Transforming Youth Basketball: Mind, Body, and Sole at Jawns on Fire
Hey, Jawns on Fire family! Have you heard about the latest buzz in the basketball scene right here in our Harrisburg community? It's all about Team Pennsylvania Basketball and their innovative approach to nurturing the next generation of basketball talent, and guess what? Jawns on Fire is right in the mix!
Picture this: Team Pennsylvania, a Harrisburg-based AAU program, is shaking up the game with their holistic approach dubbed Mind, Body, and Sole. With 30 boys and girls teams spanning from fourth to 11th grade, they're making waves in their 15th year of operation.
"Gone are the days when young ballers felt the need to trek to big cities like DC or Philly for top-tier competition," says Team Pennsylvania owner Greg Cavoli. "We’re really happy to say, for the most part, the kids don’t feel they need to travel anymore."
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At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to developing not just great players, but great human beings.
"It's bigger than just them coming here and training with us," explains Shawn Lewis from The Road College Prep Academy. "We definitely mentor them outside of this gym here."
Enter the Mind, Body, and Sole program. Teaming up with The Road College Prep Academy, Next Play Sports, and yes, your favorite sneaker boutique, Team Pennsylvania is revolutionizing youth basketball training.
"The Mind component includes mental performance coaching from Next Play Sports," says Rob Rorke. "I think that we need to push them past the comfort boundaries that they may have so that when they’re faced with adversity, they embrace failure as opposed to have this fear of failure mentality."
Meanwhile, the Body component hones in on physical strength, both on and off the court.
"We train physical and mental toughness," says Corey Dickerson. "Not only are we getting stronger, but when we hit uncomfortable situations or adversity in a staged or controlled setting, it’s [easier to] deal with it in life."
And here's where Jawns on Fire steps in – the Sole component.
"We are proud to be part of the world's first of its kind program in youth athletics," says Brian Dein, owner of Jawns on Fire. "But there is also soul in the program."
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For Team Pennsylvania, it's about giving back to the community that has supported them.
"The Harrisburg community has been such a blessing to us," says Nashon Walker. "Now we just feel like we have to give it back to the next generation."
And for us at Jawns on Fire, it's an honor to be part of this journey. In a city like Harrisburg, where community matters, we're proud to stand alongside Team Pennsylvania and support the next generation of basketball stars.
"So, here's to Mind, Body, and Sole – a game-changing approach to youth athletics right in our own backyard," Cavoli says. "Let's keep the fire burning, on and off the court!"
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