Just for the ladies: Calipari, Wildcats put on fun and enjoyable clinic

By TESS McLAMB, Kentucky Today (reprinted on BSN with consent)

LEXINGTON, Ky. (KT) — Big Blue Madness wasn’t the only exciting event that took place at Rupp Arena last weekend.

Following the yearly showcase to preview the upcoming men’s basketball team Friday night, the Wildcats took the stage once again, this time participating in the John Calipari Women’s Clinic Sunday. The event attracted hundreds of the team’s biggest female supporters and gave attendees an exclusive look at the team’s facilities, workout routines and practice sessions.  

Each participant was given a basketball and a T-shirt autographed by Calipari and his wife Ellen Calipari as well as each member of the team. 

Following the autograph session, Kentucky assistant coaches Kenny Payne, Tony Barbee and Joel Justus took part in a  question and answer session about the upcoming season, players on the roster and changes being implemented this year. The coaches mostly focused on the team’s optimism. 

“They’re fun,” Justus said. “They’re excited (and) they’re energetic. They laugh and smile. They’re a good group.”  

Attendees also got a preview of what to expect from the Wildcats this season. Emulating a typical practice session,  players showed what types of drills and plays the team uses behind the scenes on a daily basis. They even showcased their own skills and members of the audience stormed the court to participate in their own drills and workouts with strength and conditioning coach Robert Harris before closing out the evening with a raffle and group picture with the team. 

“It was fun (and) I enjoyed it,” first time attendee and basketball fanatic Denise Cornish said. “Getting to tour the locker rooms and behind the scenes was definitely the best part of the day. While we were back there, Coach Cal even came in. It was a fun day.”