“If we continue the tradition of strong youth sports programs guided by individuals who want to be there for the kids, it will continue to allow them to grow in a positive manner,” wrote Jason Van Egeren, Weplay’s newest Coach of the Week.
Van Egeren, 37, is a firm believer that coaches are life mentors who would do anything to help youth athletes develop the skills they need to succeed. Van Egeren started out working with softball and basketball teams as a college student. Later, when he and his wife Jodi had children, he found himself back on the field working with a whole new generation of enthusiastic athletes.
His eldest son, Austin, 11, plays basketball, baseball, and football, while his two daughters Dayna, 9, and Sydney, 6, both play softball and basketball. Van Egeren has had the opportunity to coach all of their teams and will continue to do so as they get older.
Currently, Van Egeren, is the coach for Dayna’s basketball team, the Wrightstown 3rd Grade Girls Full Court Club team as well as Austin’s Wrightstown 5th grade boys Full Court Club team. This is the first year that the girls team has played 5 on 5 basketball. This new level of competition has given his players the opportunity to develop their skills and prepare them for the Oconto Falls Tournament on March 19th.
His hard work and dedication gave his players the momentum they needed to improve. “The excitement they have for success is what makes it worth the time and effort,” wrote Van Egeren. He is on the right path to helping pass on the tradition which he has always hoped for.
Congratulations again to our Coach of the Week, Jason Van Egeren. Hope your girls have a great showing at the upcoming tournament.
Coach Jason Van Egeren’s Key’s to Success:
Teach and listen. The kids really learn more and understand more than you might think. They will still forget some of the basics, but keep working on it.
Stick to the basics. Too many youth coaches try to feed the kids too much information while forgetting the fundamentals.
Your coach could be next. Nominate them today!
