focused training. life-changing impact.You’re doing some big things in Colorado. Keep up the good work and continue to encourage all those in your circle of influence to do the things the right way. As you say #TrusttheProcess. Shine has been a great experience for our son. He has improved his skills and game and has become more confident. Skills training with scrimmages following practice is a great way for the kids to practice hard then have fun playing a game. Coach Rob has a clear commitment and passion for basketball and his players. Thank you!
- Sarah Rob,
Just a quick story and a note of thanks. The culture you’ve built with Shine made a difference for Cody today. Cody really struggled in the 2v2 drill and he knew he was not helping his teammate. It reached the point where he was embarrassed and nearly in tears (very rare for him—usually he smiles through anything.) He came over to the bleachers, sat down, and told me “I don’t want to play anymore.” I told him that’s fine and that he can stop playing basketball any day he wants…but that he couldn’t quit in the middle of practice. It took a little convincing and some tough love but he went back out there. And then he got a legitimate steal (player with the ball didn’t see him coming from behind.) To the credit of your kids and your culture, even the kid that lost the ball celebrated him and his small win, giving him high-fives and real encouragement. The next possession, the kid guarding him over-pursued on a steal attempt. Cody put the ball on the floor for two dribbles before knocking down a short floater. You’d have thought he hit a game-winner from the reaction of the other kids! The rest of the practice he had a smile on his face, played more aggressively on defense, got a couple rebounds and one jump ball. Most importantly, he remembered basketball is fun and learned a lesson about battling through adversity. Your culture of encouragement made the lesson stick for Cody, and I appreciate the environment you’ve built. I just wanted to say thanks for a great life lesson in perseverance delivered to my son today. Thanks, - Justin We are very impressed with the whole Shine Program. My daughter has made SERIOUS progress over the last year in both skills and confidence on the court and in understanding all aspects of the game. Coach Rob provides challenging workouts and skill sessions and is also extremely supportive and encouraging. Shine is about more than basketball. Rob focuses on sportsmanship, being a leader and having a positive attitude along with many other valuable life skills. Top Notch Program!
- Kate We were looking for an additional skills practice for our daughters. They both play basketball competitively but practices don’t seem to allow enough time to work on the skills that they need to become better players. We found Shine and got way more than we expected. The extra work and skills practice is definitely there but we were also introduced to the most empowering culture. Rob leads from the front and truly gets to know each player and builds a relationship with them. His energy and attitude is contagious and the rest of the staff and all of the kids feed off of his energy and create a positive, safe, and empowering community. In over 10 years of our kids being involved in sports, this is by far the most impressive program they have been involved in. The coaching provided is exactly what the girls need to continue to grow as the athletes they want to be.
- N. Pears In over 10 years of our kids being involved in sports, this is by far the most impressive program they have been involved in. My son Brian has been training with Shine for over 2 years now. The improvements in his game have been dramatic! He understands the game and how to be successful in the sport, knows what he should be doing and why he should be doing it, and works regularly with Shine on the skills to execute that vision. We started with Shine to improve his basketball skills, but the reason that we stay with Shine is the impact it has on his character. Shine commits to a caring yet disciplined approach to the sport, with regular positive feedback to the players. Everyone in the gym is expected to be a leader, speak up if they have questions, understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, and care for themselves and others. These are all excellent lessons to learn in basketball, but they are even better life lessons.
- G. Hinderliter We have been to several clinics, camps, and other skills training groups, but Shine far surpasses them all.
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Coach Rob thank you for everything you have taught me and most of thanks for supporting me and helping me to grow as a player. You have made this season memorable and it’s definitely one I will never forget!! Thanks for everything!!
- Emma Rich, Shine Elite U17 2018 |
Coach Rob, from the day I first attended Shine to this last game I have grown so much, not only as a player (from skills to IQ) but as a person as well (character and mentality towards life and ball). I can’t start to express all my gratitude for all the time you have put towards me and the team. Thank you.
- Torrie Thurston, Shine Elite U16/U17 2018 |
We love it, that there are good people running the program, and that you'll see dramatic improvements in your athlete's game.
I love the skills training that my son gets. His shooting and ball handling have improved dramatically in his time with Shine. The training stays fresh and exciting, and he looks forward to getting to practice with his basketball family.
- Shine Parent Great program. Positive, educational, motivating and well organized.
