Women’s Basketball to Host ‘Uptown Stilettos’ Event on Saturday

The Great Danes are competing for a sixth straight America East Conference Championship this season.

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 27, 2017) – The University at Albany women’s basketball program will be spreading a message of empowerment on and off the court this weekend.

The Great Danes are hosting the season’s first “Uptown Stilettos” event prior to taking on America East Conference rival Hartford tomorrow at 2 p.m. in SEFCU Arena. City of Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan will be the honorary captain and join the team’s bench during the game.

Uptown Stilettos is a Capital District group of successful women (and men) who advocate for UAlbany women’s basketball, not only by attending games, but also through providing professional mentorship to the team’s players. Included in the group is notables like Price Chopper’s Mona Golub, Mayor Sheehan and Teresa Stellar, wife of UAlbany interim president James R. Stellar.

Former Great Danes’ head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson established Uptown Stilettos during her tenure. Current head coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee “Coach Mac” is continuing to advance the initiative this season.

“Uptown Stilettos is an outstanding group comprised of inspiring people that advocate for our players through their support and mentorship,” said Coach Mac. “This event is just the start. Our goal is to continue to build a network of successful people that we can call the UAlbany women’s basketball family. Our players truly need local women that they can network with and look up to both as professionals and as people of good character.”

Tomorrow’s event will take place from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. in the SEFCU Hall of Fame Room. It will include remarks from UAlbany Athletic Director Mark Benson, Coach Mac, Teresa Stellar and Mayor Sheehan.

Additionally, Coach Mac has invited Albany-area girl scouts to attend tomorrow’s game and “camp out” on the SEFCU Arena court. The full night of events will include a Q&A session with Coach Mac and a skills session with players on the women’s basketball team.

On the court, the Great Danes have won five consecutive America East Conference Championships. Included in the dynasty-run is the program’s first NCAA tournament victory, a 61-59 upset over No. 4 seed Florida last season. The team was once again picked first in the America East preseason poll this season.

Tickets for tomorrow’s game are available through UAlbany’s online box office.

Those interested in joining Uptown Stilettos can contact Liz Tapler, director of operations for women’s basketball, at 518-442-3050 or email [email protected].

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