Camps

I just wanted to share that Ari had a wonderful time this week (at Crusader Summer Camp)! He really felt like he was improving and that he belonged in the group, which is quite remarkable considering his age and the fact that he had never played basketball before.

I’m sure a big part of that is thanks to the amazing atmosphere and encouragement you create.

He even asked to come again next week—I just signed him up!

Thank you so much, and have a wonderful weekend!

Billy I just wanted to take a minute and write to you about Evan. I thought you might like to know that Evan was successful in making his middle school team this year. As you may recall he didn’t make it last year. I strongly believe that your program and you personally stepping out of the box and giving him an opportunity to play for your AAU team as well as all the skills practices made a big difference. I am sure we will be seeing you again. Have a great holiday season.

We are so thankful for “HOOP DREAMZ” – and especially Billy –  we are so grateful that Eric (and Greg) has learned so much from Billy and reinforced the values that they take with them when they play school team sports.  Leading by example, “trust, care, commitment” – those life lessons Eric is getting from Billy and the same values his dad is teaching Greg and Eric with 54 other Boy Scouts!  But when I talk to Eric about “trust” and “respect”, it’s not usually Boy Scouts that come to mind first, but “that’s what Billy teaches”!

I know being able to train with you and to become the basketball player that I did was such an incredible opportunity, for me not just as a basketball player, but as a person in general. I always feel so lucky that I got to have those one-on-one lessons; through them and all the AAU and Hoop Dreamz leagues, I think I really learned how to be completely dedicated to something, and to never, ever give up. Again, it was such an amazing experience being able to play with you and learn from you – inspiring me much within and beyond basketball. For all that, I can only say thank you so much!

I also wanted to thank the coaches for their commitment and hard work. I especially want to thank Coach Billy. I, admittedly, am limited in my knowledge about basketball, but I do know when someone is inspirational and provides strong, clear, appropriately demanding guidance.  Billy really pushes the boys to be the best that they can be and beyond basketball, has helped provide life lessons of right and wrong within the context of his coaching. Thanks again for a great season.

I wanted to personally thank you and your staff for such a great summer of basketball. There are many “Billy-ism’s” being repeated around our home (e.g., turn my weaknesses into strengths) and it just reinforces my belief that having Brendan participate in your programs is so worthwhile.  Thanks again for all the energy, time and effort you put into Hoop Dreamz!

You have always steered me in the right direction and have always wanted the best for me. Playing basketball for you was a great experience, you were by far the best coach I’ve ever had. You’re a great role model and I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. If I don’t see you, have a safe and healthy summer.

My son Matt had a great experience with the Hoop Dreamz and he learned a lot from you. Matt wasn’t a great player but he did have a nice career at Park Ridge HS, starting 2 years and being captain as a senior. Your training helped turn him into a solid Group 1 point guard who played tough aggressive man defense: we appreciate what you did for Matt.

I would like you to know what your program has done for our son in just one summer. Last year, our son played for your summer AAU team. It was his first time being a part of Hoop Dreamz. In that short amount of time, he learned more than he ever did playing for an entire two seasons on travel. This past season, he played for the town rec team and they went undefeated and were featured in the local paper. He played in every single game and was a starter in a number of games. He also played for the St. Andrew’s travel team where he was a starter in every game and was chosen to represent his age group in the CYO All Stars game.

The CYO season wasn’t a great one, but he didn’t care because all he cared about was being given an opportunity to play no matter the results in the end. Other parents noticed how much he has developed as a player and we’ve told ALL of them it was your program. I know part of it has to do with maturity, but a big part of it was being part of a program that allowed him to develop as player. I’ve included two pictures because the smile on his face says it all. Again…many congrats. Thanks!

Wow, today’s win over Riverside was amazing. Billy’s coaching was the key factor! He gets these kids to play at their highest level. And, he just outright out-coaches the opponent. The play calling was magnificent. Really proud of them today. Both today and last weekend were really great displays of this 8th grade team.

Thanks again for another great season. We’ll see you this week at camp. And, of course, won’t be long til we’re gearing up for Fall again.

Just wanted to let you know, both my boys, John 8th grade and Kyle 6th grade both really enjoyed the camp and learned more than I could imagine. I watched them play the weekend after and hardly recognized them. We are lucky to have such a professionally run camp so close.

Billy,
You did a tremendous job with the boys this season. The boys did a fabulous job and you should be very proud of what you accomplished. You and Lauren do a great job with the program and have all our confidence and support of Hoop Dreamz. We could not be prouder to have two of our children be apart of the Hoop Dreamz family. It is a excellent program and could not be happier.
Caroline and Thomas have enormous respect for you and the program. We owe this exclusively to you, Lauren, and all the coaches.

Billy,
Our boys are extremely fortunate to not only be a part of the Hoop Dreamz program but to have you as their coach. I’ve known you for a very long time and have seen you grow not only as a BB player and later as a coach but as a great kid who developed into a terrific person. They have been taught by you to stand tall and not whine or complain when things are not going their way. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished with this team and we couldn’t be more pleased with the coaching and direction Owen and all the boys are receiving this season.

My sons Brian and Danny just finished your camp and loved it. You guys do such an amazing job I can’t say enough good things about the week! Brian won the Mr. Hustle award and was so excited.

Lauren and Billy,
Thank you very much for the BC t-shirt you gave Mark yesterday. But more importantly, this note was written to both you to say, ” thank you”. A sincere thank you for reinforcing the values we try so hard to teach our children. You both contribute so much to this program. And it is because of your hard work, dedication and, by the examples you both set, that makes your program so special. The boys just think they are learning basketball skills but, we parents know they are learning so much more. Because of you both, our children are learning skills that will make them better adults. Thank you both for all you do.

Please know that every time Mark wears this shirt (and he will a lot), he will remember why he earned it: not because he made a winning basket at your camp but, because he was rewarded for doing the right thing. A true winner does the right thing each and every day and your shirt will be a reminder of that lesson. Thank you again.

I just wanted you to know that I had a great time this season playing for you. I learned more from you than any other Coach I have played for. I have a tremendous amount of respect for you as a person and Coach and your basketball programs and camp. I just wanted to let you know that. Thanks for everything and I will see you at camp.

Just wanted to drop a note to say thank you for a great week of basketball camp. The boys enjoyed the program and had fun. I was very impressed on organization and professionalism of the entire staff. Most important, Billy’s coaching on core values, leadership and passion for the game. Thanks.

Daniel has loved working on his basketball game in both the camps and classes. He gets so much out of it both in basketball instruction and life lessons. He is aging out of the camps and classes now. But I wanted to let you and Billy know how wonderful and inspirational it has been for him.