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The following article will be published in the May edition of Saginaw Township Living magazine.
Game Changers: Nouvel student-Athletes Shape the Future of Panther Athletics
Kelly Breasbois, Admissions & MarketingDuring their off-season, you can typically find Nouvel’s varsity players on the court (or field) helping lead, encourage and assist with the younger generation of Panther students. For Nouvel athletics, it’s not just about the wins on the court, but also creating a love of the game for the little Panthers and fostering the important legacy of always giving back.
Most recently, while Spring sports are in full swing, our varsity boys basketball players are still finding time to give back to the future of the basketball program. The high school students play a key role in volunteering to assist at Nouvel’s annual Panther Cub Basketball Clinic, a four week skill development and learning league for students in young fives through 2nd grade. While the clinic is run by our coaches, the players volunteer their time to ensure one-on-one attention with the students, assist with technique and serve as positive role models.
“It is amazing the connection our varsity players make with the younger students, the kids look up to them and want to be like them when they are older,” shared Drew Weigl, Varsity Football Coach and Creator of Panther Cub Basketball Clinic. “Having the involvement of the high schoolers is always a key component. In our community, they are the ones that the kids see volunteering in their school, serving in their church and representing Panther athletics. We know how busy the kids are, especially with 79% of the student body being multi-student athletes, so for them to take the time on a Saturday morning to assist, shows their passion for this school and the game.”
In addition to learning from the older student-athletes, the Panthers typically form a strong bond after learning from their role models throughout the years. Four years ago, Blake B was a kindergarten student who was paired with freshman Cam Kaul at Panther Cub Basketball clinic. The two formed a lasting friendship and mentorship. “It’s really cool to have Cam help teach me about sports,” shared Blake B., now in third grade. “He wants to help me get better so I can dunk like him when I grow up. I played basketball for Nouvel for the first time this year and I was so excited to be #5, just like Cam.”
It’s just as rewarding for the older students. Now a senior, Cam shared more about his experience volunteering and being someone the kids look up to. “It’s really cool to see the younger kids love sports as much as I do. I had amazing mentors when I was younger and now I’m in a position to be a role model for kids like Blake. It’s a big responsibility and I’m humbled that he looks up to me.” Cam also shared, “Last summer, Blake sent me some videos of him pitching and then we talked about his mechanics. He’s already a great ball player and I am excited to work with him at our baseball camp this summer. I can’t wait to see what he does when he gets into high school.”
In addition to the strong relationships created through Panther Cub Basketball Clinic, throughout the summer Nouvel will be hosting seven sports camps where the high school players will continue to work with the next generation of Panthers. From preschool through 9th grade, Panther students can try a new sport or work with coaches and high school players to improve their skills. In each camp, the main goal is to foster a love for the game while boosting confidence and ultimately, having fun while participating. It is always an additional joy to see the students' eyes light up when they get to work with their Panther role models in another capacity.
With 22 varsity and club sports at Nouvel, Panthers have many opportunities to explore their unique gifts and compete outside of the classroom and at an early age. Panther student-athletes receive the benefit of smaller class sizes and individualized attention in the classroom, while having many incredible opportunities to shine on the lanes and as leaders in their community. For more information on Nouvel athletics, please visit www.NouvelCatholic.org/Explore. 