- Shine Parent |
I love the idea of working on individual skills and all kids on a team bringing that development to their team, so team practice is more productive (again coming from a recreational basketball background this is something that really frustrated my child that not every teammate was committed to "getting better".)
- Shine Parent We love it, that there are good people running the program, and that you'll see dramatic improvements in your athlete's game. My son actually does chores and gets his homework done so that he can go to practice. I can't think of a more ringing endorsement than that!
- Shine Parent |
The training stays fresh and exciting, and he looks forward to getting to practice with his basketball family.
As coaches ourselves, we understand and value your commitment to youth sports. All our children love basketball and as parents we have seen their basketball knowledge and skills increase by participating in your Academy. Thank you.
- Missy Oller Some feedback after watching our daughter at her HS Feeder Team practice. Her skill levels are leaps & bounds above the rest of the players...and all these players have experience. It's night & day. This validates what Shine Academy process has done for its athletes. Made me real proud of your coaching/mentoring and our daughter's hard work!
- Parent of Horizon High School Incoming Freshman Your tryouts were awesome, well organized and it seems we all have the same goal in mind to train these girls to play at a higher level and be successful. Angelina is looking forward to becoming a well rounded player in all aspects of the game and believes that with the shine program she has a very good chance of achieving her goal of playing varsity basketball for her high school.
- David Tena |
We have been pleased with the Shine experience. Preston has improved all around from ball handling to strategy and his confidence has increased. Preston also enjoys having you as a coach. We have also had positive interactions with Marshaun.
- Heather and Brian Bushey Hi Coach Rob,
Here's what we liked about tryouts: 1. Unique drills; things I hadn't seen before 2. Clear sense of TEAM from your players; cheering one another on, finishing drills with one another, etc. 3. Clear sense not only of the girls as players but the girls as athletes and people, and the kind of mental/emotional/personal qualities they'd have to demonstrate Those things caught my eye more than the other clubs Maliah had tried out for. Thanks! - Portia Curlee |
We have always been a part of a team where the girls encourage each other, however we have never been a part of a team where players encourage complete strangers.
Good morning, Coach Rob and Coach Zeph! I saw Kenneth and his teammates having a lot of fun at last night's practice. Good job, coaches! The practice was tough and intense as always. Letting the kids to have fun and feel the positive is a good way to go!
Thanks a lot for your excellent work. WENLONG Father of Shine's '23 Kenneth Liu, SKILLS Trainee and ELITE Player My son started with this great program a short while ago. He says, "Coach Rob teaches several ball handling, shooting, and performance skills that help the players excel every practice. Not only does he teach us several skills related to basketball but skills we can apply outside of practice that makes us stand out as leaders and in general more productive people. Coach Rob and the program are amazing and I would recommend it to everyone."
ALAN NEWMAN Father of Shine's '20 Alek Newman, SKILLS Client Coach Rob not only understands basketball but knows how to work with kids. He understands that learning basketball skills, or really the application of learning to play basketball will teach them lessons on how to work and learn that they can apply elsewhere in life. His concept of team over individual is hard to teach when it is in a big gym but his consistency is what really drives this point home. My son is learning a ton and I've already seen his passion for the game and skill to play increase in the basically 1 1/2 months he's been playing there.
ANDY CARTER Father of Shine's '21 Ian Carter, SKILLS Client Troy and I just visited Jamie and Olivia the weekend before Thanksgiving. Gordon College and the basketball team is going very well for both of them. They are hilarious roommates, and have worked that out very well, too. We had a blast with them, and are very proud of both of them. Thanks so much in your role helping those girls reach their dreams!
NANCY TAFOYA Mother of Shine's '15 Jamie Tafoya (Fort Collins HS, CO) now playing at Gordon College William’s goal has become playing HS ball and eventually college. He’s come so far since joining Shine. One of the BEST things about this program is the comprehensive approach. It’s not just scrimmages and running plays. It’s skill building, physical conditioning and with IQ, also enhances smart play. We are so grateful for having found Shine and we tell others all the time about the program. We also appreciate how receptive coach Rob is to feedback but that he also takes a no-nonsense approach and commands respect. Building character is vital and this program teaches that too! No excuses. Leave it all out on the court.
STACI PAYNE Mother of Shine's '20 William Payne I have two boys 15 and 13, both are in Gold Crown leagues and taking private lessons with Coach Rob.
