A Global Experience in Action
Elon University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams recently traveled to Athens, Greece, as part of a week‑long Global Experience trip that blends education, cultural immersion, community service and athletics. The visit culminated in a basketball clinic for 60 young athletes from the Proteas Voulas Basketball Club, offering a hands‑on introduction to the sport.
The Proteas Voulas Youth Academy, which trains more than 750 children across 45 divisions, is one of Greece’s most prominent basketball academies. Its participants, ranging from elementary school age to early teens, gathered on a sunny morning at the club’s Athens facility to learn from Elon student‑athletes.
Coaching, Competition and Conversation
Elon’s players led the clinic through a series of drills that covered stretching, ball‑handling and shooting. Junior guard Samira Khalil described the session as “incredibly rewarding,” noting the kids’ enthusiasm and diverse backgrounds. Senior guard Randall Pettus II observed the positive energy that spread across the court, while graduate guards Kamryn Doty and Cam Thrower later hosted a Q&A, sharing insights into their training routines and early basketball journeys.
The clinic concluded with a knockout game that paired Elon athletes with the Greek youngsters, fostering interaction beyond technique. The experience was designed not only to improve skills but also to build relationships within the Athens community, reinforcing the idea that sport can be a unifying force.
After the clinic, the Elon teams returned to the Proteas Voulas academy to compete against select local teams, extending the exchange into a friendly competition. The week‑long program exemplifies how universities can leverage athletics to create global connections, promote service and enrich cultural understanding.