WNBA Founding Player Rushia Brown Hosts “Play Like a Girl” Basketball Skills Clinic at South Side YMCA During All-Star Week
CHICAGO, IL (July 23, 2026) — As the basketball world gathers in Chicago for WNBA All-Star Week, founding player Rushia Brown will host her signature “Play Like a Girl” Basketball Skills Clinic on Thursday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the South Side YMCA, 6330 S. Stony Island. The event will bring together up to100 middle and high school YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago female members, ages 7-16, for a day of basketball instruction, leadership development, and mentorship.
Brown will be joined by WNBA legends Monique Ambers, Reshea Bristol, Leslie Johnson, Bridget Pettisto and Chantelle Anderson. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in shooting skills, ball handling, teamwork, and communication. Beyond the game, girls will engage in conversations centered on confidence, perseverance, leadership, and achieving success both on and off the court.
A founding WNBA player, Rushia Brown has dedicated her post-playing career to expanding opportunities for young athletes through sports, mentorship, and education. She also previously served on the Board of Directors for Legends of Basketball, whose goal is to preserve the game's history and create meaningful opportunities for former players to continue serving their communities.
"The WNBA was built because people believed girls deserved the opportunity to dream big," said Rushia Brown. "Play Like a Girl continues that mission by showing young women what's possible, not only in basketball, but in life. We want every girl who walks into this clinic to leave believing she belongs, she can lead, and she can achieve anything she works for."
The event is proudly supported by the Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, whose investment reflects a shared commitment to developing future leaders through sports and community engagement. The Association will provide lunch for every participant, ensuring each girl can fully engage in the day's activities.
"The Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana is proud to support Rushia Brown's Play Like a Girl Basketball Skills Clinic during WNBA All-Star Week in Chicago," the Association said. "We believe sports help young women build confidence, discipline, leadership, and lifelong opportunities. Investing in programs that empower girls on and off the court reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and inspiring the next generation to dream big and achieve their full potential."
"Basketball has always been more than a game at the Y. When Rushia Brown steps onto our court this week, she's not just teaching jump shots; she's showing 100 girls a version of their own future. That's the kind of moment we build our programs around, and we're honored she chose the South Side Y to do it," said Adam M. Alonso, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. "We are grateful to the Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, and the other sponsors for supporting this event and investing in the next generation of women leaders."
More than a basketball clinic, Play Like a Girl is designed to inspire girls to see themselves as leaders, scholars, and changemakers. Through mentorship from women who helped build professional basketball, participants will gain life lessons in resilience, discipline, teamwork, and leadership that extend far beyond the hardwood.
###
About Rushia Brown
Rushia Brown is a founding player of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), former professional basketball player, community leader, and founder of ServCom. A member of the Legends of Basketball Board of Directors, Brown has spent her career using the power of sport to create opportunities for young people through leadership development, education, and mentorship. Through initiatives such as Play Like a Girl, she continues to inspire girls nationwide to pursue excellence on the court, in the classroom, and throughout their communities.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is your Y for Life, serving more than 120,000 people each year through a network of around 100 community facilities, overnight camps, and learning sites. From sports and fitness to aquatics, camps, preschool, and before- and after-school programs, the Y helps individuals and families build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits at any age or stage of life. The YMCA of the USA proudly celebrates 175 years of community impact in 2026.
Media Opportunities
Credentialed media are invited to attend. Interview opportunities will be available with:
- Rushia Brown, Founding WNBA Player
- Additional former professional basketball players and clinic instructors
- Representatives from the Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana
- Community partners
Media Contact
Tiffany D. Smith
Communications Specialist
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
[email protected]
(773) 790-9643