Wildcat Basketball Academy
The Annual Wildcat Basketball Academy (WBA)
Thanks to everyone who made the 2nd Annual Wildcat Basketball Academy a smashing success!
We'll see you in April 2024 for the 3rd Annual Academy!
REGISTRATION FOR PLAYERS IS NOW CLOSED
CHECK BACK IN FEBRUARY-MARCH 2024 TO REGISTER
ALL EAGAN IN-HOUSE & TRAVELING COACHES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND the Academy FOR FREE -- learn new drills and learn from guest speakers and high school coaches!
Coaches should stop by at any time during the Academy!
BE A PART OF THE WILDCAT BASKETBALL ACADEMY!
- WHAT IS THE WILDCAT BASKETBALL ACADEMY?
- ELITE INSTRUCTION: The Academy is an elite basketball camp designed by the Eagan Basketball Board with support from the Eagan Varsity Basketball Programs. It provides high level instruction to Eagan youth players and coaches.
- COMMUNITY: The Academy is designed to bring together our Eagan youth basketball community to learn from each other and to raise the level of play and coaching for our Eagan Wildcats. It is a celebration of season and the kick-off for our off-season.
- GRADES 3-8: Although it is aimed at preparing youth for our traveling program, all Eagan youth players (travel and in house) are highly encouraged to attend, especially if you are interested in the Eagan Youth Traveling program.
- COACH INSTRUCTION: Youth coaches (both in house and travel) are encouraged to attend and observe to learn new drills from our highly skilled Academy staff.
- VARSITY COACHES: The Academy teaches advanced basketball drills and the High School coaches' offensive and defensive coaching schemes. Eagan Varsity coaches help with instruction!
- CONTESTS & PRIZES: The Academy provides high level instruction, contests, prizes, and speakers.
- FAMILY ASSEMBLY: The final session includes a Family Assembly where players' family members are invited to see our youth demonstrate drills. compete in contest finals, and win Academy awards.
- FREE T-SHIRT: All Academy attendees receive a Wildcat Basketball Academy T-Shirt.
- REGISTER IN THE SPRING: 2023 Registration is only $75. All proceeds go to the Eagan Basketball Association. Registration is scheduled to open in February-March.
- WHO: The Wildcat Basketball Academy is for all current traveling players & coaches, as well as anyone interested in playing or coaching Eagan Traveling Basketball.
- WHEN: Three Sundays in the spring.
THE 2023 SCHEDULE IS NOW SET!!! SAVE THE DATES
- Girls currently in Grades 3-5: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 from 3 to 4:40pm
- Girls currently in Grades 6-8: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 from 4:20 to 6pm
- Boys currently in Grades 3-5: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 from 6 to 7:40pm
- Boys currently in Grades 6-8: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 from 7:20 to 9pm
- WHERE: Eagan Community Center (ECC)
- QUESTIONS? To volunteer or ask questions, contact Academy Commissioners Troy Tatting 612-703-2661 or Tim Klaus 612-850-9325.
THE WBA IS FOR ALL CURRENT AND INTERESTED WILDCAT YOUTH COACHES
- All Eagan Youth Coaches (both current coaches and those interested in coaching in the future, in house and traveling) are encouraged to attend and observe the Wildcat Basketball Academy.
- Academy Instructors will be present to provide coaching tips and instruction. Please make plans to attend to learn advanced youth drills and the High School Varsity programs' schemes!
WILDCAT BASKETBALL ACADEMY HONOR ROLL
Each year, the winners of the Wildcat Basketball Academy awards and contests will be posted here to honor our youth players' achievements. Congratulations! Go Wildcats!
- Hustle Award - Awarded to a player exhibiting exceptional effort on the court. This player puts the "Wild" in Wildcat!
- Defensive Player - This player demonstrates great defensive skills during camp, showing their peers that Defense Wins Championships!
- MVP Award - Earned by a player demonstrating all-around skill on the court in all aspects of the game.
- E.A.G.A.N. Award - Effort, Attitude, Greatness Achieved Now.
CONTESTS:
- Mikans, Layups, Jumpers, King/Queen of Court, 3 pointers.
CLICK HERE for past Wildcat Basketball Academy Contest & Award Winners.
WILDCAT BASKETBALL ACADEMY SPEAKERS
The Wildcat Basketball Academy is focused on educating our Eagan Youth players and coaches. The Academy includes expert speakers sessions featuring players and coaches who speak on leadership, community, and how to elevate your basketball skills.
