Cassidy Lichtman, Team USA Volleyball player, coached a clinic at The Foundry in Redwood City on Sunday, bringing her former coach at Stanford along with her.
Stanford Volleyball Coach John Dunning shagged balls and gave advice to the athletes who participated in the “Play for a Purpose Clinic,” while Lichtman went from court to court to make sure everyone was practicing with good form and proper techniques, said Heidi Alvarado, spokesperson for The Foundry.
“Cassidy was amazing with the kids, grouping them in a sit down circle so she could demonstrate the techniques, then sending them off to their courts to test out their new skills,” Alvarado said.
“If the kids had not been giggling in delight and the parents had not been taking photos like paparazzi, you could never tell Cassidy and Coach Dunning are so well known in their respective field,” Alvarado said, describing their demeanors during the clinic.
60 young athletes participated in the special clinic was held in part as a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House Charity.
Lichtman said that one of the reasons she was motivated to come back to the Bay Area to participate in the clinic is that there is disconnect between the club scene and her national volleyball Team, Team USA.
“When I was playing in high school I barely even knew who played for Team USA. You guys don't get to see us play, we don't get to interact with you and you don't know what we're doing in our gym,” Lichtman said. “So, I want to help fix that. I've been holding some clinics where I'm teaching players like you exactly what we're learning in our gym in terms of serving and passing techniques," she said.
The Foundry staff said that they were honored to co-host the event.
Alvarado said, “Even though it was a few hours, it was a cherished memory these kids will hold onto long after the signatures wear off of their shirts and backpacks.”
The Foundry is an athlete development center located at 2575 E. Bayshore Road in Redwood City, California.
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