By: Habtom Keleta-Asst. AD for Media Relations
MONROE, La. | Academy Sports and Outdoors is partnering with Grambling State University Athletics to adopt the Ruston Youth Dixie Girls Softball team for the Spring 2021 semester. To begin the mentorship program, Academy Sports and Outdoors and Grambling State University are teaming up to donate $1,000 worth of new softball gear, including bats, gloves, helmets and more, to the team.
GSU head softball coach Nakeya Hall and members of the Lady Tigers softball team along with GSU Director of Athletics
Dr. David Ponton, GSU Senior Woman Administrator
Merlene Aitken-Smith and GSU Assistant Athletics Director for Academic Enhancement
Kenita Stokes were on hand to present the donations the youth softball team.
"In partnership with Grambling State University and the Ruston Youth Dixie Softball League, we have donated $1,000 on behalf of both organizations to help support the youth program and the community in which they play ball," said Academy Sports and Outdoors of West Monroe Store Director Jeff Woods.
"In addition to that, the Lady Tigers will be mentoring some of the practices and attending some games of the Ruston Youth Dixie softball team as well as the youth attending some of Grambling's practices and games and hopefully that cultivates the youth to build a stronger program," Woods explained.
