Ann Meyers Drysdale is extending her influence on UCLA basketball. Having been named Chair of Hoops for Youth, she’ll lead a program that enables underprivileged children who have likely never seen college basketball in person to attend UCLA basketball games.

Myers Drysdale, a member of the UCLA 1978 national championship team, went on to a prolific career as a broadcaster and member of the front office for the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. She was the first woman to receive a four-year athletic scholarship to UCLA.

“UCLA basketball is in my blood,” Meyers Drysdale said. “I know how magical it is to be part of the tradition of UCLA basketball and I want others to have the opportunity to experience that tradition first-hand as well.”

Hoops For Youth, funded by contributions from individuals and corporations, is entering its second year. The program is run by the Los Angeles Sports Council Foundation in partnership with the UCLA Athletic Department.

Each $25 donation to the Sports Council Foundation will enable a child in the sixth grade or below to attend a game at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA Athletics will distribute the tickets to youth groups. The program will expand to include women’s and men’s games for the 2016-17 season.

“For most of these kids, it will be their first opportunity to see a college basketball game in person,” UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said, “or to set foot on the UCLA campus.”

Anyone interested in contributing to Hoops for Youth can call (213) 482-6333.