youth sports today of denton county

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Community Magazine that highlights activities, accomplishments, and inspiring stories of area youth between the ages of 3 to 14.

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Marshall Bennett of the FMYFA 5/6 Wolverines gets ready to hike the ball.

McKenzie Wood of the FMYSA 10U Cats pitches a strike.

Sydney Hornsby does a flip at WinKids.

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Lizzie Gallini has fun on the bars at Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dance.

McKenna Sadlowski, cheerleader for the LFA 7-8 Panthers Cheerleading Team shows off her jumping skills.

The Lewisville Football Association Titan’s Coach and Player get ready for the big game.

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November Issue, Our 16th Year!

This time of year is when we usually take time to reflect on things/people we are thankful for but why does it have to be this

particular time of year? Why can’t it be all year around? I’m guilty of taking advantage of the blessings that surround me but I’m also reminded of how blessed I am when my two precious girls embrace me with their morning hugs. Having an attitude of gratitude is a “must-have” in our household. This does not go without saying that I have to, on occasion, remind my kids the importance of appreciation and gratefulness.

It’s normal for kids to think first about themselves, despite all of our efforts to help them be more empathetic or appreciative.

The good news, though, is that we, as example leaders, can help

them broaden their perspectives and see beyond themselves. We can help them think about others, and approach life with an attitude of gratitude.

Are good examples being set in your home? How often do we complain about little things during the day? If we could just realize that the things that make life hard on us, like mounds of laundry, are frequently the barriers to our blessings, it’s easier to feel grateful and to share it with our kids. We can change our gripes into thanks by speaking positive words like, “Yes, we do need to clean up the house, but aren’t we blessed to have a house to keep us safe and warm?”

By focusing on all that you and your kids have to be grateful for, you can use everyday moments to make gratitude and thankfulness a part of your family’s daily life. Simple, positive comments will help foster in your children an awareness of how much they have to be thankful for.

- Amy Kenney

The GLASA FC Tigers are happy with their performance.

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Haley Frost does an awesome flip at WinKids.

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COVER STORYBY TRESHA GLOWACKIFelix Jones.................14-15

STORIESWinter Games of Texas.........................................7

REGULAR FEATURESPossitive Coaching Alliance...................................5The Game Plan......................................................6Chalk Talk.................................................................7Tip Off.......................................................................8Sports Calendar & Directory..............................10-11Kids Korner.............................................................13Coach Spotlight.......................................................16Student of the Month...............................................18

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There is a consistent trait among each coach in our Coach Spotlight every month. While many of them have a genuine love for the game they coach, have played at a high level themselves, or have a competitive spirit, the one thing they ALL share is the philosophy to “coach kids first and the game second”.

These coaches understand that having happy, well-rounded children on their team naturally creates a positive learning environment. Instilling a strong work ethic teaches dedication and responsibility. Understanding the benefits of teamwork gives them the motivation to learn the importance of each position within the team and how to support one another. Showing them how to both win and lose with respect for each other and the opposing team gives them the

opportunity to develop humility and dignity. These are all traits needed to be mature, successful athletes and human beings.

There are many coaches that feel teaching those things should be left to the parents, that it’s not their “job” to coach anything beyond game skills. As a coach, you have many unique situations the parents will never be presented with. It only stands to reason your players will be able to make better decisions during a game if they are respectful, have sound principles, and mature thinking skills. Therefore, you can consider teaching those traits as game skills as well.

Here’s hoping the coaches in your child’s life are good leaders and mentors and are out there teaching the rest of the game!

Coaching the Rest of the GameCommentary By: Ruthi Elliott

Last month we discussed parents coaching from the sideline. Here’s what our readers had to say!

Susan D of Corinth - “As a parent, it’s hard not to yell out to your kid when you do it all day but guess I need to let the coach do his job.”

Tim W. of Highland Village - “It’s frustrating as a coach when a parent yells out plays that conflicts with my play calls. It places the kid in a position of trying to decide who they’re supposed to listen to and that’s not fair to them.”

Lewisville Football Association Cowboy cheerleaders show their smiles before a great game.

