Raymond Starin / Special to The Free Press
Students from Truman Middle School in San Antonio cheer on the Minnesota State women's basketball team during the Mavericks' Elite Eight game against Michigan Tech Tuesday.
Minnesota State, along with the other seven teams participating in the final eight of the Division II women's national basketball tournament, participated in a community outreach program by visiting local middle schools.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Heather Johnson plans to work with children in some capacity after she graduates from Minnesota State University, so the opportunity to speak with San Antonio middle-schoolers was a privilege.
In return, the Mavericks women's basketball team cultivated a cheering section to provide a homecourt feeling, even though the team is playing at the opposite end of the country.
"We just wanted to show (the kids) that there's always opportunities for them," Johnson said. "Whether it's a team sport or the classroom, you're always working in a group, and you have to communicate."
The Mavericks, along with the other seven teams competing in the NCAA Division II tournament this week, participated in a community outreach program Monday by visiting local middle schools. The Mavericks went to Truman Middle School, broke into small groups for about an hour of talking with kids, answering questions and playing basketball games.
"Our message was to find what you're interested in and go after it," senior Alex Andrews said. "Whether it's basketball or art or an instrument, find a passion."
Andrews said the experience reminded her of when she was younger and met former Gopher and WNBA player Lindsay Whalen in a similar setting.
"I talked with her, and she was really cool," Andrews said. "That really had an impact on me."
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the kids returned the favor, attending Minnesota State's games. They helped create a game-day atmosphere that might not have been there, given that none of the teams were locally based. In case the kids needed any prodding, there was a cash prize for the kids from the loudest school.
The Truman middle-schoolers were dressed in purple T-shirts and holding up white cards, with a purple 3 on one side and "Go Mavs" on the other.
"It's a lot of fun to have all those kids yelling and screaming for you," Johnson said. It's fun to meet people from other communities."
Minnesota State coach Pam Gohl said that Monday's outing got the week off to a great start, helping to relax the team as it prepared to make a run at the national championship.
"They have been great fans for us," she said.
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