June Blog - Directors Give Us Summer Athlete Tips and Info About Their Programs
- Julia Redlinger
- Jun 1
- 12 min read
Happy June!
Summer is almost here and we asked some of our Directors at the Blue Sport Stable how your athlete or player can best spend their time during their off-season or summer break. We also asked how they got into their role so that we could get to know our amazing Directors a little more.
Jordan Smith, Academic Director - Summit Academy Sports
Tell us about your program and what you offer.
Students attend in-person classes every Tuesday at The Summit Academy campus, where they receive instruction from certified teachers in core classes and electives. Throughout the rest of the week, students complete structured coursework independently while also having access to academic support and training opportunities at the Blue Sport Stable. At the Stable, student-athletes can participate in sport-specific coaching, strength and conditioning through Impact Sports Performance, academic support, sports psychology resources, and a positive environment that encourages growth both on and off the field, court, or ice. Our current sports include hockey, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, and more.
What is some advice you give to your student-athletes during the off-season or breaks?
The off-season is one of the most important times for athlete development. I always encourage athletes to focus on building a strong foundation physically and mentally rather than simply playing games year-round. Some key areas athletes should focus on include:
Strength and conditioning
Speed and agility training
Mobility and injury prevention
Skill development and fundamentals
Nutrition and recovery
Goal setting and mental performance
I believe athletes benefit from playing other sports or cross-training during the off-season. Multi-sport participation can help develop different athletic skills, reduce burnout, and keep training fun and competitive. It’s also important for athletes to take time to reset mentally and physically so they can return motivated, healthy, and ready for the next season. Consistency is important, but balance matters too. Most importantly, athletes should continue developing habits such as discipline, accountability, and work ethic, because those habits are often what separate successful athletes in the long run.
What are some long-term goals you have for your program?
We also to continue growing our sport offerings, increase opportunities for college placement and exposure, and become more data-driven in how we develop athletes physically, mentally, and academically. Long term, we want Summit Academy Sports to be recognized as a leader in holistic athlete development, helping students succeed not just in sports, but in life. Our goal is to help athletes maximize their athletic potential while still prioritizing academics, character development, leadership, and long-term success.
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
I love the variety each day brings. Whether it’s helping students academically, organizing events, supporting athletes in their sports, collaborating with coaches, or simply creating a positive culture at the school and Stable, every day is different and meaningful. Another favorite part is seeing athletes from different sports train together and support one another. It creates a unique community and family atmosphere that makes Summit Academy Sports special.
What inspired you to get to the role you're in today?
My passion for this work comes from my own experiences as an athlete, educator, and coach. Sports taught me discipline, resilience, leadership, and how to overcome adversity. I experienced firsthand how powerful athletics can be in shaping confidence and character, and I wanted to help create those same opportunities for other students. I have been inspired by many coaches, mentors, teammates, and educators throughout my life who invested in me beyond just athletic performance. Their influence helped shape the way I approach coaching and education today. What drives me most is the opportunity to positively impact young athletes during such an important stage of their lives. Helping students grow academically, athletically, personally, and spiritually is incredibly rewarding and continues to fuel my passion for this work every day.
We are proud to create an environment where student-athletes are challenged, supported, and encouraged to pursue excellence in every area of life. Learn more at https://www.summitacademysports.com/.
Galen Harkness, Director of EYG Basketball - Basketball
Tell us about your program and what you offer.
EYG Basketball helps players get better in games. We offer:
Skills training Basketball camps
Player development programs
Small group workouts
Game-based teaching
Our focus is simple: Game Skills → Game Results We help players improve: Ball handling, finishing, shooting, footwork, decision-making, basketball IQ, and confidence Every session has a plan. Every rep has a purpose.
What is some advice you give to your athletes during the off-season or breaks?
The off-season is when players can really improve. I recommend players focus on five things:
Build Skill: ball handling, finishing, shooting, footwork, passing
Train against defense: Players need game-like reps. Not just wide-open drills.
Get stronger and faster: Athletic development matters. Strength, speed, balance, and conditioning all help.
Study the game: Watch basketball with a purpose. Look for: Spacing, shot selection, passing decisions, and how good players create advantages
Stay consistent: You do not need to train all day. You need a plan. And you need to keep showing up.
What are some long-term goals you have for your program?
Our long-term goal is to build a strong, year-round player development program. We want to help players at every level: Beginners, Recreational players, Competitive players, Middle school athletes, High school athletes, and more. We want EYG Basketball to be known for our quality coaching, purposeful training, player confidence, game-ready skills, and most importantly: a positive impact. The goal is bigger than camps; we want to help players grow in basketball and in life.
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
Our favorite part is helping players gain confidence. We love seeing a player go from hesitant to aggressive, from unsure to prepared, from nervous to confident. We enjoy teaching the game: Not just drills, but the real game; from pacing to timing, decisions, passing, competing, and playing with purpose. We love helping players understand the game better.
What inspired you to get to the role you're in today?
