ONTARIO, Calif. – Outside, the large Hawthorne Elementary School sign had been prepared with a special message: "Welcome Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball 2011 West Region champions."

Inside, students and staff waited anxiously for the day's special guests. The students were seated at the playground, waving decorations and making enough noise that you might have thought you were at an NBA championship parade. The basketball court area was adorned with enough green and gold to make Kellogg Gym jealous.

This hero's welcome certainly amazed the Broncos as they stepped onto the Hawthorne campus on Monday afternoon. Having attended a similar community event in Missouri at last season's Elite Eight though, the returning CPP student-athletes knew what kind of impact their visit could have on these youngsters.

With all eyes and ears focused on the Broncos, the women's basketball team showed the crowd drills on the court, taught the children pregame cheers and most importantly, stepped up to the microphone to talk about hard work and preparation.

Each of the CPP student-athletes introduced themselves, including mention of their hometown and their career aspiration. From Sarah Semenero wanting to be a sports writer to Rosslyn Beard aiming for a career in physical therapy to Jade Khuri aspiring to own her own business, the Broncos have varied interests but a similar goal of being leaders beyond their time in college.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the visit from the Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team touched the lives of all our students in the most positive way," said Cindi Aguirre, the principal of Hawthorne Elementary School. "The hands-on experience that the team provided our students with having them get out of their seats and perform a few drills made this experience bigger than life. As an alumni and now part-time lecturer at CPP, these women made me very proud to be associated with the Cal Poly Pomona university community." 

During this school year, the underlying theme for Hawthorne Elementary is "Slam Dunk the Star" as the students are gearing up to take the STAR state exam that's scheduled for April. For that, CPP sophomore Ariel Marsh had a bit of advice.

"Whether it's a project at school or getting ready for a big game, the key is preparation," she said. "As a team, we make sure we're prepared so that when we have to step up and take an important shot, we're confident. You can accomplish anything with hard work and preparation."

Another tip that the Broncos passed along to the students was the importance of respecting and listening to teachers. With the crowd of students showing such excitement and attention as an audience, you could tell that Hawthorne Elementary is a school on the rise.

Not only is it a school on the rise but now, it's also filled with passionate Bronco fans.