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A sudden hit to the head - You see “stars”. You are mildly light headed and may feel slightly sick. You are not sure what just happened. In years past you were told to shake this off and get back into the game. No longer is this the case. Injury to the head, better known as a concussion, has gained a great level of interest due to the recent altered play of many athletes (Sydney Crosby) and even

recent death of Junior Seau. We are learning more each day concerning the cumulative effects of multiple injuries to the brain. Concussion is a disturbance in brain function that occurs following a blow to the head. The effect of even a single concussion may have a long lasting effect and we know that multiple concussions can lead to post traumatic encephalopathy which is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease. We also know the brain of developing child is even altered more than that of an adult and as a result has much further reaching and longer lasting consequences.

The ever increasing participation in sports has led to a greater number of concussions. Concussions are difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of headache, dizziness, amnesia, and nausea and concentration difficulty are often not reported by the athlete. It is even more difficult to know when it is safe for the athlete to return to sports. It is because of this that a method of testing known as ImPACT was developed. ImPACT has been called a “physical” for the brain. It is a software program that provides information to the healthcare provider that can assist in taking the guesswork out of when it is safe to return to play. It helps provide information regarding the severity of injury and has given a standard for when it is safe to return to athletics following injury. The test was developed in the early 1990’s by the longtime neurosurgeon of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is a computer-based series of fast paced quizzes involving words, pictures and colors. The test evaluates memory and focus. Scores reflect how quickly and correctly the questions are answered. These are compared to a baseline test that the athletes take at the beginning of the season.

Who should take ImPACT? Athletes who participate in contact sports (Football, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, cheerleading, basketball, volleyball). Head injury is serious.

OrthoTexas Physicians & Surgeons

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5-OrthoTX (855-678-4689) � orthotexas co

Craig Goodhart, M.D.

ImPACT For Concussion

OrthoTexas offers greater accessibility at one of our seven locations across North Texas. Our talented staff of orthopedic surgeons, spine surgeons and physiatrists, as well as physical and occupational therapists, offers the most advanced treatment options with office hours to fit your busy lifestyle. Our physicians pride themselves on bringing the highest quality of care to the communities where they live and work. Craig Goodhart, MD practices at our Carrollton and Flower Mound clinics.

The Future Force girls have fun at the Flower Mound Lacrosse Association Future Force Camp.

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Cheerleading

Expires: 12/1/12 Expires: 12/1/12

YSTNOV12 YSTNOV12

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Baseball

Flower Mound Youth Sports Associationwww.fmysa.com972-955-7328

Basketball

Cross Timbers YMCAwww.lewisvilleymca.org972-539-9622

Football

Denton All-Star Youth Football

Highland VillageBaseball & Softball Association

Gymnastics

[email protected]

Dance

WinKidswww.winkids.net972.355-9988

Lewisville FootballAssociationwww.lewisvillepeeweefootball.com972-219-1269

www.dayfl.org940-349-8276

Denton Boys Baseballwww.dbbi.org

Denton CountyRaiders Org.www.dcraiders.org

Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dancewww.excitegym.com972-874-8500

Lewisville BaseballAssociationwww.lbasports.net972-420-7841

i9 Sports(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake)www.i9sports.com817-400-4525

Coco Sports YouthBasketballwww.lcs-ballsandbooks.com972-464-6580

Denton YouthBasketballdentonyouthbasketball.com940-320-9392

i9 Sports(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake)www.i9sports.com817-400-4525

Driven Youth Footballwww.drivenfootball.com972-746-5697

Flower Mound Youth Football [email protected]

Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dancewww.excitegym.com972-874-8500

i9 Sports(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake)www.i9sports.com817-400-4525

Attack Basketball Clubwww.attackbball.com214-223-7865

Football

i9 Sports

Flower Mound Youth Football Association

(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake)www.i9sports.com817-400-4525

[email protected]

www.dcraiders.org

Denton CountyRaiders Org.

