SHINE PRINCIPLES

"Our long-term focus should be on building into the members of our organization so that in all situations they learn how to respond properly." - Tony Dungy

focused training. life-changing impact.

Thanks for all you've done for us coach! I can honestly say that it was those first two summers I spent training under you that got me on varsity freshmen year and helped me become the player I am today. It's been one heck of a ride! Thank you so much!

​- Sarah Reilly, Shine Elite U17 2018
Coach thank you so much for everything and for not only being my coach but my mentor. I am not where I am today if it weren’t for you pushing me and guiding me to not only be the best player I can be but person. Coach thank you personally for a great 2 club seasons! I’ll never forget sushi night.

​- Demitra Loukopolous, Shine Elite U17 2018
Thanks Coach I had a great summer traveling and laughing with the team. I will take everything I learned this summer into my senior year.

​- Giannah Thrower, Shine Elite U17 2018
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
Thank you for everything coach rob. These past 5 years with Shine have been amazing and unforgettable. I’ve grown so much not only as a player but also as a person. You have always been a huge supporter of everything that I’ve done and pushed me to the next level. Thank you and I can’t wait to move on to the next level because of what Shine has taught me!

​- Ryan Paswaters, Shine Elite U17 2018
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
We have been blessed to be a part of Shine for almost a year now where he feels at home, and where he loves to come to learn and be challenged.  Your coaching style and encouragement have helped him grow from being one of the least confident, least skilled players on his team (before Shine) to one of the top three players on his team today (in my honest opinion). 
 
Thank you again for all that you do!

​- Kim Degney
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 Tena 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 really enjoyed the experience with shine so far. Kali loves how everyone supports one another and that even though it's hard work it is fun! Kali is looking forward to working hard, having fun, and getting better at basketball this summer!
​- Katie
We have been very impressed about your program. Some of the positive things that we like are as follows:

1. It was very impressive to see the core strength that players in your program have. I have never seen players do sit ups and other exercises while dribbling. We like the strength and endurance that you put your players through. Briahna is small for her age, and we know that this requirement will really improve her strength and stamina on the court.

2. We really liked the positive mindset that your players had, especially the leaders. 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. We are excited to see how this program will continue to develop excellent character traits and leadership skills within Briahna. 

3. We are very impressed with the fact that your program runs all the way through high school. Most programs that are logistically close to us end their program once players enter high school.

4. It seems that the program will be financially reasonable. It seems to be comparable to other club teams that we have been a part of.

5. We like that if Briahna doesn't make a team, she still has the opportunity to increase her skill and technique through your academy. That is the primary reason why we left her last team. Her last team chose not to play spring season, Briahna wanted to keep playing, forcing us to look elsewhere. 

6. Though we don't know yet how your specific training plan works for each player, it seems quite impressive to hear about player notebooks. Briahna has a lot of skill and technique that needs to be refined and improved. One area going against her is her size. We are confident that your staff can help her learn skills and techniques that will help her become an improved player, regardless of her size. 

Thanks again for the opportunity that you have given Briahna.
Mike and Heidi Davis
I just have to take a moment this morning to let you know how impressed I am with the session last night. I want to do a special shout out to the older girls and the welcoming atmosphere they provided for Brianna.  She was the smallest girl out there and I saw more than one of the older girls help her, talk to her, encourage her, and give her high fives.  This made a new, somewhat scary, situation for a shy young girl acceptable and I even saw her smile a couple of times.  The atmosphere they fostered is commendable and mature for their years.  Brianna left with a very positive experience for her first organized basketball event. 

LYNDA
Comments from attending their first trial workout

It's not big steps, but small habits repeated daily, that creates success!

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 4month 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 definately 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

Time and repetition. The only things between you and your goals.

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

Your only competition is YOU.

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.
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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.
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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
…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.
COACH TJ JONES
NBN Basketball Director, Point3 Basketball Alpha Trainer, contributor to HoopsInsider.com, BreakthroughBasketball.com, Stack.com and featured in Dimemag.com.

Culture. Connection. Coaching. (tm)

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