Parents' Testimonials

From Cedarburg, WI

Thanks for the calls.  Chris has decided to hang up his Nikes adn will not be returning next season.  It has been a great ride for our whole family to be a part of HLC the last 5 years.  You should be very proud of the

program you have built, it is truly different than any other program I have seen.

Feel free to have any potential parents, players contact me anytime if they want to discuss the program. 

Have a great holiday season.

Mike Lane

2010

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From Hartland, WI

I am unable to make the parents meeting tomorrow.  I have to work.  I usually have off on Tuesday, but I did a switch so I can go to Minn.  We have enjoyed the program fro the past two years.  On of the things that we like about the program is that you recognize high school sports and the juggling that the parents have to do to make coaches happy.  We appreciate that you allow high school seasons to come first.  Andie has been able to do this program in between track and cross country.  Some clubs don't let you do this.

Secondly, we like the fact that you help to get these kids to college doing something they love.  Your profiles and your organization are outstanding.  We also like the tournaments that HLC chooses to play. 

I guess the only thing that was gettting hard on us was the commute to Fond du Lac and Ripon.  I know this was our choice adn I know that other people travel even further, but with three active kids in our household, I will be glad that the driving is almost done.

we have enjoyed the coaches and the players and the families.  It seems that HLC pulls in some really nice people.  Andie has enjoyed the friends she has met these last teawo years and so have I.  Cheryl, you are the reason this program is such a success.  You are a great coach and a great person who continues to stay positive.  You pass on good life lessons for the girls.  So I just want to say thank you for all that you do.

Vickie Zeman

2010

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From Waukesha, WI

I want to let you know we are excited for this next chapter in Brandon's life, as he has committed to playing basketball next fall at Beloit College... which we see that Chris' brother is playing there as well.  It's exciting to know that our paths will cross once again.  Brandon is itching to get back into the gym, as he hasn't seen much hardwood since the end of the high school season.  He had such a great spring and summer experience with the HLC league and families last summer.  Best of luck to both of you and to all of the boys and girls participating in this summer's HLC program.  It's an experience of a life time, and Brandon, like his dad, and I all thank you for everything! The knowledge we gained through you is forever appreciated!!!

Sandy

(Brandon Knudtson's mom)

2010

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From Fond du Lac, WI

Dennis and I want to take a few minutes to let you know how much being part of Higher Level Camps has meant to us and to Rachel through the past six years.  Today as I folded Rachel's clean HLC uniforms It really hit me.  I have been washing her HLC uniforms for the past six summers and now next weekend is the last time she will wear this uniform.  It will be her last HLC tournament and truthfully I can hardly imagine our summers without being involved in HLC.  I know that Rachel is really going to miss HLC and not playing on a travel team next summer.

I remember meeting you many years ago and you shared once at a Growth Group session that your dream was to start a Christian basketball club.  Knowing that, we have seen in many subtle and quiet ways you have done just that with your HLC program.  Your philosophy for the program and how coaches, parents and players are treated reflect yoru love and compassion for your God, the game and for the players.  Reaching for that higher level is not only for a basketball game, it is for the "game of life."  I believe that the players and coaches that leave and move on from your program take that desire to reach a higher level into all aspects of their lives.

Rachel has grown from a little girl into a loving, strong, confident young woman.  Being part of HLC have her something to be part of that was special and she knew it.  Growing into a good basketball player through the years hopefully takes her to where she wants to be.  We know that God has a divine plan for everyone and He has a plan for Rachel.  She truly has a passion for the game of basketball and we pray that she will be able to use that passion for basketball to God's glory throughout her life.

Thank you for the many years of memories for Rachel and for us as parents.  We've been fortunate to be able to be part of HLC.  It has been a blessing in our lives and we will always remember these years.

May God continue to bless you , your family and your HLC program.....

Mary and Dennis Giese

2007

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From Ripon, WI

"We really had no understanding of AAU basketball when we joined HLC in 2003.  In addition our girls

never voiced any particular desire to play college basketball.  Michelle and Erin wanted to become better basketball players and they needed a different enviornment for that to happen.  We also needed to find a program whose philosophy ws consistant with our personal values and beliefs.  HLC's philosophy of

player development along with equal playing time seemed to be what we were looking for and our girls not only developed skills and confidence in basketball, but grew individually as young women.

Through summer basketball, MIchelle and Erin played against and with higher caliber basketball players

who pushed them out of their comfort zone.  As a team, girls didn't always win, but something positive cam out of every summer season. we consistantly heard Michelle and Erin  comment:  "I can hardly wait for summer basketball to start."

When opportunites to play college basketball came up for MIchelle and Erin, Cheryl was always available to answer questions related to the recruitment process.  Basically the whole thing is simple if you just followed Cheryl's advise.   I know for a fact, however, that the option to play college ball would not have been there for them if it weren't for HLC.

Overall, our time with HLC had been very good.  As parents we've had many proud moments watching our girls perform well against others who were clearly heading to Division I and II basketball programs.  But more important are the many memories and friends we've made over the years.  Deciding to step away from our local community basketball program into the world of hLC was very hard for us and our family was initially criticized for doing it. Ultimately, though, our decision benefited our daughters, our family and our high school program.  The decision opened doors we never really knew existed and others from Ripon have followed our lead, including some who initially questioned our decision."

Jim and Mary Mellenthin

2007

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From Waunakee, WI

"We have truly enjoyed our time with Higher Level Camps and believe in your philosophy of quality training and coaching for every boy and girl who wants to take their game to the next level.  Even though we won't be with you for basketball, I hope we can stay in touch.  Our discussions hvae strengthened my faith and helped remind me that Jesus is at work in our lives every day."

