2/22/10
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for all that you do. Obviously, thanks for letting us drag our feet and sign the kids up late - it was a last minute decision and in the end, even though we are crazy busy, it's worth it to see Jonah have such a great time. The other thing is that the way you are with the kids is amazing, you teach them respect, responsibility, and you let them know that they need to keep working at things and to not give up. I sat next to a woman last night that drove down from Saco. She had the opportunity to take her kids to SportsZone, close to her house, but she chose to drive the extra distance because of you. What a testament to what you have created. The other thing is that I really enjoyed watching your two kids last night. I teach 9th grade and I was so impressed with their maturity and kindness. You are raising such wonderful kids and it's clear that they will go far.
Anyway, again, thanks for all that you do and for making my kids feel special.
Amy
2/11/09:
Hi Paul,
I think Jacklyn is going to skip soccer for now. Though I did want to email you to let you know how MUCH she enjoyed basketball. She was always very positive about attending and enjoyed the girls on her team. They were all friendly and treated her well and she loved the coaches. The positive all around attitude was a breath of fresh air. She learned a lot and is looking forward to the next session.
Thanks so much for giving her such a positive experience! I want her to enjoy sports like I did and still do and this was a great first step.
Regards,
Kelly
4/24/08 - great experience learning...
Our son Michael has had a great experience learning the fundamentals of basketball over the past six months through the instruction of coaches Paul, John , and Lindsey. The program has been structured to teach the basic physical skills of basketball to 4-5 year old children in a manner that is both fun and positive. The weekly sessions are successfully geared to children. The coaches have a great sense of humor that allows the players to relate well to their instructors as they learn these basics. Michael looks forward to the sessions every weekend and we continue to watch his fundamental skills improve. We have been very happy with the program and highly recommend it to any child wanting to learn how to play basketball.
03/02/2007 - What an awesome program ...
What an awesome program teaching the kids the skills of basketball and keeping them busy through the winter season. They had a ball, no pun intended. Thank you. See you in April.
Lisa M. Parker Waterboro, ME
05/06/2006 - We are really enjoying what you do ...
Ella is not usually comfortable with people right away and it still amazes me to see her goof around with you and your kids on the court. And I appreciate hearing the positive words and encouragement you give to her. She is a gentle soul and I didn't think that she would like going, but she seems to have a great time. Thanks for a great program.
Beth Nason
11/12/2005 - Coach Paul keeps them moving ...
We have had three children involved with the Academy of Basketball over the past year and are very impressed. The kids are always enthused to be heading to the clinics and camps. Skill levels have dramatically improved for all of them. Coach Paul is fantastic! He has the respect of all his students. The level of discipline is great. We have witnessed many of the practices and are always amazed at the tempo of the sessions. Coach Paul keeps them moving and interested with the lively and energetic pace. We like that he assesses the abilities of each student and is able to get them to push themselves to play to those abilities. Keep up the great work Coach Paul. We look forward to the next clinic.
Scott and Mary Stanton, Acton
05/29/2005 - Respect, teamwork, and fun, all in one exciting class! ...
Respect, teamwork, and fun, all in one exciting class! Our 3 year old son absolutely flourished with Coach Paul at AOB! Every morning my son woke up and asked, "Is it basketball today?" He loved learning and having fun with his "teammates" and coach. As parents, what we appreciated was the respect Paul has for the children. He ALWAYS knows each child's name, and makes them a valued part of the group, regardless of their ability. Paul brings a wonderful balance of fun, focus and flexibility to his teaching that makes the children simply adore him. Not only did our son learn lots about basketball, but he also learned a lot about himself and how to treat others. Thank you, Coach Paul! We think you're the greatest!
Joanne & Brian Lee
02/21/2005 - Self confidence and increased self esteem ...
Samantha has grown in the past year in so many ways. She has gained self confidence, and increased her self esteem. Sam has obtained so many skills other than basketball too. She used to have a hard time following directions. Sam is able to follow what is asked of her now. Samantha is so proud of her accomplishments in Basketball. We are too. Coach Paul is a special person in her life. She speaks of you so often. She is anxious for each session. Sam practices in our kitchen every night. She repeats what you say at practices. "Coach Paul said....." It just makes us smile. Thanks for helping to make our little girls life so special! We look forward to more "Special Trick Times".
