NEW YORK – The Columbia women’s basketball team announced its 2023-24 season campaign on Wednesday named “Empowering the Harlem Youth Community”. This is the third consecutive season the team has announced a season-long campaign with the goal of making a difference beyond the basketball court.
This season, Columbia women’s basketball will be partnering with the Harlem Link Charter School to forge relationships with their students and make an impact on their school community. They already went on a site visit in early October, where the team introduced themselves and visited various classrooms. They plan to stay involved throughout the season in any way the school sees fit.
“It means so much to us to be able to inspire the next generation to follow their dreams,” team co-captain Abbey Hsu said. “To do it for a community that is so close to our home just felt right. From partnering with Harlem Link Charter School, continuing our relationship with Grow Our Game, and collecting and donating resources to the Harlem community, we hope to continue the tradition of supporting the development of youth in our neighborhood.”
The Lions will also be continuing their work with Grow Our Game, which is a New York City organization with the goal of empowering the next generation of young girls to become fierce, amazing leaders through confidence, passion and sisterhood, all while learning the game of basketball. The Lions will be helping at their youth clinics in Harlem and plans to host them for a team practice session.
As they have done in the past, the Lions are also dedicated to working with Scouting & Scavenging, which challenges people in sports to collect unused hotel toiletry items for those in need. The Lions plan to donate their items to the local Harlem community.
“Each season brings us a new opportunity to affect change in our campus and local community,” Columbia head coach Megan Griffith said. “This year, our team has decided to have a more consistent and present role in empowering the Harlem youth. We are eager to build a long-lasting relationship with the students at Harlem Link Charter School through monthly touchpoints as well as campus and virtual visits. I am proud of our team for committing to their vision and creating tangible action steps.”
As a continued reminder of this season’s initiative, the video message published by the team will play during halftime of every home game.
Columbia makes its 2023-24 home debut this Friday night against Seton Hall. Tip-off for the home opener is set for 7 p.m. ET.
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