Coach Rob has a unique ability to identify the areas of improvement for my boys. His observations of the boys were very objective and professional. After working on the particular areas with my boys, my boys showed very positive improvement on the courts. Coach Rob not only help with the physical, skill games, he also helped with boys mental games. I am very glad about his work. ZHEN CHEN Father of Individual Training Clients, Matthew and Zachary Chen My son began with Shine a short time ago. We hoped to see his on court skills improve, and we are seeing exponential growth. He is more confident with his ball handling skills and an added bonus is the life coaching coach Rob models. The kids leave each session learning to support and encourage one another. I appreciate having my son be around such a positive group of kids and coaches learning skills that will take them far both on and off the court.
DAWNA CORNEJO Mother of Shine's '20 Nathan Cornejo Our daughter is growing exponentially inside & out through the “Colorado Shine Process”. Coach Rob instills confidence, hard work, teamwork, & fun within her. All attributes that can be applied on/off the court and every point moving forward. We love the program. We believe in Coach Rob!
DEAN TEUBER Father, Shine's '21 Rio Teuber Lauren is happy at UCCS. Team has been welcoming since the first day. Good chemistry and coaching. Getting stronger. Coach says he wants to ease her in but expects her to contribute. Ranked in the Top 25 in National pre-season poll. Seems to be a great fit! Has only been home twice for just 24 hours! Loves it!
R. BENNETT Mother of Shine '15 Shooting Guard, Lauren Bennett who secured a 5-year scholarship to UCCS |
I just wanted to say that it brings happiness to us to have our daughter Omi be a part of your organization, she has only being at practice a few times and just a couple of weeks ago decided that this is what she really enjoys and wants to do it year round!
Before she went to her second practice she said she was nervous because she knew it was hard and she was the worst player in her team, during practice she struggled and was exhausted at the end I asked her what she thought, she said this is the hardest practice and that she got her butt kicked! And then said, but mom I can not stop smiling!!! Thank you so much for such a great program and coach Dustin who is amazing with the kids. As soon as we get back in town mid July we are signing up Omi for the 4 month period and then keep going from there! SYLVIA CARDOZO-MCGEE Mother of Shine's '25 Omi McGee, SKILLS Client I've been so impressed with the personal attention and enthusiasm of Coach Rob. He makes every player feel important. He is a gifted motivator and sets high expectations for his players that makes them feel empowered and respected. Now, on to the skills! I love that they are getting intense focus on not just game strategies, but fundamentals. His training sessions focus on important skills that can be overlooked but are so necessary as they progress in the game. My daughter loves going to practice and she has improved a lot since training with Shine, but more importantly I can see that Coach Rob is truly impacting her life.
JILL KEOGH Mother of Shine's '21 Millie Keogh, SKILLS Client I wanted you to know that Sarah (Freshman) made the Machebeuf Varsity team! Thank you for all you did for getting her to believe that she could not only make the team but also contribute at a high level.
MICHAEL REILLY Father of Shine's '19 Sarah Reilly, Bishop Machebeuf High School Ryan (Freshman) earned a spot on her Varsity HS team. Matt and I want to thank you for the hard work you and Ryan have put into developing her. Ryan just loves the sport, and we know she has a long way to go with you and to develop further, but this was just some great news I wanted to share with you.
Sincerely, STEPHANIE PASWATERS Mother of Shine's '19 Ryan Paswaters, Northglenn High School Coach Rob!! I cannot express enough how much of a influence you have been for my daughter, she is a sophomore and is working on meeting the needs of making the High School BB team. With your training and help she is exceeding above and beyond from when she started with Shine. Thank you!
CELIA ASKVIG Mother of Shine's '17 Shooting Guard Mya Hernandez, Windsor High School We’re so thrilled with this program! Our son told me last week that he’s learning so much. It really shows on the court. His confidence has soared!
MELITA SWANSON Mother of Shine's '20 Nick Swanson My daughter was nervous to attend her 1st practice. Coach Rob and all of the kids made her feel welcomed which helped calm her nerves. During the very 1st drill, I knew that Colorado Shine Academy was a place we needed to be!! The drills were well organized and the practice had structure. Although my daughter had never done most of the drills that Coach presented, she said that she enjoyed doing something new and was excited for Coach Rob to make her a better player!!
