RADFORD, Va. – Radford softball student-athletes Lauren Williams and Nichole Beall, along with head coach Mickey Dean recently participated in the NCAA 2011 Powerade Youth Clinics in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Women's College World Series (WCWS) in Oklahoma City, Okla.

They were held on June 4-5 at the Putnam City Optimist Softball Complex in Bethany, Okla. The Youth Clinics connect kids ages 8-16 with the College World Series and provides them with an experience designed to have a lasting impact, while receiving softball instruction and valuable information about healthy lifestyles.

“I loved everything about the clinic!,” said Williams, a recent 2011 graduate. “The people working the clinic were full of energy! The coaches and players from each school got along really well. It felt like we were a family even though we had just met each other. We had a common goal and that was to teach these girls how to play ball and let them know what it takes to be a college athlete.”

An added bonus to volunteering at the clinics, the student-athletes and Dean received complimentary tickets to the WCWC and were able to explore the city which included a trip to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial and Museum.

“Working the camp was a great experience in itself, but actually being at the Women's College World Series and watching the games was on another level,” said Big South Co-Player of the Year and rising senior Beall. “Working with the kids is always fun. I love being able to teach and help the kids and it's so rewarding when I can tell a kid is really trying and they finally are able to do what I was teaching them.”

On Saturday and Sunday morning, Williams, Beall and Dean worked with groups providing instruction about hitting, fielding and base running. Williams and Dean also participated in a question and answer information session with parents.

Williams, a recent 2011 graduate, explained what the average day and year for a collegiate athlete consists of, while Dean answered questions about recruiting and what he looks for in a student-athlete.

“I loved being able to meet and work with other college coaches, learning new things from the other coaches and being exposed to different opinions,” commented Beall. “Seeing different coaching styles and techniques really helped me to understand our own philosophy and why we do things the way we do. Working with the kids is always fun as well. I love being able to teach and help the kids and it's so rewarding when I can tell a kid is really trying and they finally are able to do what I was teaching them."