FIERCE Girls in Sports Clinic

When: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 9 am-12 pm (check-in begins at 8:30 am) 
Location: Don Johnson Fieldhouse - 400 N Pennsylvania Ave Lansing, MI 48912
Fee: $10

In honor of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, the Lansing Sports Commission is excited to launch the inaugural FIERCE Girls in Sports Clinic. 

FIERCE Girls in Sports is a dynamic, empowering clinic designed to ignite confidence and connection in young female athletes. At the heart of our program is the belief that Females Ignite, Empower, Respect, Collaborate, and Engage through sport. This principle drives every part of our clinic, as we aim to build stronger relationships, self-esteem, and leadership skills in girls from 3rd to 6th grade.

During the clinic, participants will rotate through 5 exciting stations, each featuring a non-traditional sport:

  • Field Hockey - Margi Whittingham, Development Program Director, Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey
  • Pickleball - East Lansing native and Professional Pickleball Player, Kristin Reinhart and top-ranked Female Pickleball Player in Greater Lansing, Downi Fernburg
  • Golf - Michigan State Women's Golf All-American, Former Professional Golfer & Former Head Coach for Notre Dame Women's Golf, Caroline Powers-Ellis and Michigan State Women's Golf Big Ten Champion & First Tee of Mid-Michigan Board Member, Rachel Sampson
  • Archery - Grand Ledge Archery Head Coaches Lacey Rumzek & Trevor Secord
  • Esports - Former Collegiate Esports athlete, Christy Hacker and Michigan State University Varsity Esports

At each station, athletes will not only learn the basics of the sport but also connect it to a valuable life lesson such as teamwork, resilience, patience, focus, or courage, which then reinforces how physical activity can build character and community.

FIERCE is more than just trying something new; it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, encouraging others, and discovering your voice through movement. Our team will foster a supportive environment where every girl is celebrated, challenged, and inspired.

Parent Engagement: Supporting Your Young Athlete

While the girls are learning and growing through sport, we also invite parents and guardians to participate in our Parent Empowerment Session. 

This space is dedicated to helping families better understand how to support their young athletes both on and off the playing surface. Topics will include:

  • Encouraging confidence and resilience
  • Balancing performance and fun
  • Navigating pressure and self-esteem
  • Creating a healthy, empowering sports environment at home

This session ensures that our FIERCE mission extends beyond the clinic and into the everyday lives of our athletes and their families. Join us and experience what it truly means to be FIERCE as athletes, teammates, leaders, and supporters.