North Charlotte Today

A Charlotte barber’s gift to a girls' basketball team gave the players a few moments of “shear” delight.

Shawn Tapley, co-owner of the Premier Grooming Academy barbering school, held a fundraiser for his daughter’s team last week, providing $10 haircuts with the proceeds going to help Mallard Creek High School buy things for the team.

”The mission of Premier Grooming Academy is to provide excellence in barber training and to provide opportunities to enable students to become successful barbers,” Tapley said in a WCNC report. ”The looks on these young girls' faces are amazing, just knowing they have their needs taken care of and people are behind them supporting them."

The idea formed after he learned that his daughter’s team had a low budget and limited resources. He and other parents decided to hold the fundraiser.

Besides the $10 from each of the haircuts, other passersby chipped in to the kitty, too. Donations came in from people who did not get haircuts but wanted to show their support.

Not only is the fundraising allowing them to provide things like meals, uniforms and workout clothes for the team, but it also allowed them to show the girls the loads of support they have within their own community.

"When you look good you play good,” Tapley said.

One person who said she couldn't be more proud of him for contributing to her team and school is his daughter, Gabby, a senior. 

"I like feeling fresh,” she told the news station. “What we are wearing motivates our team to be good." 

She also said the team was happy to see the community pitching in for the cause.

"Most people don’t realize there is a lot of work that goes on off the court,” coach Karlyn Dixon said. “We have to make sure the girls are good and taken care of." 

Knowing that the community is on their side, the team is looking forward to playing their best. And that should bolster their chances for a successful season.