School Visits
At YXU Basketball, we believe that it is essential for youth athletes to dream big and ask themselves, "why not me? Why can't I set big goals for myself and push myself to achieve them?"
Our director, Connor Vreeken, recognizes that asking himself these questions was what started him down his basketball journey and ultimately allowed him to live the life he dreamed of as a wide eyed 12-year old kid from Kingston, ON.
Connor also recognizes that he was able to find success along the path he followed due to the guidance he received from others - especially high achieving athletes that he looked up to in his youth. The mentorship he received from these individuals helped him navigate the challenges he experienced on his own journey and overcome them.
Connor takes students along his journey of big dreams, hard work, struggle, perseverance, failure, and eventual success - highlighting important moments along the way that allowed him to achieve the goals he set for himself. He tops the entire experience off by spending time with each class in the gym working on their basketball skills in a controlled environment that builds confidence and encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and most importantly FUN!
Schools Visited
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Henderson Public School
Lancaster Public School
Cataraqui Woods Public School
Collins Bay Public School
Truedell Public School
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Loughborough Public School
Perth Road Public School
Harrowsmith Public School
Elginburg Public School
Ernestown Intermediate School
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Molly Brant Public School
Sinclair Public School
Winston Churchill Public School
Fairfield Public School
Hear What People Have to Say!
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"We were thrilled to have Connor come in for the afternoon to talk with our students about his basketball journey and the strategies he has used to help himself find success on and off the court!
Our students left inspired and excited for the upcoming basketball season following the skill development session he ran with our grade 6-8 classes.
Thank you for giving us your time, sharing your experiences with our students, and helping to grow the game within our school."
- Shelley Desarmia
R.G. Sinclair Public School
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"Off the court, Connor emphasizes a positive mindset - encouraging students to dream big and push themselves towards their personal goals both on and off the court.
On the court, Connor creates a supportive and motivating environment where every student can succeed. He excels at breaking down complex basketball skills into clear, manageable steps, making sure students understand each step before putting everything together. Each athlete gets time to practice every segment, building confidence and consistency along the way."
- Sheri Campbell
Loughborough Public School
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"Its not everyday that we get the chance to bring a professional athlete into our building to interact with our students. Bringing Connor into our school was an amazing experience for our students and reminded them that you can achieve any goal you fully commit to.
Connor's ability to keep students engaged and actively thinking about how the lessons covered apply to themselves is top notch. By sharing his own lived experiences he reminded our students that everyone goes through ups & downs - but that how you act in uncertain times is what will determine if you find success!"
- Brock Palmer
Harrowsmith Public School
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"Connor was amazing with the students! His message of goal setting and self belief was crafted to resonate with all students, not just the athletes. The students listened attentively and were engaged in his presentation. When we moved into the gym, the students got a chance to work with him on their basketball skills. They were so focused! What a pleasure it was to have a guest come into a 7/8 environment and captivate their attention. Many students came up to me afterwards and told me how great it was and that they were looking forward to joining the YXU Basketball program! Getting youth motivated and moving...that's just awesome! Thank you Connor for sharing your story and working with the Ernestown Intermediates!"
- Whynter Lamarre
Ernestown Intermediate School
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