Samantha Prahalis-Holmes, a former WNBA sixth‑overall pick and longtime advocate for women’s basketball, recently organized a free two‑day clinic in Hauppauge aimed at inspiring the next generation of female players.
Empowering Young Athletes
The sessions, held at a local gym, covered dribbling, passing, shooting and conditioning, giving participants a taste of structured training while emphasizing teamwork and confidence.
Around 30 girls attended the clinic, a turnout that reflects the growing appetite for dedicated girls’ basketball programs on Long Island.
From Star Player to Coach
Prahalis-Holmes, now the girls’ basketball head coach at The Stony Brook School, brought her extensive playing experience to the court, drawing on a career that includes a record 901 assists at Ohio State and a stint with the Phoenix Mercury.
Heading the clinic allowed her to give back to the community that supported her rise, and she expressed a clear intention to repeat the free events as a regular outreach effort.
Beyond the drills, she spoke about her transition from professional play to coaching, noting how the mental side of the game and leadership became her passion after an initial hesitation.
Her path from Ohio State to overseas leagues, then to coaching stops at James Madison University and St. John’s University, illustrates a commitment to developing talent at every level.
Local organizers and parents praised the clinic’s impact, citing the coach’s approachable style and the tangible skill improvements seen in the participants.