Winchester, Virginia Jun 17, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Stonewall Ball Club is proud to announce the official formation of the Stonewall Predators, a new girls basketball program operating under the umbrella of the nonprofit organization. The Predators will offer competitive opportunities, advanced skill development, and a structured environment for female athletes in the region.
The program will launch with one team at the rising 5th grade level but is accepting player interest of all ages. As the program grows, the long-term vision is to establish teams at every grade level, creating a continuous pipeline of development and opportunity for girls across the region. One of the challenges often seen in youth sports is that many student-athletes enter middle and high school without the foundational skills needed to compete at a high level. By focusing on year-round drills, fundamentals, and competitive weekend tournaments, the Predators aims to prepare its players not just for the current season—but to carry their success forward into high school basketball and beyond.
Stonewall Ball Club is proud to be the only nonprofit organization in Frederick County solely dedicated to the empowerment of girls through basketball. With a mission rooted in equity, access, and athletic excellence, Stonewall is breaking new ground by ensuring young female athletes are given the same developmental pathways and resources traditionally reserved for their male counterparts. The formation of the Predators is more than just the start of a new team—it’s a bold step toward leveling the playing field and giving girls in our community the tools to compete, lead, and succeed.
“We’re excited to officially welcome the Stonewall Predators to our program,” said Andrew Higgs, President of Stonewall Ball Club. “Bringing girls basketball into Stonewall is a big step forward. It’s important that these athletes are supported and included as part of our club, and we’re proud to provide them with the same opportunities to grow, compete, and succeed. We look forward to adding basketball to our growing catalog of sports, which already includes baseball, softball, and football.”
Mike Procuk has been selected as the Program Director to oversee the Predators program. An invaluable member of the local community, Procuk has coached youth sports in Frederick County since 2019, including baseball, soccer, and basketball. In addition to coaching, he regularly umpires for local youth baseball organizations, further demonstrating his deep commitment to youth athletics and sportsmanship. His passion for coaching basketball has grown in recent years, and he now looks forward to leading the charge in developing a high-quality program for young female athletes.
“This is an exciting opportunity for girls' basketball in Frederick County,” said Mike Procuk, the new Program Director of the Stonewall Predators. “We’re committed to building a strong foundation and growing the program to include girls of all ages. Our goal is to create a competitive and empowering environment where young women can thrive both on and off the court. This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about mentorship, confidence, and community. As a nonprofit, our focus isn’t on making money—it’s on making a difference. We’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with local schools, rec leagues, and like-minded clubs to keep youth sports accessible, developmental, and athlete-first.”
Stonewall Ball Club Vice President Chris Pownall has his sights set on ensuring the Predators is well-funded and supported moving forward. “Starting a program from the ground up is difficult, and without the proper guidance and resources, many promising efforts stall before they ever get going,” said Pownall. “Far too often, girls’ athletics don’t receive the attention, support, or investment they deserve. At Stonewall, we’re committed to changing that narrative. We’re proud to champion these talented young ladies and provide them with the platform, resources, and competition they need to shine at the highest levels.”
Tryouts and program announcements will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information on the Stonewall Predators program, please email Mike Procuk at procuk@stonewallbc.org
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Chris Pownall
Chief Operating Officer, Stonewall Ball Club
COO@stonewallbc.org
Media Contact
Stonewall Ball Club COO@stonewallbc.org 703-232-4492 http://stonewallbc.org
