Providence College basketball stars visit Fall River and New Bedford youths to provide wisdom, fun

FALL RIVER and NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Southcoast Health recently teamed up with Providence College student athletes, Bryce Hopkins, a junior small forward and pre-season All-American on the Providence College Friar men’s basketball team, and Grace Efosa, a senior point guard on the Providence College Friar women’s basketball team, to visit the local Boys & Girls Clubs in New Bedford and Fall River.

“It was extremely heartwarming to see Southcoast Health and Providence College investing in our community and providing our children with an unforgettable experience,” said Bill Kiley, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Fall River. “Bryce and Grace are showing these children that the sky is the limit, and that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”

Bryce Hopkins and Grace Efosa have both demonstrated exceptional dedication and strength on and off the basketball court and are excited to collaborate with Southcoast Health to inspire our communities’ next generation of leaders. Highlights from the visit included friendly games of basketball played between the children and the athletes, followed by photos with the athletes and autograph signings that will be sure to leave a lasting impression for years to come.

“We are incredibly thankful to both Southcoast Health and Providence College for bringing these world-class athletes to spend time with our kids. Bryce and Grace are the type of role models our children look up to, and we are so grateful for the positive impact they have left,” said Robbie Mendes, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford.

At the event, Bryce spoke on the importance of surrounding oneself with good company and role models, while Grace shared her inspiring story of overcoming multiple significant injuries and getting back on the court, stronger and better than ever.

“I am so proud to see these two organizations working together to inspire and encourage the local youth,” Dr. Joseph Lifrak, an Orthopedic Surgeon at Southcoast Health and a member of the Providence Friars Medical Staff. “With the college basketball season kicking off on Monday, it is exciting to see the kids interact with the players and understand the importance of developing healthy habits on and off the court. In my experience working with Grace and Bryce, we couldn’t ask for better role models.”

In addition to highlighting the value and importance of education, physical and mental health and overall wellness, Southcoast Health and these exceptional athletes from Providence College hope to inspire and nurture the youth in our local communities.

The Providence College Friars Men’s Basketball schedule kicks off on Monday, November 6 and the Women’s Basketball schedule kicks off on Tuesday, November 7 with back to back home games.

To learn more about Sports Medicine at Southcoast Health please visit Sports Medicine Services MA & RI | Southcoast Health.