From the Acorn Grows the Mighty Oak The gym at August Knodt Elementary is filled with the sound of sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing and whistles blowing: it’s basketball season in the Acorn League! For the first time since Spring 2020, competitive sports have returned to Manteca Unified elementary schools and not a moment too soon according to girls basketball coach (and PE teacher) Jarod Ballardo. He is excited to help his students grow as both players and as people.
“The greatest lesson I learned from playing a sport was how to work as a team and work with others even when you had differences,” said Coach Ballardo. Working together as a team is reinforced throughout the practice. Even during basics, like running warm-up laps, the players are reminded to run as a team and not leave slower teammates behind. They are reminded to call out when they are “open” for a pass and to ask for help when needed. “I’ve wanted to play for a long time,” said 7th grader Alana
The McGee. Mike McGee Sr. said his daughter has never Coach Ballardo normally has at least a few returning Acorn League is played on a team before but grew up watching her players on his roster, but this year they are starting MUSD’s elementary athletic parents coach and older sister play at Lathrop from the very beginning; only one of the girls has program open to 6th–8th graders. High. The return of the Acorn League gave her an played on a basketball team before. Practice In the Acorn League, student-athletes play against other MUSD elementary school teams opportunity to play that was not available the opens with warm-ups and then focuses on while learning the fundamentals of their sport, last couple of years. Alana also hopes that her fundamental drills: how to dribble, how to pass, rules, and sportsmanship in a positive and how to shoot. According to him, they have the basketball workouts prepare her for track try outs in inclusive environment. Sports offered are speed and athletic ability, but they need to the spring. basketball in the winter, track and field build their stamina and develop their skills. One in the spring, and volleyball and of the best parts of coaching for Ballardo is to Eighth grader Alysha Hassan is the sole returning cross country in the fall. see his players taking more pride in themselves and player on the team and she has two goals this year: to having more respect for others as the season progresses. What they learn on the court is not just physical. The girls are learning how to communicate and how to be teammates after a time of limited faceto-face socialization. “Sports teach students many valuable life
score more points than when she last played in 6th grade and to get to know her teammates. “I know a few,” she said. “But I haven’t gotten to know them all yet.” The Acorn League is back and will again allow Alysha and other MUSD elementary school students to strive to meet their goals athletically and socially.
skills: responsibility, teamwork, critical thinking, and accepting criticism. One of the most important skills is communication. They learn how to communicate with peers and coaches,” said
For more information on the Acorn League, contact your child’s school or Acorn League Commissioner Christopher Graham.
Acorn League Commissioner Christopher Graham.