I have loved basketball since I was young. I loved practicing, playing pickup, shooting, competing, and spending time in the gym. Over time, my love for playing became a love for coaching and teaching. My family has also shaped me. As a parent of four boys, I understand how much good coaching matters. Basketball can build more than skill. It can build confidence, work ethic, humility, discipline, teamwork, perseverance - just to name some elements. That is why I keep coaching and that is why I continue building EYG Basketball.
We want players to enjoy the game, work hard, and grow on and off the court. Learn more at www.eygbball.com.
Mike Moskowitz, Jordan Long, Carissa Crutchfield, and Galen Harkness - Directors of RoughRiders Basketball
Tell us about your program and what you offer.
We provide competitive basketball opportunities for boys and girls who want to grow as players and teammates. Our programs include:
Team practices
Skill development
Competitive games
Tournament play
Strength and performance opportunities
Player development support
We want our athletes to become better players, but we also want them to become better teammates, leaders, and young people.
What is some advice you give to your athletes during the off-season or breaks?
The off-season is where players separate themselves. We recommend athletes focus on five things.
Build basketball skill: Players should work on ball handling, shooting, finishing, passing, footwork, and decision-making
Play with Purpose: Play pickup, Play 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3. But do not just play. Work on something specific.
Get stronger and faster: Strength, speed, balance, and conditioning matter. Athletes need to move well and stay healthy.
Watch the game: Players can learn a lot by studying spacing, cutting, defense, shot selection, passing decisions, and team movement
Stay consistent: You do not need to do everything in one day. You need a plan, then continue to show up.
What are some long-term goals you have for your program?
Our long-term goal is to build one of the strongest basketball programs in Colorado. Not just because of wins, but because of development. We want RoughRiders Basketball to be known for quality coaching, strong player development, competitive teams, positive culture, accountability, consistent communication, and long-term athlete growth. We want players to leave our program better than when they started - More skilled, more confident, more coachable, and more prepared for the next level.
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
Our favorite part is watching the players grow. It's so exciting to see the players compete harder, improve their skills, become better teammates, learn from challenges and failures, gain confidence, and make plays they couldn't before they started. We enjoy building teams and believe that a good team is not based just on talent. A good team is made of trust, effort, communication, toughness, unselfishness, and shared commitment. Helping players experience that is truly one of the best parts of coaching.
What inspired you to get to the role you're in today?
At some point, all four of us have been impacted by coaches, teammates, players, families, team, and competition. For all of us, the lessons the game teaches are among some of the biggest ways we've come to love basketball and what we do. Basketball has given us a lot - it teaches work ethic, discipline, humility, and it teaches us how to handle winning, losing, pressure, and adversity. As directors, we want to give those same lessons back to the players in our program. It is a big reason why we continue to coach, lead, and build RoughRiders Basketball.
For RoughRiders Basketball, it is about more than games and tournaments. We want to provide a program that helps young athletes grow as players, teammates, and people. We believe in competing hard, treating other people well, being coachable, and always continuing to improve. You can learn more about our program and what we offer here: https://www.roughridersbasketball.com/
Leslye Burch, Program Director - Learn to Skate/Jr Riders
Tell us about your program and what you offer.
Our Learn to Skate and Jr Rider program is an exciting class that helps young skaters build confidence, balance, and basic skating skills while introducing the fundamentals of ice skating/hockey. Through skills, games, drills, and plenty of encouragement, participants will learn to skate, glide, stop, and start their hockey journey in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Perfect for beginners looking to develop skills and fall in love with the sport!
What is some advice you give to your athletes during the off-season or breaks?
We encourage our Learn to Skate participants to stay active year-round! Public skating sessions, summer camps, rollerblading, and other sports that build balance and coordination are great ways to maintain skills during the off-season. Even simple activities like biking, swimming, and playground play can help develop the strength and confidence needed for continued success on the ice.
What are some long-term goals you have for your program?
We aim develop lifelong skating skills that participants can enjoy for recreation, fitness, and sport. Build confidence and independence on the ice through progressive skill development. Create a safe and positive learning environment that fosters a love for skating. Establish strong fundamental skating techniques including balance, stride, stopping, turning, and edge control. Increase participant retention and advancement into higher-level skating, hockey, figure skating, speed skating, or recreational programs. Promote physical literacy and healthy lifestyles through regular physical activity and skill development. Encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal responsibility both on and off the ice. Provide a clear pathway for growth, allowing skaters to progress from beginner levels to advanced skating opportunities. Finally, we want to build a strong skating community where participants and families feel connected and supported.
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
One of my favorite things about the Learn to Skate program is watching skaters grow in confidence and skill while having fun on the ice. We love celebrating their achievements, building a supportive skating community, and helping participants develop a lifelong love for skating and ice sports.
What inspired you to get to the role you're in today?
What inspired me to be in this position today is the opportunity to make a positive impact on young skaters. Watching children gain confidence, learn new skills, and develop a love for the ice is incredibly rewarding. Being part of their journey from their first steps on skates to becoming confident athletes is what motivates me every day.
