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“There is no technology that can replace the community. People with common values, interests, and goals will always find a way to connect.”
Technology is a powerful tool—but it should never replace the human connection. Instead, it should enhance the ways we support and empower each other—especially in youth sports.
A New Era in High School Sports
The landscape of high school athletics in 2025 looks nothing like it did in 2005. The rise of social media and digital platforms has given student-athletes unprecedented visibility. This exposure can be a blessing or a curse—depending on how the athlete conducts themselves and who’s guiding them.
In today’s world, there are generally three paths in youth sports:
- Recreational
- Halfway in
- All in
If your student-athlete is all in—with dreams of playing in college or beyond—it will take more than talent. It takes a village.
What Your Village Should Look Like
Behind every high-level athlete is a support system working together. That includes:
- Coaches with real college connections
- Skill trainers who focus on game-specific development
- Strength, conditioning, and recovery specialists
- Academic tutors to ensure eligibility and preparedness
- Mental health professionals who understand athlete life
The Power of Parent Connection
My son is a 6’4” point guard in the Class of 2026, playing for an elite prep program. He currently holds 18 Division I offers—an incredible accomplishment when you consider that only 1% of high school basketball players ever reach that level.
As you can imagine, we’re getting calls from a lot of coaches. They’re all saying the right things. They all seem like good people. But choosing the right fit for our son’s future isn’t just about who’s the most enthusiastic recruiter—it’s about what’s real behind the scenes.
That’s when I reached out to two dads whose sons currently play for schools that had offered my son. The conversations I had with those fathers were invaluable. They gave me the type of insight you can’t find online, through AI, or even by talking to the coaching staff.
There is no substitute for parent-to-parent wisdom. Talking to someone whose child is already where your child wants to go—that is the information that can truly guide your decisions.
Self-Awareness + Community = Success
If there’s one word every parent of a student-athlete should embrace, it’s self-awareness.
In 2025, we all have access to the same data. From recruiting websites to college athletic rosters, the information is out there—and it’s telling a story. For example, if your child wants to play college basketball, a quick look at Division I team rosters reveals a clear pattern: very few players are under 6 feet.
That’s not to say it’s impossible for a smaller player to succeed—but it does highlight the importance of understanding where your student-athlete fits within the current landscape. Patterns in height, position, stats, and even academic background are all valuable insights that can help guide your athlete’s development.
And above all, remember community is essential—and it’s undefeated.
Coming Soon: A Platform Built for Parents Like You
We’re building a new online platform that empowers parents of student-athletes with the tools, resources, and community they need to help their kids succeed—not just in sports, but in school and life.
Stay tuned. The village is coming together.