I've come to the decision to discontinue the Southwest Slam portion of my Hoops Training program effective immediately. It wasn't an easy decision as I have really enjoyed providing Southwest Minnesota athletes the opportunity to play AAU basketball for the past 13 seasons (2007-2019). A couple of the main reasons for discontinuing now:
1) While I grew up in Cottonwood, I don't currently live in the Marshall area and it's not easy to run a program from a distance, while at the same time running my MN Swish AAU program in the Twin Cities west metro where I train athletes and reside.
2) The covid-19 pandemic is still providing youth sports challenges including Marshall public schools currently not renting out gym space to outside groups such as the Slam...last I heard, that could change in the spring, but is still up in the air.
A BIG THANKS to all of the athletes (and their families) that have participated in the program over the years! There has been a lot of talent that has come through the program that have had great high school careers, many that have gone on to play college basketball, a couple that even played professionally overseas, and there may be a couple playing in the NFL soon too. One of the coolest things about AAU basketball is the friendships that develop with kids and families that likely would not have formed without playing on teams, staying in hotels, etc. I'm proud to have played a small part in all of that while personally building some great relationships as well.
A BIG THANKS to all of the coaches that have coached for the Slam over the years! It's a big time and travel commitment without a ton of pay. I've been lucky to have some great guys and gals coach for the program because they love the game and enjoy helping players develop and succeed. I appreciate all of your contributions to making the program a success.
I wanted to get this announcement out in early February, especially for anyone that was interested in playing in 2021, so you'd have time to find (or form) another program or team. I would be willing to send a message out to Slam families that played in 2018 and 2019 if someone is forming a team/program and is looking to find more players.
Thanks again SlamFam! It's been a good run!
Andrew Dahl
1) While I grew up in Cottonwood, I don't currently live in the Marshall area and it's not easy to run a program from a distance, while at the same time running my MN Swish AAU program in the Twin Cities west metro where I train athletes and reside.
2) The covid-19 pandemic is still providing youth sports challenges including Marshall public schools currently not renting out gym space to outside groups such as the Slam...last I heard, that could change in the spring, but is still up in the air.
A BIG THANKS to all of the athletes (and their families) that have participated in the program over the years! There has been a lot of talent that has come through the program that have had great high school careers, many that have gone on to play college basketball, a couple that even played professionally overseas, and there may be a couple playing in the NFL soon too. One of the coolest things about AAU basketball is the friendships that develop with kids and families that likely would not have formed without playing on teams, staying in hotels, etc. I'm proud to have played a small part in all of that while personally building some great relationships as well.
A BIG THANKS to all of the coaches that have coached for the Slam over the years! It's a big time and travel commitment without a ton of pay. I've been lucky to have some great guys and gals coach for the program because they love the game and enjoy helping players develop and succeed. I appreciate all of your contributions to making the program a success.
I wanted to get this announcement out in early February, especially for anyone that was interested in playing in 2021, so you'd have time to find (or form) another program or team. I would be willing to send a message out to Slam families that played in 2018 and 2019 if someone is forming a team/program and is looking to find more players.
Thanks again SlamFam! It's been a good run!
Andrew Dahl
