me!' It was a real honor to be on the field with her."
Even Bissen, a former all-conference goalkeeper for the Golden Eagles, got in the action. "I stopped a few of her shots." Bissen said.
The Mia Hamm Foundation is focused on providing support for two important causes: raising funds and awareness for bone marrow transplant patients; and continuing the growth in opportunities for young women in sports.
"It is great to be back in Milwaukee - the site of my first Mia Hamm Foundation clinics." Hamm said. "Marquette University and the Milwaukee community has done so much for me, my family, and the foundation. I would like to thank them for their generosity, in the use of this great soccer facility, as well as the Marquette players who turned out this afternoon. It made the clinic that much better."
Hamm continued, "It is important for the young players to see the Marquette players. They're role models for the young girls who play soccer and it is important for the continued growth of the game in the area and the community."
