Summer is a time when the teams of the Riverside Hawks get to strut their stuff. The 63-year old program based at Riverside Church works with approximately 350 students per year, ages five to 18, and girls have equal footing as boys. Teams are on the road showing their teamwork and hardwood skills at tournaments around the country.
“We try and ensure that the girls and the boys get the same opportunities,” said Michael Toro, girls’ program director. “We’re playing big events, summer classics. July 19 to the 22nd, we’ll be in Atlantic City playing in the Hoop Group championship session.”
Last month, the Riverside Hawks appointed a new executive director, Aswan Morris, who is a motivational speaker with extensive hoops experience. “I love being able to combine the sports world of basketball and leadership,” said Morris, a graduate of Canarsie High School who played Division II in college. “That’s been a desire of mine for the last 20 years.
Because I grew up in New York City playing basketball, I’m very familiar with the legacy of the Hawks.”
Morris said he and Toro appreciate the coaching staff, which already includes some college coaches. “There are some women who have played high level basketball,” said Morris. “I want to make sure we have quality minds around the program. We want to make sure we resource them well. Coaches create culture.”
The Hawks also offer participants academic support to make sure they’re ready for college opportunities. The program recently suffered a loss with the passing of Dr. Emily Anderson, chair of the education and scholarship committee. Morris has received numerous emails and letters sharing wonderful stories about her. “I plan to continue to gather that information,” he said. “I’m not going to try to replace her; we’re going to ride the coattails of it and stand on the shoulders of some of the things she built.”
One of the players on Toro’s 17 and under team has verbally committed to a Division I program. Another player has multiple DI offers and others have received considerable interest from college programs.
This fall, Morris hopes some prominent names will pay the Hawks a visit, including ESPN analyst Monica McNutt, to share details about her career and transition from an outstanding Division I player to a broadcaster. “Outside of the 94 feet, how can we expose our girls to that level of quality professionals?” asked Morris.