You can learn more about these great programs here:
Learn to Skate: https://www.bluesportstable.com/learn-to-skate
Jill Kombeitz, Jr. Rider Hockey Director & On Ice Learn To Skate Director
Tell us about your program and what you offer.
Jr. Riders Development Program offers youth players of all ages the opportunity to learn the game of hockey. Focusing on all aspects of games fundamentals including basic stick handling, shooting & skating. Jr. Riders also emphasizes sportsmanship & teaching players appropriate team behavior. Having fun and creating confident young players is among our highest goals.
What is some advice you give to your athletes during the off-season or breaks?
I encourage my athletes at this level to stay on the ice with moderation during the summer. The majority of our participants are just starting to find themselves as hockey players. Continuing to grow their skating skills even in the off season will make their first experience with a team more enjoyable.
What are some long-term goals you have for your program?
One of our highest priorities is to become the most comprehensive program for bridging the gap between traditional introductory learn to play programs & club hockey. We strive find a personal connection with each of our players. We encourage players to enroll in our Learn to skate Hockey classes as well as Jr. Riders so they are well rounded athletes & see hockey as a lifelong sport......perhaps becoming a coach themselves someday!
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
I love being able to instill a passion for the sport by leading by example.
What inspired you to get to the role you're in today?
My love of working with young athletes. I have been lucky enough to have worked with world class coaches when I was young, and it shaped who I became. With my love of being on the ice and background as a high level competitive athlete , I always knew that coaching would be my vocation. I went to school for kinesiology and then got my Masters in Exercise & Sport Science. I love to learn continually as the sport changes. I am fortunate enough now to not only be players first point of contact in the sport but then go one to work with them throughout their careers. Nothing is more gratifying than to know you've been part of that journey for younger generations.
You can learn more about these great programs here:
Learn to Skate: https://www.bluesportstable.com/learn-to-skate
Nathan Burch, Adult League Director - Adult Hockey
Tell us about your program and what you offer.
We offer competitive adult hockey leagues with programs that fit different schedules such as our Lunch League and Night League.
What is some advice you give to your athletes during the off-season or breaks?
For adults, it is truly finding ways to train outside of hockey. Going to the gym, running, or finding other healthy ways to keep your stamina, strength, and stability at tip-top shape!
What are some long-term goals you have for your program?
A major goal of ours is to continue to show growth, and provide a space for all level of hockey players to have a place to play and enjoy this great game.
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
This season, we ran a try hockey for free event for adults, and I loved seeing a handful of those players joining our Next Level Adult Hockey Clinic, which is our next step in adult hockey evolution. I truly love watching people pick up this sport and really flourish in it!
What inspired you to get to the role you're in today?
I enjoy working with adults and trying to find them a spot in the hockey world. I feel that adult hockey can be very intimidating, and I want to be able to help people get through that barrier!
You can learn more about Adult Hockey Programs here: https://www.bluesportstable.com/adult-ice-hockey
Steve Quailer, Director of Hockey Operations - Rocky Mountain RoughRiders
Tell us about your program and what you offer.
The Rocky Mountain RoughRiders is a Tier 1 hockey program for players ranging from 13 years of age to 18. Our organization's focus centers around shaping, developing and mentoring the character and athletic development of all athletes who play for the RoughRiders.
What is some advice you give to your athletes during the off-season or breaks?
We recommend that players enroll in the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders summer training program to stay sharp and receive maximum gains to lead into the regular season.
What are some long-term goals you have for your program?
Our program's goal is to prepare our athletes for Junior and Collegiate hockey.
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
Some of my favorite things we do include travel trips, sports psychology, off ice training, and team bonding activities.
What inspired you to get to the role you're in today?
I have been a part of the sport ever since I was 5 years old and was very fortunate to play at a high level. The experiences I was able to have while playing gives me the passion to pass those experiences to the next generation of hockey players. Our program doesn't just want to make impacts for these young men and women on the ice but off the ice as well.
Learn more about the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders Tier I Hockey program here: https://www.rmroughridershockey.com/
Danielle Reed, Director of Kids Club and Little Riders Academy - Kids Club and Little Riders Academy
Tell us about your program and what you offer.
We offer a variety of programs; from summer camp, to after-school care, to preschool. We believe that a healthy body is just as important as a healthy mind. We offer programs that provide your child the chance to remain active while they learn. We create enjoyable opportunities to help them build confidence in their uniqueness while learning to socialize, make friends and explore the world around them. We value total body wellness, and incorporate healthy lifestyles, nutrition and exercise practices into our daily schedule.
What are some long-term goals you have for your program?
We would love to grow our program and get the word out about some of the amazing camps and opportunities that we have to provide to children of all ages.
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
I love supporting the growth of young minds and bodies. At the preschool, we focus on different aspects of sports each day of the week - whether that be fundamentals, nutrition, safety, or performance. We believe in the connection between the mind and the body.
What inspired you to get to the role you're in today?
I love kids! The small classroom setting allows richer teacher-student interactions and builds a strong sense of community among the students.
Learn more about these great programs for your child here: https://www.littleridersacademy.com/
