Sam wrote:The mere fact that a person is getting paid doesn't come close to assuring you that you are receiving what you describe above. In fact, the paid travel coaches I know have only one redeeming quality......connections/reputation. They don't teach your kid a thing.
I agree that just because it is a paid coach doesn't guarantee anything, and it's unfortunate about your experience with paid coaches. My DD's organization and others like it that I am referring to actual have a solid reputation for developing strong players. This is why we were attracted to the organization and worth traveling across the state line to be a part of it.
I am not expecting to just hand my DD to a couple coaches and expect them to get her a full ride to Alabama. The resources are available along with being able to compete at a high level to possibly provide an opportunity for my DD to reach the next level.
I have had a few years with parent ran teams and even ran my own team. This was great because it provided my DD with an opportunity to play with friends and learn the game while developing a bit along the way when she was 11, 12 & 13. Now she is going into high school and wants to take it to the next level. I didn't see any parent ran teams that were providing what this organization offers in my area.