Jenn, Keith, Samantha, and Andrew!
02/20/2005 - Sportsmanship and teamwork ...
Excellent job with the children, we need more people like you. You are teaching sportsmanship and teamwork.
Thank you from some happy Grandparents.
02/08/2005 - Your clinic was so encouraging for the kids ...
Thanks again for everything you have done for Forrest and Paige. I thought your clinic was so encouraging for the kids that I invited my Dad to come watch the last session. As he stated after watching the practice, ".. wish there was someone like him in every community!" Thanks again,
Scott & Stephanie Grafton
01/23/2005 - The drills and skills taught at these clinics are invaluable ...
The AOB teaches kids more than basketball. My son has been attending these clinics for over a year now and it shows on and off the court. Paul teaches the kids the importance of being on a team (any team) and the individual's value to that team. The drills and skills taught at these clinics are invaluable to the game. It's obvious that this is a job Paul loves which is why my son looks forward to the clinics each week. Thanks!
Sandra Knapp, Acton
11/29/2004 - Acton looks forward to working with Paul in the future ...
"Coach's Acton visit was truly a success. The Acton parents were impressed with his basketball instruction and also Coach Paul's ability to make all participants feel valued and important. My son has always enjoyed Paul's Academy and is proud to have had his coach visit the small town of Acton. I highly encourage Acton athletes to try one of the several AOB annual sessions. Acton looks forward to working with Paul in the future..."
Mark Camire, Acton Recreation VP, Basketball Director
09/07/2004 - More than just basketball skills ...
I just want to express my appreciation on all that you do for the kids in the greater Sanford area. You are an inspiration and you are definitely right with your slogan "It's more than just basketball". I don't know how you find the time but I am glad that you do. My daughter would not be as great of a well rounded player had it not been for the Academy of Basketball. You teach more than just basketball skills, you teach respect, honesty, integrity and responsibility to the children. Where ever I go I praise your coaching abilities. Keep up the fabulous work and I will continue to look forward to having my daughter be part of your great program.
Troy Braley, Waterboro
08/23/2004 - Birthday party such a success! ...
I just wanted to thank you once again for making Connor's 7th birthday party such a success! The kids all had a great time - especially Connor!! The party was so easy for us as there was no set-up or clean-up and all we had to do was bring the birthday boy & the cake. We will definitely do this again & would recommend it to anyone who has a child who is interested in playing basketball.
John & Lisa Yuill
06/24/2004 - Sport, teamwork, responsibility and friendship ...
Coach Paul creates an environment of sport, teamwork, responsibility and friendship through the Academy of Basketball program. It has something for all ages and everyone involved in the program leaves with a positive feeling. Children and parents alike are lucky to have Coach Paul provide such a wonderful opportunity for the community.
Marie Herdan
06/06/2004 - "Coach" is truely, one of the good guys!! ...
The Academy of Basketball provides you with more than basketball. It provides a mentor as well. Coach Paul has taught our daughter not only basketball and athletic skills, but life lessons as well such as, sportsmanship, having a competetive spirit and above all else, respect.
Alex MacPhail - Host of Metrocast Cablevision's "Sanford is Hot"
06/01/2004 - The Academy of Basketball is more than basketball ...
"The Academy of Basketball is more than basketball. When I first signed my son up for the Academy of Basketball, he was an introvert and painfully shy. Coach Paul has an ability to accent the positive attributes in every child and make every child feel self-confident and proud - the exact mix necessary for a child to be successful in life. I would recommend Coach Paul and the Academy of Basketball to anyone!"
Kris Johnson
05/24/2004 - Academy of Basketball gets an A plus !!! ...
"Academy of Basketball gets an A plus !!! Paul is a great coach and keeps the sessions fun and fast-paced. My daughter Katelyn’s skills and confidence have improved dramatically. I would recommend Paul and Academy of BBall to everyone.”