Driven Youth Footballwww.drivenfootball.com972-746-5697

Lewisville Football Associationwww.lewisvillepeeweefootball.com972-219-1269

Upward SportsClick Here for Upward Website972-530-8547, ext 216

Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dancewww.excitegym.com972-874-8500

Cross Timbers YMCAwww.lewisvilleymca.org972-539-9622

Cheerleading

www.winkids.net972.355-9988

WinKids

Upward SportsClick Here for Upward Website972-530-8547, ext 216

www.lewisvilleymca.org972-539-9622

Cross Timbers YMCA

Cheerleading

Denton All-StarYouth Footballwww.dayfl.org940-349-8276

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Hockey

Lacrosse

Flower MoundLacrosse Assoc.www.flowermoundlacrosse.org

Volleyball

Swimming

Lakeside Aquatic Clubwww.swimlac.org

Softball

StarCenterDirector of Hockey ProgramsKeith Anderson214-GO-SKATE or972-831-2425www.dallasstars.com

Attack VolleyballClub

Greater Lewisville Soccer Association

Soccer

MartialArts

WinKids

Highland VillageBaseball & SoftballAssociationwww.hvabsa.com

Now Registering for adventure guides,recreational and competitive basketball!

Visit www.crosstimbersymca.org toexplore all of our programs.

Cross Timbers Family YMCA2021 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028972.539.9622www.crosstimbersymca.org

CAMPING, SPORTS & PLAY

Hebron HawksLacrossewww.hebronlax.com

www.winkids.net972.355-9988

www.glasasoccer.org972-221-4623

i9 Sports

Lewisville BaseballAssociationwww.lbasports.net

WinKidswww.winkids.net972-355-9988

www.attackvball.com972-315-9500

AquaKidswww.aquakids.com972-724-1528

Cross Timbers YMCAwww.lewisvilleymca.org972-539-9622

(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake)www.i9sports.com817-400-4525

Click Here for Upward Website972-530-8547, ext 216

Upward Sports

SoftballFlower MoundYouth [email protected]

Track

Lake Cities Track Club214-244-3271

Tennis

Play For Sportwww.playforsport.com 972-965-0458

Cross Timbers YMCAwww.lewisvilleymca.org972-539-9622

Multi Sports Groups

Cross Timbers YMCA

Multi Sports Groups

i9 Sports

www.lewisvilleymca.org972-539-9622

(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake)www.i9sports.com817-400-4525

WinKidswww.winkids.net972.355-9988

Upward SportsClick Here for Upward Website972-530-8547, ext 216

your Super Star's sports photos here!

Please submit [email protected]

WANTEDwww.lewisvilleymca.org972-539-9622

Cross TimbersYMCA

Gymnastics

WinKidswww.winkids.net972.355-9988

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Camryn Wood gets a little help on the bar at Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dance.

Jenny Taldo, who plays for a Cross Timbers YMCA team, bumps the ball back over the net.

#32 Ryan Roich of the FMYFA 9-10 Mustangs breaks tackles for a touchdown.

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Since it’s inception in 2005, Mack Bean has been an integral part of the Miracle League Foundation as a volunteer coach. Speak to those that work alongside him each week and they’ will tell you he is much more than a volunteer. When Jeremy Silvas, the VP of Leagues, is asked about Mack, he says of Mack and his co-worker Brent “I think it needs to be mentioned that these two guys have NO skin in the game. They don’t have any kids, grandkids or relatives in this Miracle League. They do all of this out of the kindness of their heart!”.

When nominated, Mack responded, “It would not be right if I didn’t say something about my friend and the Miracle League’s friend Brent and the Buddies. The entire Miracle League has been such a great force for these kids. They should never lose their focus. They won’t. I asked Brent to assist knowing he would get jazzed up. He did. He is a wonderful coach, leader, and mentor. Any organization would be blessed to have him on their side. The buddies...simply speaking without the buddies, this league wouldn’t exist. I can’t say enough good things about the buddies. They make it happen.”

Regardless of who wins the vote for most dedication within this league, it’s clear there is no shortage of volunteers with heart! Now let’s get to know this month’s coach in the spotlight a little better!

When did you first begin coaching? With the Miracle League Athletes; in April of 2006 to present. Before Miracle League I coached youth sports from 1990 to 2002. Sports included, Fast Pitch Softball and Soccer.What is your favorite moment or memory thus far? I have been given great memories each week I coach these MLF athletes. Seeing

the excitement these athletes have for the sports and the effort they put forth drives you as a coach.Do you have a favorite age to work with? MLF athletes, all ages. Favorite age for main stream athletes is high school and above.What has been your biggest challenge? For MLF athletes, the challenge is to know when to push and when not to. Your heart goes out to these jocks, however, they want to play and better their skills, just like anyone would. They deserve to be coached.Have you learned any valuable lessons that have shaped the way you coach? Players deserve the best….give them your best, be flexible in your approach to coaching, however, if possible, stick to your coaching plan. Winning is nice, but winning isn’t everything.What do you feel is the biggest reward you have received from coaching? The coaching journey you have with your players and the outcome. And it goes without saying, the friendships you make with the players and their parents.What advice would you give a parent who is considering a volunteer coach position? Be ready to spend the time and effort. Treat ALL players equal, and keep your ego at home.

