A Day That Brought the Entire Club Together

On December 20, 2025, the entire club gathered in one place for the first time.

Athletes and families arrived from Mesa, Tucson, Yuma, Sierra Vista, and Gila Valley, bringing together 22 teams, more than 240 athletes, and over 35 coaches across both the boys and girls programs. While the day was scheduled as a Media Day, it quickly became something more—a rare opportunity for the full scope of the club to be seen at once.

For many athletes, it was the first time realizing just how large the organization had become. Some had never met athletes from other regions. Others were unaware the club had both boys and girls programs operating simultaneously. Seeing everyone together created a sense of perspective that is difficult to replicate in day-to-day training environments.

A Moment of Perspective

The most notable aspect of the day was not the cameras or the schedule—it was the scale.

What began years ago as a small, localized effort now exists across multiple cities, age groups, and competitive pathways. That growth was visible in real time as teams moved through stations, coaches coordinated logistics, and families observed the organization working as a whole.

During the event, parents were addressed by the Club Director, who spoke about expectations for the season ahead and the standards the club aims to maintain. The message was not focused on results or outcomes, but on consistency, responsibility, and the collective effort required to sustain a program of this size.

The sentiment was simple: building something lasting takes time, alignment, and people willing to contribute beyond themselves.

The Details Matter

Athletes participated in individual headshots, multiple posed photos, and official team photos. Coaches also completed professional headshots. The process was structured and deliberate, giving athletes an experience similar to what they will encounter at higher levels of the sport.

In addition to media responsibilities, athletes completed their required scorekeeping clinics, allowing an important season requirement to be handled efficiently in one setting. These quieter logistical moments—often overlooked—are part of what keeps a large organization functioning smoothly.

Later in the day, athletes picked up their jerseys for the first time. For many, it marked the transition from preseason preparation into competition.

From Media Day to Match Day

The timing of Media Day coincided with the club’s season kickoff and the Tinsel Tussle Tournament, giving teams the opportunity to compete immediately after the event. Athletes took the court in their new jerseys in front of friends, family, and teammates from across the club.

For some teams, it was their first competition of the season. For others, it was simply the next step forward. But the continuity—from Media Day to match play—reinforced the idea that preparation and performance are connected.

The Work Behind the Scenes

While athletes remained the focus of the day, the event also reflected the coordination taking place behind the scenes. Regional Directors and coaching staffs across each city worked together to ensure consistency in execution while supporting their local teams.

That collaboration—often invisible during a normal season—was evident throughout the day. It served as a reminder that growth is rarely the result of a single moment, but rather sustained effort across many people and many years.

Capturing the Day

The event was documented by a collaborative media team that included:

Buhl Media
Nekoba Visuals
Shawn Visuals
Slate Mitchell
Hudson Media

Their work captured not only images, but the rhythm of a day that brought together many parts of the club’s identity.

Looking Ahead

Media Day was not intended to be a celebration of scale, but rather a checkpoint—a moment to pause and observe what has been built and how it functions as a whole.

Ten years ago, gathering this many athletes in one room would not have seemed realistic. Seeing it happen now was a reminder that progress is cumulative, shaped by time, commitment, and shared standards.

The season moved forward immediately after this day, but the significance of the moment remains: a full club, together, aligned around a common purpose.

📸 Media & Updates

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