Picture this: A gym full of screaming fans cheering their team on – Stands full of parents shouting for every point scored and athletes driven to keep going, even though they are loosing and want to give up. Now the most shocking thing: this was a Middle school basketball game and the stands included HIGH SCHOOL players who came to cheer their counterparts to a conference victory. Now, the team suffered their first conference lost (mind you the starting point guard was sick), but a valuable lesson was learned and that is where YOU come in!!!

The Trailblazers, a homeschool team based in Asheville, NC are finishing up the winter season of their first year and are recruiting athletes to play spring sports, including baseball, softball and girls soccer. There are many other homeschool sports organizations all over the nation. By searching homeschool sports on the internet, you can access hundreds of websites of organizations that provide opportunities for homeschool athletes.

Now – back to the first paragraph…. The comradery and friendships that are developing around these teams is amazing. The game I mentioned above was played on Friday, Jan 11 at Emmanuel Lutheran School. The most astounding and exciting thing was not on the court, but in the stands. Many spectators had come to watch, but a group of 12 high school players came to watch the middle school team. Of the 12, only 3 had siblings playing in the game. How many high school athletes voluntarily go watch a middle school game? Seeing all of the energy and spirit that these kids are developing just compels me to share it with others. I know many homeschoolers play on rec league, travel or other school teams (my children have also played for these other teams), but I would like to share with you some reasons to seriously consider playing with a homeschool team over any others.

1- Lasting friendships with like minded individuals – They play with other homeschoolers – they understand each other – no one teases, questions or ridicules them for being “different”. They can talk freely about the struggles, frustrations, and triumphs of homeschooling b/c they understand each other.

2- Perseverance and Competition – By playing at a middle school and high school level, the students are pushed to achieve at a level not experienced before which encourages them to achieve excellence in other areas of their lives. They learn to persevere through seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

3- Relationships with Families who share the same values – Knowing the families of the friends my children have is invaluable. Since we all experience many of the same trials, fears, and concerns I enjoy spending time with these parents. It also enables me to get to know them, BEFORE my children are asking to spend time with their children.

4- Coaches who teach character as well as the sport. – Most coaches for these teams realize the important role they play in the development of these students. They know that sports are not the end all, be all – but realize the lessons learned while playing will continue with them throughout their lives.

5– The privilege to be a role model for younger athletes – The younger students coming up are already talking about how they “can’t wait to be a Trailblazer”. This gives your student at chance to be a leader and a strong role model for these younger ones.

6- The opportunity to pursue athletics in college. – Many sports have tournaments which can provide recognition for your athlete. These tournaments are on a state, regional and national levels. These tournaments can provide your student a chance to be seen by colleges or other higher level coaches.

To learn more about the Trailblazers please check out our website at www.wncaa.org. HSI