SHERRY HENDERSON Mother of Shine's '20 Shamahra Henderson Anna is getting lots of attention by 9-12, D-1 schools, daily. Boise State, UMKC, U of Portland, American, Bucknell, U of SD, UNC, UCSB, DU, U of Idaho, ect….We are going to UMKC this Thanksgiving for an unofficial visit. Boise State texts her weekly. You (Shine) had a big part in her development!
CURT WEIBEL Father of '17 Forward Anna Weibel, Estes Park HS Thank you. William definitely is having a breakout year. His knees are 99% now and having been in Shine for a year now is really evident in his game play. He seems to be doing the things you work on in practice and not reverting to bad habits in a game situation. He’s in phenomenal physical condition too. Thanks so much for all you do! We think Coach Nathan is doing a great job too.
STEVE PAYNE Mother of Shine's '20 William Payne |
Most, AAU programs seek out the best of the best. The emphasis is on team development, usually not player development. It’s what I call the add water and stir preference. They utilize the skills the kids already have, and very rarely develop their weaknesses. Most AAU teams are always looking to upgrade kids, which again puts these players in jeopardy of not playing and falling further behind. Your program is a great place for kids to develop the needed skills to play at a higher level. In my opinion skills/drills, plus lots of court time equals growth.
BENITA DAVIS Mother of '21 Pierce Davis Terra had a very positive experience playing for the Shine this season, Even though she dealt with a nagging wrist injury all season the coaches always gave her every opportunity to be involved. The practices were very organized and well run, I can’t remember a single practice that Terra was not energized and in a great mood when she walked out of the gym. The team chemistry was as good as any team we have been associated with, the players got along very well and treated each other with respect. Terra was truly sad when the season was over, we would do it again in a heartbeat.
MIKE SEYLER Parent of '15 Terra Seyler I just wanted to let you know that all four of our girls (grades 5, 8, 10, 12) come home happy and excited to play ball after being at ShinePREP. They haven’t enjoyed basketball that much since Michael and I don’t know when. We are happy to have Sarah (and Mary) continue what they are doing in ShinePREP. Maureen and Megan’s high school coaches (Machebeuf High School) have remarked on their improvement and they can’t wait for the regular season to begin.
Thanks for everything you are teaching our kids both on and off the court. ANNE MARIE AND MICHAEL REILLY Shine Parents |
I appreciate the level of professionalism that the Shine program demonstrates through the coaches and staff. My daughter and I always felt comfortable talking to the coaches about anything. I appreciate having a coach that genuinely loved the “job” of coaching and treated the girls with respect. My daughter not only improved her game, but had fun in practice, games, traveling and spending time with the team.
AMY STARK Mother of Shine '15 Point Guard, Olivia Stark who is now playing at Gordon College. Anna was more confident on the court with Shine. She was afraid to shoot the ball or make mistakes with her previous club she played with. We appreciate Rob and other coaches’ leadership and knowledge about the game of basketball. We look forward to next year with Shine!
VICKI WEIBEL Parent of '17 Anna Weibel, Estes Park HS My daughter has LOVED her time with the Shine Basketball team. Hands down the best part is the character of the players and the incredible friendships she has gained from this team. There is a lot of respect and love on this team that definitely reflected into teamwork and positive experiences on the court. We appreciated that our life outside of basketball was also respected. We joined Shine in it’s inaugural year and I appreciated that feedback was taken into consideration and any first year hiccups were addressed the second year. I have no doubt Shine will continue to be a solid basketball club that does its best to always strive to be the best it can be on and off the court. My daughter got into the car after our last game this summer feeling very sad that this incredible chapter to her summer had ended. Learning on and off the court is an intricate piece to Shine that is important to me. Basketball is a big, big part of her life, but we all know life continues beyond the court and I loved having a quality basketball program that acknowledges that and serves as an incredible guide for her life beyond high school and college basketball.
