U10 2023-2024 Season Recap
First, I’d like to thank our President, Tom, for giving me the opportunity to coach the U10 girls team this year. I was truly blessed with a wonderful group of kids and incredibly supportive parents. Thanks as well to the entire executive for the countless hours you’ve dedicated to making this season such a success.
To my fellow coaches and assistant coaches, great job this season! The dedication and enthusiasm you brought were instrumental in helping these girls grow.
These U10 girls have shown incredible commitment since day one. Their love for the game and for each other has been inspiring to witness. At our very first practice, I told them three things: defense will win games, cutting to the net will teach you to score, and sportsmanship will make you a true teammate. We carried those principles throughout the season, and they became the foundation of our success.
We began the season in Division 3, unsure of what to expect. Even with only a few practices behind us, the girls quickly showed their ability to run the ball, score, and defend. Many of our early opponents weren’t quite at our level, so we focused on playing with discipline and respect. It became clear that we could work on other areas, like passing, moving to open space, and boxing out. Our opponents admired our girls, and our sportsmanship was always evident. After winning our first OBL matches, we were moved up to Division 2.
In Division 2, the competition was stronger, and I had the opportunity to challenge the girls further. We practiced twice a week, focusing on skills, offensive drills, set plays, and especially help defense. The team’s dedication and discipline transformed us as the games got tougher. After winning our matches in Division 2, we were moved up again, this time to Division 1, with an impressive 17-0 record.
Playing in Division 1 was a fantastic experience as it finally gave us some tough competition in our age group, including a few hard-earned losses. This taught the girls the importance of hard work, teamwork, and mental toughness. We finished the season with 23 wins, 4 losses, and took 3rd place in Division 1 and 11th overall in the province. Over time, the girls’ chemistry, commitment, and sportsmanship allowed them to truly play as one.
At the Ontario Cup Championship, we made it to the gold medal game, narrowly losing 17-15. Even though we didn’t win gold, reaching the final was a huge achievement. Their relentless defense, scoring, passing, rebounding, and support for each other earned them a silver medal and a season finish as Division 1 silver medalists and 10th overall in the province. I’m incredibly proud of them and all they’ve achieved. I saw their confidence, physicality, and focus strengthen throughout the season.
Playing against a few U11 teams helped prepare us for our U10 victories. Those hard-fought matches showed us the level of talent on our team, with other coaches noting how strong our girls are.
To Irelyn, Heidi, Ruby, Lainey, Annabel, Maddy, Sophia, Londyn, Paige, and Josie—you girls have bright futures ahead of you. Stay focused, work hard, and always believe in yourselves. Coaching you this season has brought me so much joy, and you’ve made me incredibly proud.
My life lesson for you: always #nevergiveup!
Coach Alex
