![India Andrews [holding the ball] received pointers from Mystics players during a session on how to get around an opponent during a basketball skills clinic for girls at Stoddert Recreation Center in Northwest on Saturday, May 12. Two hundred girls from the Metropolitan area participated in the two hour clinic thanks to the Mystics coaches and players. The girls were divided into various groups according to their age and moved from station-to-station every 10 minutes to learn different skill sets./](/media/k2/items/cache/d04090bcf1d22abeaf360d19264a20cb_XL.jpg)
The Washington Mystics hosted their fifth annual Mystics Youth Summer League (MYSL) tip-off event on Saturday, May 12 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., at Stoddert Recreation Center in Northwest. For the second consecutive year, Kay Jewelers served as the presenting sponsor of the league while the Mystics continued their partnership with the Greater Washington Sports Alliance and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation to ensure its success. For the fifth year, MYSL has provided an outlet for girls between the ages of 10 and 18 who are interested in basketball.
"Kay Jewelers is proud to continue its partnership with the Mystics organization and support its youth summer league program," said Mark Light, president and CEO of Kay Jewelers. "We are excited to be affiliated with a team that empowers young women and is passionate about cultivating future leaders on and off the basketball court."
The Mystics Youth Summer League tip-off included a basketball skills clinic for the girls and a clinic for coaches. The day wrapped up with an autograph session and raffle. The entire 2012 Washington Mystics team as well as General Manager and Head Coach Trudi Lacey showed up to provide assistance with the clinics.
MYSL participants received a reversible jersey along with a complimentary ticket to see the Mystics take on the Atlanta Dream at the Verizon Center on August 24. MYSL championship games will take place before and after the Mystics vs. Dream game.
The Washington Mystics will begin its regular 2012 season on Saturday, May 19 against the Chicago Sky.