NANCY TAFOYA Parent of Shine's '15 Jamie Tafoya, now playing at Gordon College |
Thank you for all you do for our kids…it is making a difference in their basketball skills and in their lives! I see you pushing the kids during the drills, encouraging them to do their best and have the right attitude, even in the small things, like running back to the huddle after a water break or working hard in a drill on their own while you’re at the other end of the gym supervising the other group…as a former competitive athlete, and one who still gives 100% when I’m out there on the volleyball court, I appreciate that in a coach. And based on previous conversations I’ve had with you in the past, and seeing how well you work with the kids in both individual and group settings, I can trust that even while you’re firm with the kids, and correct them when they need it, you wouldn’t yell at them in a way to tear down their confidence or character. You’re a great coach, and we have a lot of respect and admiration for your vision for this basketball program, and how much time and effort you put into it! I told [Ethan] yesterday about the option of doing Shine during the week along with the [other Broomfield-based] league…he thought about it for a minute, and then said, “Actually, I don’t think I want to do [the other Broomfield-based club program] after all. I just want to do Shine, even if I don’t make the Elite team.” I’m actually glad that Ethan is choosing to stick with Shine, since he’s getting so much out of it, and is challenged at each session…he said that “everything is twice as intense as [the other club program]!”
LINDSAY WEIL Parent of Shine's '22 Ethan Weil Was watching (PREP training) and can’t get over how sophisticated and valuable the skills being taught to the kids are. Bravo. Very impressive. With the balance of fun competition mixed in with competent training you will have a huge program as word spreads – summer camps, waiting lists, consulting, whole teams coming to you. I see it because you have the rare gift of energy combined with competence and a motivational way of getting to kids. My son is a believer.
BRANDON MARINOFF Parent of Shine's '21 Ilan Marinoff My daughter is a 6th grader who is enrolled in the Winter Shine Prep program for 2015. After only 2 sessions I have seen an improvement in her basketball skills, basketball IQ, she plays faster, she plays with more intensity, and she has more excitement about basketball. Rob does an amazing job of teaching the kids valuable and advanced skills that make the PREP program unique, challenging, and fun.
DUSTIN MOBLEY Parent of Shine's '21 Kennedy Mobley |
My son, Nathan, was not improving playing competitive basketball, he was a pretty decent player, but I knew he could be even better. At first it was hard to have my son train for basketball instead of playing on a team, but the sacrifice was well worth it. Coach Rob has taken my son to another level participating in Shine Skills and Shine Prep.
Nathan has become an advanced ball handler, which has given him the confidence to test himself and perform at a higher level. When I watch him play I can see, and other as well, he now has an edge. Coach Rob is straight forward, he knows what he is talking about. If you want your player to improve talk to Coach Rob, he can provide an honest assessment on how to become a better player. My son came to Rob with the right attitude and desire to improve, Coach Rob has shown him that he can get even better! Thank you Coach Rob, you do make a difference! NATHAN GUERRERO SR. Parent of Shine's '20 Nathan Gurerrero Jr. This is a testimonial for Rob Pierson, Owner of Colorado Shine Basketball.
I have a sixth grade son who is currently under the tutelage of Coach Rob Pierson and is having a great basketball experience. Coach Rob has a strong passion for basketball. Rob is well skilled in his ability to demonstrate and teach the fundamentals and advanced details of basketball to aspiring players. Coach Rob incorporates life lessons such as hard work, commitment and persistence in his teaching sessions. I have witnessed my son employing these strategies on and off the court, in addition to skills and development for present time. Coach Rob has designed a system which molds young players and positions them for high school and college level basketball. I would encourage others who wish to increase their basketball IQ and skills to engage Coach Rob’s assistance. I have been very pleased with my sons accelerated growth in his basketball acumen since Coach Rob’s involvement. SHAD SUTTON, D.C. Parent of '21 Tiger Sutton Shine is the best basketball program I have been in. Not only have I improved greatly on my skills, I have learned to be a better person. When I first started, I felt very welcomed and saw improvement in the first session I went too. Even though the practices put you to work, it will pay off in the end.
GRACE NAYSMITH '21 Shine Athlete |
"Shine training is very unique, where you will not find many training environments like it. Training focuses on not only the basketball aspect of the game, but the toughness aspect. If you love to work and have the attitude and desire to get better, then Shine training is perfect for you. Training will help improve your basketball skills and will also help you get stronger and in better shape. Coach Rob knows exactly what skills to work on that will help every athlete improve their game, whether it’s ball handling, teaching basketball IQ, or simply learning how to use the pick and roll. Shine training has contributed to my success in many ways, especially in terms of learning simple basketball details that not many athletes know and will put me ahead of my competitors. It has also made me a better person off the court. I would strongly recommend Shine training if you are looking to improve your game, on and off the court." |