Good afternoon coaches and families, If your daughter is looking to play and study at the college level, don’t overlook the opportunity north of the border. Canadian colleges offer competitive athletics, strong academics, and — here’s the kicker — a much lower price tag than many U.S. options. There’s no special requirement to play at a Canadian college. Yes, there’s a bit of extra paperwork involved, but international admissions offices are incredibly helpful and will walk you through every step of the process. From personal experience — both of my daughters went to college in the U.S. for sports — I can tell you the cost difference is significant. With current exchange rates, your American dollar goes about 40% further in Canada. When you add that up over four years of tuition, housing, and meals, the savings are substantial. If you’re exploring options, add Canadian colleges to the list. If you’ve got questions or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to share what I know. Let’s help our girls find the best path forward — wherever it leads. Source - Dwayne Dawson Head Coach at St. Clair College Windsor, ON

Pack Family, I want to sincerely apologize for not having tonight’s Inside the Dugout call available to share. Due to a technical mistake on my end, the session did not get recorded — and that one is completely on me. I know many of you weren’t able to make it live and were counting on the replay, and I truly hate that I wasn’t able to deliver that for you tonight. Our time together matters, and I take that responsibility seriously. Thank you for your grace, your patience, and for continuing to show up for this community the way you do. The conversation tonight was powerful, and we’ll be bringing that same energy, insight, and preparation to the next call — with the record button getting hit first. Appreciate you all more than you know.

Welcome to "Inside the Dugout"—the heartbeat of our weekly coaching conversations. This call isn’t about flashy drills or surface-level talk. It’s where real coaching happens. It’s where we slow down, zoom out, and work through one meaningful topic together as a group. This is where: - Coaches sharpen coaches - Experience meets curiosity - Questions turn into clarity - And growth becomes intentional Why peer coaching? Because no clinic, certification, or course can replace the wisdom gained from real coaches living real seasons in real time. Every coach here brings a different background, different athletes, different challenges—and that diversity is what makes this community powerful. Inside the Dugout is about: - Talking through real situations - Learning how others think under pressure - Hearing perspectives you might never consider alone - And realizing you’re not the only one navigating these moments This call is also what fuels our questions and drives the discussion for "Wednesday’s live Q&A." What’s shared here becomes the foundation for deeper learning across the week. Let’s get this discussion started right now: What’s your biggest coaching win from the past month? Big or small—growth is growth. What’s one challenge you’re facing right now with your team or program? Practice structure, motivation, culture, recruiting, parents, confidence—bring it to the table. What’s one lesson or tip you’ve picked up from another coach that genuinely changed how you coach? Give credit where it’s due and help others learn from it too. This space works best when it’s active, honest, and supportive. You don’t have to have all the answers to belong here—you just have to be willing to engage. Drop your responses below. Bring your questions to the call. Join the conversation Monday night. The dugout is where teams are built. This one is no different.

Some of the greatest lessons I’ve learned as a coach came from simply listening to my players—on the bench, in the dugout, or during those quiet moments after practice. Kids see the game (and life) from a different angle, and their questions, frustrations, and small victories can open our eyes as coaches. Reflection: - What’s something a player said that made you rethink your approach? - How do you create space for kids to share honestly? - Do you have a favorite “aha moment” that came from a player’s feedback? Prompt: Share a story about a time you learned from a player. Let’s celebrate the wisdom that comes from the bench, not just the coach’s box!

When I first started coaching, I thought my job was to teach kids how to hit, field, and run. But the biggest lessons didn’t come from the field—they came from the dugout and the stands. In “Coaching the Home Team,” I shared stories about learning from fellow coaches, parents, and even players. The dugout isn’t just a place for lineups—it’s where we model teamwork, humility, and resilience. Reflection: - Who’s the best “teammate” you’ve had as a coach? - What’s something another coach taught you that changed your approach? - How do you encourage your players to support each other, even when they’re not on the field? Prompt: Share a story below about a time you learned from another coach or parent. How did it shape your coaching? Let’s build our own “home team” in this community—everyone’s voice matters.