What sports did you play as a child and/or adult? Football, Baseball, Field events (Discus and Shot), Long distance cycling.Who was your sports role model as a child? Al Oerter (Discus) He was the first track and field athlete to win a gold medal in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympics. (1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968)What is something most people don’t know about you? I love to cook and garden.What change, if any, would you like to see in youth sports? I understand building skills to compete at a high level. However, I would like to see the pressure to play Club sports at a young age geared down a bit. 8th, 9th grade, in my option, is good age to consider club affiliation.What is the biggest benefit you see in your players from being a part of a team? Learning that working together and doing your best can achieve big things.If you were granted one “coaching wish”, what would it be? Being 20 years younger :)Anything you would like to add? The Buddies. Simply stated, without the exceptional help of Miracle League Volunteers (Buddies, from the ages of 12 and up) the league as we know wouldn’t exist. We have a huge amount of Buddies each week who ensure the athletes safety, enhance the quality of play, and give the players an enjoyable experience. Many of these Buddies are High School freshmen, juniors and seniors. These young people have very active lives, but consistently, these people make the Miracle League part of their weekend. These are quality individuals. I could not be effective as a coach without their help. Thank you buddies!

For more information about the Miracle League of Frisco, visit their website at www.friscomiracleleague.org

Coach SpotlightAll people have a defining moment in their lives. Some are fortunate to have a couple of defining moments. I have played sports and I have coached sports at a high level. But never, ever have I worked with an organization that is as focused on a common goal. “All kids deserve to have the opportunity to compete”. This is one of my defining moments.

Coach and Current Program: Mack Bean, Miracle League, Foundation Volunteer Coach Program Location: Frisco

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Rocco Phipps 8 of the FMYFA 3-4 Tigers carries the ball while #8 Daniel Harrolle of the Giants is in pursuit.

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Katie Smith works on the beam at WinKids.

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A Future Force Camper perfects his Lacrosse skills at the Flower Mound Lacrosse Association Future Force Camp.

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The LFA Cowboys team walks to the middle of the field hand in hand to meet their match.

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STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

How old were you when you started playing sports?I was 3 years old when I first began to play sports. The first sport I ever par-ticipated in was gymnastics.Which sport is your favorite and why?Cheer is my favorite because it’s a team sport where each supports the other and winning with your friends is the best feeling.Who is your sports role model and why?Coach Julie, who is the owner of Excite! Gym, is my sports role model because she believes that if you have fun and do your best, you win regardless of the competition outcomeWhat is your favorite thing about playing sports? My teammates

What do you like to do when you’re not playing sports?I play the piano, read and play with my friends.What is your fa-vorite subject in school?I love school and all subjects.What would you like to do for a pro-

fession when you graduate?I would like to be a veterinarian that takes care of large animals.What has been your biggest challenge while playing sports?Learning new skillsWho is your favorite sports team?Team USA (Cheerleading) because they

won Gold at the National ChampionshipWho has been the biggest influence in your and what have they taught you?My mom is my biggest cheerleader and once again, Coach Julie. All they ask is that I do my best and most importantly, have fun.What if your favorite moment during a competition so far? Winning from all of our hard workWhat accomplishment are you most proud of? Being able to do a standing back-tuckWhat’s one thing about you that most people don’t know? I play the piano.Do you know what college you would like to attend and what you would like to major in?Yes. I would like to attend Texas A & M and major in veterinary medicine.

Eight year old Jackie McGuire is a 3rd Grader at Liberty Christian School in Argyle. She currently competes in Cheer with the Excite! Cheer Team.

What makes a Youth Sports Today athlete special? They know how to keep things in perspective and have fun on the field! Let’s get to know this month’s Student Athlete of the Month!

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Ethan Sample works on his skills at WinKids.

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The LFA Titans have fun at the Homecoming Parade.

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