I've recently had the pleasure of meeting Heidi VanDerveer, Occidental College Women's Basketball Coach. http://www.oxyathletics.com/sports/wbkb/coaches/index
I've also attended two practices (Skill Sessions) that she has conducted with young female athletes ranging in ages from 12 to 18 years of age. I was extremely impressed with the organization, crispness, pace, teaching style and positivity of these session. The technical and tactical knowledge that she is imparting to these young ladies will enhance their chances of success as they continue their basketball careers.

Recently, I have come across two articles that highlight attributes of a great coach. Broderick Turner of the L.A. Times recently wrote a feature on Phoenix Suns head coach, Alvin Gentry. It's one of the best articles I've ever read on what it takes to be a great coach. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-suns-alvin-gentry-20100515,0,6766355.story

The other article is an internet post that highlighted John Wooden's coaching style, and a book written by Swen Nater and Ronald Gallimore entitled "You Haven't Taught Until They Have Learned : John Wooden's Teaching Principles and Practices." http://ucfwbbthoughts.blogspot.com/2010/05/john-woodens-teaching.html

Heidi lives up to the positive attributes expressed in both of these articles, and I highly recommend her program if you have a daughter that has a passion for basketball. Recently, Heidi was able to start an organized basketball program for middle and high school students because of a rule that was passed that allowed NCAA Division III coaches the ability to have skill session and travel basketball teams throughout the year. NCAA Division I & Division II coaches are not allowed to do what Heidi does. This recent rule change is a blessing for those who understand the pitfalls of youth basketball; an emphasis on playing over skill development.

I've attached three brochures. Aspire Hoops is a brochure about Heidi's skill sessions & travel teams (she currently has 0 travel teams). HVD Elite is a summer camp program for female athletes entering the 8th to 12th grades. HVD Future is for BOYS & GIRLS in the 1st to 7th grade.

If any youth or high school basketball coaches are reading this letter, I highly recommend you contact Heidi and ask permission from her to attend one of her practices and skill sessions. I have 11 pages of notes from the sessions that I've attended. I recently wrote to some friends that the best basketball clinic you can go to is a practice of a coach who knows how to coach. Having been around basketball since I was in my mother's womb, there are very few coaches that I would write this type of letter for. Heidi, obviously is in that group of coaches, as is Brian Newhall, the Men's basketball coach at Occidental, who annually conducts one of the finest summer basketball camps in the Southern California area.

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