My son Michael had played organized basketball for about 3 years before playing on the EPIC team. In one season, he learned more skills and work ethic than he ever had. A tremendous thanks and recognition of the level of the EPIC coaches and program. Plus we've taken a group skills session that was phenomenal. Michael's game has drastically improved as has his confidence. On another note, when Michael had to list his largest achievement for a recent school homework assignment, he listed making the EPIC team as #1. The program has had an impact and the story of its origin is really an inspiring one.
We chose to try out for EPIC for a number of reasons, but the reasons we stay far outweigh the things that drew our attention to the club. Initially we were looking for a competitive basketball program close to home, but what we found in EPIC was an organization that focuses on character development, leadership, self-confidence and positive reinforcement. The foundational values of EPIC build the kids to be great people, not just great basketball players.
As an 8th grader, my son Jayden played the power forward and center position. He primarily played in the post (close to the basket), rebounded the ball and blocked shots; as a result of this, his ball handing and dribbling skills were not developing as those skills were not needed as much for those positions. He would struggle when dribbling the ball up the court. Jayden joined the Epic Hoopz organization for the Spring 2016 season. Epic Sundays and practices were geared towards player development (unlike many other organizations), which enhanced Jayden's ball handling and dribbling. Epic helped take Jayden out of his comfort zone by encouraging him to focus more and add more to his game, raising his level of play. Now as a freshman in high school, Jayden has the ability to perform away from the basket and create more with offense due to his increased ball handling skills. He is recognized as one of the most dominant players in the conference.
EPIC has been a great experience for Jimmy. The coaching and instruction have been top notch. The variety of basketball tournaments and the opportunity to participate in high level venues such as the Nationals in Orlando and Memphis are memories for a lifetime. Most importantly the team chemistry and friendliness with the families has also been great. Lastly, from a Parents perspective it is obvious and appreciated that the EPIC staff cares about the kids beyond the Basketball court and is looking out for their future as they progress in Basketball and in Life.
My son has been with the EPIC program for the past 2 years. The thing I like best about the EPIC program, is their attention to teaching the fundamentals. This is not just any average AAU program. The coaching at EPIC is incredible. The coaches really care about each player’s improvement and they promote hard work and teamwork. I believe they have really pushed my son to improve his game, and have given him the tools to improve.
We the Cole Family just want to tell what EPIC means to us. When our 2 sons Keenon and Lamont Cole came to EPIC, our daughter Jasmine was diagnosed with stomach cancer. During her time of treatment and doctors appointments, EPIC was there to help with rides home and some days provided dinner for the boys. I didn't worry about how to get them to practice or home and was able to focus on the care of my daughter. In August of 2016 our daughter Jasmine’s battle with cancer ended. EPIC coaches and parents were there for our family during the loss of our daughter. They all provided words of encouragement as well as meals so that we did not have to worry about anything. The organization , parents and players showed support by attending the services for Jasmine to the very end. My son Keenon said that he didn't know what he would have done if his teammates had not been there. Our family realized that EPIC, the parents and players made things easier. EPIC may be a basketball organization but they are truly a family to us.
This was our first year being a part of the Epic Hoopz "family". We learned early on that the program is just that, a family. The players are taught basketball fundamentals along with leadership and development to empower themselves on and off the court. They encourage community service as the teams donated time to Feed My Starving Children. The coaches exceeded our expectations and served as excellent role models and mentors for our boys. We feel blessed to have found a high level basketball home for our family. It is much more than just basketball.
