Yolanda Parrish-Poindexter

Thanks to Yolanda Parrish-Poindexter, Physical Director at the Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, 50 boys and girls participated in the 2001-2002 Jr. NBA/WNBA Basketball Clinic.The clinic was designed to stress the importance of reading and the fundamentals of learning through teamwork and sportsmanship.

"This event was possible because we organized a Jr. NBA/WBA Basketball League," said Yolanda.The children were league participants who were selected to partake in the NBA Read to Achieve Program.

Yolanda Parrish-Poindexter can attest to that.

Since 1999, Parrish-Poindexter has been the athletic director at the Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Club in Wilmington.

Parrish-Poindexter is the first woman to hold such a position at one of Delaware's 23 facilities.She oversees athletic programs, camps and leagues for 1,800 youngsters.

The Boys & Girls Club is not governed by Title IX, but Parrish-Poindexter believes it helped her to achieve her position.

"All I knew was sports," said Parrish-Poindexter, 34, who grew up with six brothers."I played all the time.If I was with the girls, maybe we'd play double-dutch.If the boys were out, I'd play football with them.

"If it weren't for Title IX, I probably wouldn't have had this opportunity.I'd have to be doing something different, something I don't enjoy as much as this."