The Online Reflector

The University of Indianapolis men’s basketball team is making a difference in the lives of young athletes even after its season has come to an end. The team’s success this season has inspired local kids to follow their dreams and become involved in basketball.

The “Little Greyhounds” youth basketball team, consisting of 4 to 7-year-olds, poses for a team photo at a recent practice. The team plays at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church through a program called Tab Recreation. Photo contributed by Robbin Sally.

Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, located near downtown Indianapolis, has a program that enables young people interested in sports to pursue their goals. The organization, supported by the governor, the mayor and the Colts, has honored the university by naming their youngsters’ basketball team after the Indianapolis Greyhounds.

Through Tab Recreation, a ministry of the church, children ages 4-to-14 years old have the opportunity to participate in basketball, soccer, track, football, flag football and chess. The church has opened its doors to provide a safe environment for kids, hoping to direct them away from negativity and onto the right path. To continue to make a positive difference in children’s lives, volunteers for the program are always necessary.

Robbin Sally, a UIndy career advisor, is personally involved in the Tab Greyhounds basketball team. Her son, Roman, plays on UIndy Technical Support Lead, Michael Smiley’s 4 to 7-year-old “Peanut” team. As a parent, Sally stresses the importance of volunteers to the effectiveness of Tab Recreation. She said positions available include coaches and assistant coaches, devotion leaders and referees.

Roman Sally shows off his trophy. Sally is a member of the “Little Greyhounds” youth basketball team. Photo contributed by Robbin Sally.

Smiley coaches the “Little Greyhounds” basketball team. He grew up in the downtown area of Indianapolis and played at the church as a child. He has been coaching the team for seven years.

Smiley explained how he aspires to encourage the players to develop their own individual skills and use these skills both on and off the court.

Smiley said the community surrounding the young players is a tight-knit group, and just like the coach of the UIndy Greyhounds, he works hard to instill in his players teamwork, responsibility, friendship and passion for the game.

The organization aims to team faith with fun and fitness. According to Tab Recreation’s mission statement, its goals are to introduce Christ through words and the actions of coaches, commissioners and staff; provide quality sports programs for children 4 to 14-years-old; recognize coaches and other volunteers for their time and effort through the Dawson Awards and by other means and introduce new procedures to improve the effectiveness of Tab Recreation programs. “The ‘Little Greyhounds’ are excellent players who know how to make plays, set picks, block shots and rebound,” Sally said.
The team has won its divisional championship three years in a row under Smiley’s direction.

“He is a wonderful coach. Very good with children and patiently teaches them the fundamentals,” Sally said.
Sally characterizes the team as having the same commitment and drive as “our Greyhounds.”

Smiley is determined to make a difference in his players’ lives through basketball. He explained how at a young age, he developed an interest in sports, and participating in basketball steered in him the right direction.

“It’s important to encourage the kids to gain confidence in their own strengths and cultivate friendships with each other,” he said.