On the evenings of August 9th and 11th, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., PYB will be hosting a dynamic G
irls’ Empowerment Program on the campus of Girard College for young women entering grades 9 through the first year in college. Programming will include basketball skill development and competitive game play, tabletop conversations about issues of female leadership styles and unique challenges faced by female student-athletes, college recruitment information, a nutritious dinner, and an Under Armour jersey.
We are thrilled to announce the program’s coaching staff that will be comprised of current and former female college basketball players:
Head Coach & Coordinator: Brooke Queenan
Originally from West Chester, P.A., Brooke graduated from West Chester East High School and continued her education at Boston College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. A member on the women’s basketball team, Brooke went on to have an accomplished career as a professional basketball player, both in the WNBA and overseas. More recently, Brooke received a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Northeastern University and currently works as a research analyst at Econsult Solutions, Inc., specializing in public policy work centered around economic and community development. As a result of these diverse experiences, Brooke has developed both an understanding of the transformative nature of the game of basketball to impact the development and success of girls and women, and a passion to help increase female access to sport.
Coach: Jayla Greene
A Philadelphia native, Jayla was part of the Philly Triple Threat program and attended Springfield Township High School. Jayla is a rising sophomore at Gwynedd Mercy University where she is studying Sports Management and is a point guard on the women’s basketball team. Upon graduation, Jayla aspires to be a collegiate basketball coach.
Coach: Brittany Hrynko
Brittany attended George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science and went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in health and human services from DePaul University. A 4-year starter on the DePaul women’s basketball team, Brittany was drafted to the WNBA in 2015 to the Atlanta Dream. She most recently has played professionally overseas in Israel and Slovakia and is soon leaving to compete in La Spezia, Italy.
Coach: MaryKate O’Brien
A graduate of William Penn Charter, MaryKate attended Williams College where she was a member on the women’s basketball team and majored in Environmental Science with a concentration in Justice and Law Studies. MaryKate is now pursuing a career in urban planning and environmental policy in Philadelphia. She also hopes to work closely with non-profits and would like to focus on community outreach and urban sustainability initiatives.
Coach: Kamiah Smalls
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Kamiah attended Nuemann-Goretti High School and was a standout player on the women’s basketball team. Kamiah will be attending James Madison University where she will be continuing her basketball career as a member on the women’s basketball team. As of now, her major is undeclared. Upon graduation from JMU, Kamiah hopes to pursue a career playing basketball professionally overseas.
Coach: Diana Venezia
A North Jersey native, Diana attended Westfield High School and graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Diana received a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from UNCW where she also competed on the women’s basketball team. Diana is currently enrolled at Temple University, where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport Business. Additionally, Diana joined the PYB staff in February, 2016 where she serves as the organization’s Fund Development Coordinator.
To register, please click here.