Rogers Royals 8th Grade Girls Basketball

THANK YOU!

This past weekend marked the end of travel ball for our girls and also marks the end of 6 years of travel coaching on my part.  I have had the privilege to coach these girls for the past two years and many I've coached previous years in travel or even through the In House program. 

I could not have asked for better group of kids to have worked with and think of all as family!

2004-2005 Team and Player Stats

Through Blaine Tournament

Pictures will be posted soon

A thank you to the girls for .....

.....  learning the importance of blending individual talents together and play as a team.  Very few teams have accomplished what you have demonstrated these past two years and what you learned will go well beyond the basketball court!

.....  coming to every practice eager and willing to learn so as to improve as an individual and as a team. 

.....  dedication and commitment both on and off the court to your teammates and to yourself.

.....  having a "never quit" attitude; no matter how hard you were asked to work or no matter the score up on the board.  As a team you never quit, you never let down and you played as winners no matter the circumstances!  Again, that attitude will serve you well in the future on the court and in life!

.....   being willing to be challenged; both personally and as a team.  A challenge each of you lived up to admirably and in doing so gained the respect of your opponents, your fans and your coaches!  You should all feel proud of the successes that were not always reflected in the game score.

.... and thanks for some very entertaining basketball games!!!!  You guys are the BEST!!!

A thank you to the parents for ....

.....  unyielding support shown to your daughters.  You made sure girls were on time to practices and games and your support in the stands always gave the team a lift!

.....  unwavering support shown to us in coaching your daughters as we felt best in teaching them more than simply basketball skills.  And your support of our philosophies and tactics that make this more than just a basketball experience.

.....  no undue pressure to win at any cost.  Your support of your daughters, of the coaches and support of "team first" allowed us to win as a team without undue importance placed on any one individual contribution.  We celebrated individual performances but did not depend on those for our victories.

.....  the new friendships that have been gained through my involvement in basketball!

A thank you to Tom for ...

..... all the hours he put in these past three years coaching and lending me a hand in coaching these girls!  Your presence and guidance had a great impact on the team and our successes!

..... all the help on the bench!  Your book work was a tremendous help in managing substitutions and the game in general and your advice to both me and the girls was always welcomed and beneficial!

And finally, a thank you to my family ....

..... for putting up with a schedule that seemed many times to have put basketball ahead of the family.

..... for putting up with the stresses and strains which although is never intended can and have come from basketball activities and affects our family.

..... for absolute support in my coaching activities and adjusting to those needs!

It has been a pleasure and especially an honor to have had the opportunity to coach these girls and having all of you as part of our extended family!

Thank you!