PAST WILDCAT BASKETBALL ACADEMY SPEAKERS:
WNBA and Former Gopher Superstar Rachel Banham: The 2nd Annual WBA hosted the great Rachel Banham! She inspired our Wildcat girls telling them to compete and battle for their dreams!
Former Gopher Great Al Nolen: Former Gopher defensive superstar and assist leader Al Nolen joined our boys at the 2nd Annual WBA. He played professionally overseas and talked about the importance of overcoming adversity in sports and life.
St. Olaf Head Men's Coach Dan Kosmoski: Coach Kos has been at St. Olaf for 29 seasons and counting. He formerly coached with Clem Haskins and others at the University of Minnesota. "IF YOU'RE NOT LOOKING -- YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!"
St. Thomas University Women's Coach Ruth Sinn: Legendary Tommies Women's Head Coach Ruth Sinn spoke to our Wildcats about her winning philosophy. Coach Sinn has shepherded the Tommies to Division I after amassing an incredible 355-88 record at the DIII level!
Hamline University Women's Coach Alex Focke: Coach Focke came to our 1st Annual WBA with his motivational words of wisdom for our girls! Coach Focke had led the Piper program for the past 5 years, coached numerous All-MIAC athletes, and elevated the program to a record-setting season the prior year with a 19-7 record.
Macalester College Men's Coach Abe Woldeslassie: Coach Woldeslassie had just finished his fourth season as head coach of the Macalester Scots Men's Basketball team when he stopped by our 1st Annual WBA. He coached in the NCAA tournament and developed players playing professionally across the globe. At the time, he was currently coaching former Eagan Wildcat graduate Lucas Leiter ('18).
Eagan Boy's Basketball Head Coach Kevin McKenzie: Coach McKenzie is a regular WBA speaker. He has extensive experience coaching across the United States in both college and for local high schools. Thank you Coach McKenzie for leading our youth.
Eagan Girl's Basketball Head Coach Jesse Madsen: Coach Madsen is a regular WBA speaker. He has lead the Eagan girls' program to its first ever appearance at State in 2023. Thank you Coach Madsen for leading our youth.
Rachel Banham - WNBA & Former Gopher Superstar
Al Nolen - Former Gopher Great & Professional Basketball Player
Abe Woldeslassie - Head Coach Macalester College Men's Basketball
Alex Focke - Head Coach - Hamline University Women's Basketball
Past Wildcat Academy Speakers
At the WBA, we bring in local basketball coaches and players to help inspire our young Wildcats!
WILDCAT BASKETBALL ACADEMY - BY THE NUMBERS
The WBA is the biggest fundraising event for the Eagan Basketball Association, a non-profit youth basketball program run by volunteers in Eagan, Minnesota.
In 2023, our 2nd Annual Wildcat Basketball Academy built on our past success. By the numbers:
- We instructed 232 players (up from 154).
- Coaches ran hundreds of drills.
- We had over 900 individual contests.
- Players went home with 96 Academy Awards!
- We had 26+ elite volunteer, paid, and high school coaches.
- Players heard from 6 fantastic speakers, including WNBA superstar Rachel Banham, two college coaches, and former Gopher Al Nolen.
- We raised ~$17k for the program!
In 2022, our 1st Annual Wildcat Basketball Academy was an amazing success. By the numbers:
- We instructed 154 players.
- Coaches ran hundreds of drills.
- We had 474 individual contests.
- Players went home with 96 Academy Awards!
- We had 26 elite volunteer, paid, and high school coaches.
- Players heard from 4 fantastic speakers, including two college coaches.
- We raised ~$12k for the program!
Go Wildcats! E.A.G.A.N. (Effort, Attitude, Greatness Achieved Now)!
WILDCAT BASKETBALL ACADEMY - SAMPLE ITINERARY
Academy Day 1 & 2:
- Warm ups
- Advanced Offensive Drills
- Rebounding/Passing Drills
- Contest #1
- Advanced Defensive Drills
- Eagan High School Offense/Defensive Instruction
- Contest #2
- Team games (3 on 3 / 5 on 5)
- Speaker
Academy Day 3:
- Warm ups
- Advanced Drills
- Contest Semifinals
- Team Finals
- Family Assembly with Contest Finals & Awards Ceremony