Program Philosophy
Player/Family Expectations
We have high expectations in this program. This has little to do with winning and losing games. Our high expectations are in regards to our values and actions. It's a process we believe in that works in both life and basketball. Focus on the process and results will take care of themselves. A result is just feedback on how we can continue to get better. We prioritize the experience and development of our girls and put a lot of time into making that vision a reality for them. If your family is going to be a part of our program we expect you to make your daughter's team and our program a priority. There are a few simple, but very important expectations that come along with this:
1. Your daughter is expected to show up on time for practices and tournaments. This will put her in the best position to have success. This will put the team in the best position to have success. This puts the coach in the best position to have success. There is a reason this expectation is listed first, it's of utmost importance. This does not mean she cannot be a multi sport athlete, we're all for that. We have many multi sport athletes that find the right balance of commitment. It does mean her Let it Rain team and teammates need to be a priority.
2. Wait a full 24 hours from a game/practice/tournament before contacting or discussing any issues with a coach. Please remember, the coaches have good intentions. They will grow to love each of these kids. They are under no illusion they'll be doing things perfectly with the team. They will make mistakes. They will also spend A LOT of time and energy doing the best they can to teach the girls lessons about the game and more importantly about life. Please respect that and put your trust in them. Communicate that trust with your words and actions to your daughter. If after considering all of that you feel there is still something that needs to be discussed please don't hesitate to do so, but do so with respect and perspective. We want open communication in this program.
3. Be a parent, not a coach. Your daughter wants your love and support, not your advice in the midst of a competitive game. Her development as a player will be a slow bleed, but it's constant and quick as well if they stay after it. Stay positive and encourage your daughter. Tell them how proud you are of their commitment and development as a player and how much you love watching them play. That is the way to fuel their fire of wanting more that will really propel them to their limits.
4. Be a parent, not a referee. There is nothing worse in regards to youth and high school basketball games than when a team's parents are constantly yelling/complaining to the referees. It sets a terrible example for the kids. It's a blame mentality rather than an accountability mentality. Please let the coaches handle interactions and discussions with the referees. Your job as a parent is to positively support our team and players. Please stay focused on that.
5. Do not expect equal playing time. That's not how competitive basketball works nor is it how life works. Each kid has equal opportunity to compete for playing time in practice. How they perform when they are in the game will matter as well. Coaches make the decision on playing time and that needs to be respected and supported by the parents. The best answer/advice you can give your daughter in regards to playing time is work harder on your game outside of practice, compete harder in practice and games, listen attentively to your coach so you know what they want from you, and continue to be a great teammate who gives all they can to the team in whatever way they can.
If you cannot adhere to those expectations then we are not the right fit for your family. If you can, we think you'll find your daughter and your family are a part of something special.