We just wrapped up Strive’s 2025 Middle School Clinic, and what a day it was! This one-day Clinic brought together a diverse group of middle school student-athletes to develop both their sports skills and leadership abilities. The energy was contagious as students participated in engaging activities designed to foster joy, teamwork, and personal growth.
A Day Filled with Sports, Learning, and Leadership
The Clinic kicked off with an inspiring Opening Ceremony, setting the tone for an energy-filled day. Our student-athletes learned about leadership myths and the theme of the day, “Fill Tanks.” At Strive, we use the imagery of a fuel tank to imagine where one’s energy level is, and we encourage our program participants to find ways to fill their own and others’ “tanks.” This helps our participants develop and practice skills like self-awareness, empathy and grit.
Students then warmed up with “Vitamins,” a dynamic circuit workout designed to get them moving and ready for the day ahead. Throughout the day, participants rotated through different sports stations, each focusing on a unique set of skills:
- Soccer: Passing, dribbling, and decision-making.
- Volleyball: Teamwork, communication, and strategic play.
- Basketball: Dribbling, free throws, and friendly competitions.
The day wrapped up with an exciting game of dodgeball, where we witnessed amazing comebacks, fantastic teamwork, and plenty of smiles and cheers. Students put their new leadership skills into action, practicing Strive’s mistake ritual, “brush it off and grow”, and filling their teammates’ tanks.
Engaging in Leadership and Building Connections
Beyond the court, students actively participated in a classroom session focused on leadership styles and core values. We saw middle schoolers dive into discussions, share personal experiences, and engage with their peers in meaningful ways. It was great to see new friendships form and lasting connections take shape. The energy in the classrooms was incredible, as students interacted with their coaches, asked insightful questions, and truly embraced the leadership lessons.
At our Closing Ceremony, we awarded red shirts to four outstanding middle schoolers- Israel, Maliah, Kristen, and Saleem-who demonstrated leadership and embodied the theme of the day.
Meet Our Coaches: Leaders On and Off the Field
None of this would have been possible without our incredible coaches – community leaders with strong backgrounds in sports and mentorship. These dedicated individuals participated in three days of staff training and brought Strive’s core values to life with our Clinic participants.. These coaches were instrumental in fostering a supportive and engaging environment, where every participant felt empowered to learn, take risks, and grow. Their passion and expertise were evident in every interaction, making the day even more special for our young athletes.
What’s Next?
If your child loved the Middle School Clinic, we’d love to see them at our summer program, Sports Challenge! This five-day program builds on the Clinic’s foundation, offering even more opportunities for growth, play, and leadership development. We hope to see you there!
