Monday, December 13, 2021

Paul Savramis: 2021 Ended On A High Note

Paul Savramis
2021 was a difficult year for many. Paul Savramis says that the Rising Stars Youth Foundation continued to face challenges because of the coronavirus pandemic and its ensuing restrictions. But, through it all, the students, staff, and coaches of RS persevered. 
 
According to Paul Savramis, RS brought in a new face for 2021. Coach Jill Cook, who is a championship coach at Christ the King Olympian and also coached Sue Bird, a WNBA and USA Team member. Paul says that he brought coach Cook in for a winter clinic, which was co-coached by Vinnie Cannizero. 
 
Paul Savramis recalls that he knew that the winter clinic would be a success, despite being the first time it had ever been done outside of summer. The clinic sold out within a day. 
 
Something unique about the winter clinic for 2021 was that both boys and girls were invited to join. Rising Stars founder Paul Savramis says that there were many moving parts throughout the process, and coach Sue Kenney also played a pivotal role in putting sneakers on the court. 
Paul Savramis says that coach Bethany LeSueur regularly heads the girls’ clinic. Bethany is notable for holding the high school record on Long Island, with more than 3000 points. She is an All-American, a teacher, a coach, and a positive role model for all members of her community. 
 
The Rising Stars Holiday Clinic took place December 27th through the 30th at Holy Child Academy. For the $150 fee, students had a week’s worth of drills and, importantly, got to get out of the house and spend time with their friends. It was an exceptional learning experience, and Paul Savramis says that the students appreciated the opportunity to feel like kids should during the holiday season.