So what does it take to be a Washington Wizard Girl? In a word: Commitment. It takes a commitment to dance and performing; a commitment to your team and a 40+ game schedule…and it takes a commitment to serving the community around you.

To be honest, I don’t know what I enjoy more…game night, or a small performance for 10 elementary school girls in the Miner Elementary School gymnasium (shout out to the Sisters Program at Miner Elem). Now, don’t get me wrong, the rush and excitement of game night is unforgettable: the lights, the crowd, and the moment right before your white dance boots hit the hardwood and you think to yourself, “where am I in this dance again?” It’s GREAT! But there really is nothing like hanging out in the community. I’m sure that many of my fellow “Dub-Gs” would agree that alot of the local events and programs that we participate in rank right up there with those unforgettable game night performances.

The Wizards organization is truly committed to being active in the community, and I am so happy that I have had the opportunity join in the fun.

When the holiday season rolled around, the Wizards organization began its annual “12 Days of Holiday Cheer,” community service program. This is by far my FAVORITE time of year as a member of the Wizards organization. While all of the outreach activities are amazing, “Family to Family Delivery” is the most heart-warming. Families are brought to tears when their favorite Wizards players show up to their homes bearing unexpected gifts. WG Kahla remembers one of the mothers being in tears and thanking the Wizards for everything and for making her children so happy that Christmas.

“Each of those families were so grateful and it truly made me feel good to see the happiness it brought them,” – WG, Kahla

This year’s “12 Days of Holiday Cheer,” concluded with a little friendly competition of video games, skee ball, and air hockey! The Dub-Gs hung out with over 200 local children at ESPN Zone. Honestly, I don’t know who had more fun, the kids…or Teneii, lol!

“Who said that WGs only DANCE!!.. Well, if there was an inzone, there would surely be a dance.”…yeah, that’s WG, Teneii.

We just wrapped the second annual “Baller’s Bowl” at Lucky Strike. It provided an opportunity for the players, ticketholders, and sponsors to interact and raise money for the Capital Area Food Bank, one of many Wizards’ charities. I’m told $5 can create a meal for 15 people. It was definitely a highlight of the year. Ask WG Kim, who can be seen “Cupid Shuffling” for a good cause on the Wizards website. ?

When it comes to community outreach and community service…the Wizards can’t stop, won’t stop! Character. Commitment. Connection. The same goes for those beautiful and talented Wizard Girls. I’m sure you’ve had a chance to check out our Wizard Girl 2008-2009 Swimsuit calendar (look out for 4-year vet, WG Lindsey…she’s Miss April). Every dollar made from those calendars from last October (that’s WG Alicia) until September 2009 (that’s WG Erica) goes to the Wizards Care organization…providing assistance to the youth, homeless and underserved in the D.C. metropolitan area,

With that said, I’m going to leave you with one last thing. Wizard Girls tryouts are coming up soon. For all of those aspiring Dub-G’s…do you have what it takes? Are you committed? Think about it.

See you from the sidelines!

Dub-G Out,
Courtney