Good words for AAU girls basketball

I am writing this in response to Carla Steffens’ letter regarding AAU girls basketball. First I would like to clarify that there are only two female fourth-grade girls coaches this year from Moses Lake and neither one of us have ever forfeited a game to Lake Roosevelt, or any other team for that matter. I am familiar with Lake Roosevelt’s fourth-grade girls team; they are very talented and clearly their coaches are doing a great job. The beauty of the AAU program is that it allows players to build skills, while gaining a love for the game, it also encourages players to compete at levels that will challenge them to get better. Lake Roosevelt is much better than any other fourth-grade girls team and while we all get better playing their team, we don’t pose much of a challenge to them. It is my understanding that the team was moved up because they were really good, which I see as a compliment. As far as self-esteem is concerned my girls have endured many losses as a team, but they continue to laugh, smile and cheer each other on. In fact their positive attitudes are an inspiration to me. I hope the lesson my kids are learning is that while winning is fun, what’s more important is learning to develop a love for the game and pushing yourself to get better. I also want to say thank you to the Moses Lake AAU association for all the time they volunteer to coordinate the league and for bringing better basketball to the Columbia Basin.

Heidi Gephart

Moses Lake