Collen Dahl

2007

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From Waunakee, WI

"I did want to thank you again for all you did for Erin and Megan.  Over the past couple of years Megan has done very well for herself in soccer.  We are very proud of her, she has been able to secure herself a place to play in college and even get some scholarship money.  even though she gave up on basketball in favor of soccer, her time with HLC was instrumental in her success on the soccer field.  HLC didn't do much to help her soccer skills, but it did so much more to make her successful.  More than anything, you taught her how to be a good athlete and respect herself and the talents she has. You taught her that things don't always go right, but if you work hard and improve as a person and an athlete the right things with come your way.  for that we thank you very much. 

Too many times we get caught up in the wins and losses bu you always managed to take them out of the forefront and concentrate on the simple concept of getting better at whatever you  are doing."

Dan Kurtz

2006

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From Menasha, WI

'I just wanted to say thank you for the experience HLC have bestowed upon me.  The last four summers have  truly been an unforgettable experience.  By playing with HLC I have learned more about myself than I could have ever imagined.  This program has introduced me to understand what it means to truly be pushed outside of my comfort zone, be a part of a team and develop as a player and from a child into an adult. 

Four years ago when I started HLC I could have never imagined the next four summers were going to be remotely close to how they have turned out.  Through HLC I feel as though I have developed a family, who has been there for me no matter what.  for instance, when I tore my ACL my freshman year, I had never felt so much love and support by teammates and coaches than what I had experienced then.  And now as I go back into surgery for my second ACL repair, I am still amazed by the support my teammates and coaches

in this program are giving me.

Also, HLC had offered me with the chance to become the best person I can be on and off the floor, something I feel I could have never done through high school athletics.  Here I have been pushed to my limit and have began to discover who I am right now and who I want to be in the future.  So many people, experiences and opportunities have been brought into my life and with HLC I don't know where or who I would be today.

So, thank you once again.  The memories and learning experiences HLC had given me are irreplaceable, and I know that I will take all I have learned here and apply it to wherever the road takes me."

Tom, Paula and Kaci Smith

2006

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From OHIO- USA

"I want to first of all thank you very much for your continued response to my e-mails concerning your basketball camp.  You would not believe how difficult it was to get someone to respond to my e-mails concerning their camps in Ohio.  Your replies to my e-mails were one of the primary reasons why I

chose to send my daughter to your camp.

You showed a sincere interest in providing me with as much information you could concerning yoru camp. I also wnt you to know that I found your website to be extremely helpful and obtaining information as well."

Diane Wilson

2004- Ohio

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From Fond du Lac, WI

"Katie is sure noticing the benefits of playing this past summer with HLC.  her school team is ith the flyway conference and they have girls basketball in September and October.  Her coach has said on several things to her like, "Is this the same Katie taht was on our team last  year?",  "You are sure looking like a basketball player."  She is not winded at basketball practice, even though the gym is so hot.  She is confident in herself  when it comes to basketball now.  She plays very physical.  Can't wait to see the improvement after another summer with HLC!  Thanks to you for running the program and to your coaches as well."

Sue Kemp

2003

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From Verona, WI

"I would like to congratulate you and your staff for the extremely professional quality of this summer's travel team and camp experience.  My daughter played on the 13U team coached by Dave Willems.  They had the time of their lives.  She made  many new friends, and her development over the weeks of the team practices, play and camp was stunning.  She has rejoined her "other" team now and I have had numerous comments from parents complimenting her improved play.  Many have asked what she did over the summer and I have happily let them know about HLC. 

Since wil live in Verona, I was concerned about the weekly drive but as it turned out, that too was a wonderful time for me to get to know my daughter better and became something we truly looked forward to.  The camp was a highlight, as this was her first experience being away from home.   Even though the heat made her phyically sick, she still enjoyed it immensely and grew not just as a basketball player but as a person. 

I wish you all the best in continuing the HLC programs.  They are great.  My son was so impressed with his sister's improvement this year that he has been clamoring to go next year.  While it's too soon for us to commit to that, it certainly is a testimonial to the success of your program.  Long live HLC.  Thank you for making it happen."

Eric Christensen

2003

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From Plymouth, WI

"This one's from the heart. We just left a tournament in Plymouth, and I realize many things about your program. After all, I was there when your dream started to take shape.  And it's been fun to watch it grow. You have done exactly what you wanted to do and set out to do. You have given area girls a chance to play basketball in the off-season at a higher level.   And yes, most of the girls are the one's you talked originally about helping through these experiences-- the "blue chippers" who need the challenges your program offers. I sometimes think to myself, "Cheryl's Dream Teams". And I love it! And it makes me happy that you and all these young ladies have realized a dream.

I also know something else. Once in a while a girl will be involved in your program who is not a "blue chipper" and who will never be. Once in a while there will be a girl who desperately needs your program in order to see her own potential and to challenge her to become her best, at whatever level that is. That girl will perhaps be the one who gains the most from your program. And I also know that deep down in your heart, Cheryl Mohr, you want to help that girl as much as the one who will proudly accept the D I scholarship.

And I also know something else. That girl is my daughter, Eryn. She has been quiet most of the time. She doesn't quite know how to say thank you or sing your praises. She doesn't quite know how to make herself shine for you. She just quietly remembers the words you said to her back in the early 90's out of sincerity and love. I also heard them. "We will be together until you leave high school."

She was so proud of the award she received at camp. Do you know what she said to me? "Mom, Cheryl must really have thought I did a good job! I really hope I did! Her camp is so awesome."

So Cheryl, through it all you have allowed those at every level to participate in your program. Thank-you for following your dream and letting me be a part of it."

With Love,
Kim McCollum

1999