Midland High School’s boys’ basketball team is fostering community engagement with its first "Adopt a Bulldog" program, designed to connect young students with varsity players while cultivating a supportive basketball culture in Midland.
The initiative, organized by the Midland High Boys Basketball Booster Club, allows children from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade to "adopt" a varsity basketball player for the season. For a $50 registration fee, participants, known as "Little Dawgs," receive a jersey displaying their player’s name and number, along with a season schedule. While attendance at games is encouraged to cheer on their adopted athlete, participation is flexible.
A highlight of the program will be "Little Dawg" Night, where participants are recognized and have the opportunity to spend quality time with their varsity player.
Midland High emphasizes the importance of encouragement over material gifts. Personal notes, signs, and posters are welcome, with no gift exchanges required to keep costs manageable. Participants gain access to a GroupMe chat for updates on games and special events throughout the season.
In a post on X, Midland Bulldog Basketball stated, “This program, aimed at grade school kids, was to initiate and foster a supportive basketball culture here in the Midland community, and share the love of hoops.”
Research underscores the benefits of such mentorship programs. According to Mentoring.org, youth with mentors are 75% more likely to have held a leadership position in a club or sports team and 92% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities
For more information on how to participate in Adopt a Bulldog, contact the Midland High Boys Basketball Booster Club or visit Midland High School’s athletic department website.