PRO'S DEVELOPMENT "LEAGUE"

 

The Pro's Lab is proud to showcase the journey and future possibilities of the D-League, an innovative program designed to revolutionize the coaching and development of adolescents and teens in sports. Our Eighth Grade Pro/D-League Pilot program, which started in Tampa, Florida, in 2014 in collaboration with the Hillsborough County School District, marked the beginning of an exciting journey.

 

Origin and Evolution

The D-League's roots trace back to Kansas in 1990, focusing on middle school athletes, often late starters or late bloomers. The idea was to transition their skill sets and mindsets towards a professional approach. In 2008, this initiative merged with Dr. Joyce Swartzman's 'M.O.R.E.' teaching approach, bringing advanced learning opportunities into physical education and coaching. This partnership gained recognition and led to collaboration with Hillsborough County Public Schools in 2014, bringing a unique teaching style to a broader audience.

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Pilot Program Challenges and Breakthroughs

The pilot program in Hillsborough County aimed to involve 900 eighth graders across various sports. The Lab introduced the 3-Essentials, M.A.P. Initiative, and C.A.T. (Coaching, Athletic, Trainer) Initiative, gaining intrigue from educators and sports professionals. However, the logistical challenge of managing such a vast program led to a crucial realization: the need for a scalable coaching framework.

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The Role of Intramural Players and Servant Coaching

Our research led us to understand the potential role of college intramural players – many of whom had similar experiences as late starters or bloomers in their younger years. By training these students to become Servant Coaches, passionate about the personal and athletic development of their protégés, we found the missing link for our program.

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Partnerships with Universities and Colleges

Our continued efforts, including research at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC and discussions with athletic directors across the county, reinforced the importance of integrating college students into our coaching structure. The book "How Do They Know: The What, The How and The Why," a culmination of ten years of research, became part of college curricula, illustrating our commitment to bridging the gap in sports development.

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Looking Ahead: The D-League's Future

As of 2025, the Pro's Lab has refocused its efforts in Orlando, Florida, leveraging our learnings and partnerships. We envision a future where college students play a pivotal role in the D-League, bringing their experiences, knowledge, and passion to the forefront of adolescent sports development. This approach not only enriches the sporting experience for young athletes but also provides invaluable practical experience for the next generation of coaches and sports professionals.

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Invitation to Potential Sponsors

We discovered a direct and proven pathway that answers the nation-wide question, "How to Keeps Kids Playing Sports Longer" (KPSL), and we believe there's immense potential for sponsors to be part of this transformative journey. By supporting the D-League, sponsors can contribute to a paradigm shift in youth sports development, fostering a more nurturing, skill-focused, and holistic approach to coaching. Together, we can create a future where every young athlete has the opportunity to flourish under the guidance of dedicated, well-trained Servant Coaches.

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Join us in shaping the future of youth sports development through the D-League, where we're not just training athletes; we're nurturing future leaders both on and off the field.

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