Sarah came to China with a willing heart and a sweet jump shot.

She knew the first was a key to teaching; she wasn’t sure the latter would ever come into play.

She was thrilled to learn she could combine them by starting an English corner for women’s basketball. English corners are teacher-led groups of students that can discus everything from idioms to cultural difference to how to make a layup.

“After surgery last year, I prayed a lot because I love basketball,” said Sarah, who was told by physical therapists that she would probably never be able to play again. “This is probably not the best way to approach prayer, but I told God that if He let me play again it would be for His glory and to build relationships with the girls.”

She played a few pickup games before heading to China and her back didn’t hurt at all. Her prayer had been answered by God. Getting the Chinese to agree, that was another story.

Sarah was drawn to starting a women’s basketball club for several reasons. The obvious may seem to be because of her love of the sport. But there was more. On campus, the courts – especially the indoor arena court – are dominated by the men. Some of the women had never been inside the arena.

“There were several reasons to start. One is for the fun and exercise,” she said. “Second, it really builds character, teamwork and confidence in people who just maybe have never had a chance. It’s an outlet to gain those things.”

Her English corner was approved. In addition to finding a few foreigners to help her, Sarah had to get a letter from the Physical Education Department stating that yes the women had permission to be in the gym. While the first night didn’t go as planned, the corner was soon up and running with 15 to 20 women each meeting.

“I was shocked how many girls came out, and most of them were my students,” she said. “I was so excited. Other English corners have had numbers drop and fizzle out. We’ve been about that same. I’m thankful for that.”

The women learn basic basketball skills – dribbling, passing, shooting – and concepts – teamwork, hustle, character. By the end of each night, they have new skills, an expanded vocabulary and the knowledge that the foreign teachers care about them.

“It’s a great way to build relationships,” Sarah said. “I wanted to get to know my students better, and now that I see them out of class I have more time. It opens the door to get to know them.”

Getting to know students better is one reward of the English corner. Another is seeing them grow as individuals.

“It’s cool for me to see some of the girls, who think they’re not going to make a shot and they do,” Sarah said. “It’s awesome.”