Goals:
Since its inception in 1992 Blaze has been a respected program in the Pacific Northwest basketball community.   We are a competitive team that focuses on developing our players to reach the highest caliber of skill level possible, on and off the court.  Blaze is committed to seeking players who are looking to improve their individual and team basketball skills and we strive for their continued improvement. 

Coach's Responsibility:
Each coach plays a vital role in this organization.  The head coach, recognizing the need to supplement instruction, requires the assistance of his/her staff to help fill in any areas that may be needed.  This is a coaching team of well-educated and experienced basketball players.  No one coach is above the other and all are needed to successfully run all Blaze teams.  Everyone on staff has played at the high school varsity level and moved on to college programs.  The combined experience of the coaches is unique.  We are fortunate to have such a diverse group who care passionately for the game and the players they instruct.  It is our job to teach, not only the game of basketball, but also the importance of professionalism both on and off the court.  The staff expects mutual respect of each other, guest coaches, players and parents.  We ask that parents and players trust that all decisions are made with a focus on what we believe is in the player’s best interest .

Player Conduct:
Blaze players are expected to be role models to each other and to our community.   A Blaze player must hold herself accountable for her actions and understand that she is considered a citizen within the environment around her, on and off the court.  Our players must exhibit team play.  For the Blaze team to develop to its fullest potential, it is imperative that each player supports the efforts of each other player on the team.

Training: 
Our coaching staff teaches girls the fundamentals of basketball, then helps them fully develop their basketball potential. The coaches all have college hoops experience and played in diverse positions. Our players learn game tactics, intense defensive skills, and the importance of conditioning for the last minutes of a game. We push them to be fearless, smart, and ready for the high school and college levels.  We stress teamwork and how to function best as a unit.

Our teams practice two nights a week.  In the Spring, Blaze adds a third practice known as the dreadful track practice.  Being a Blaze player requires dedication and commitment from young women who are starting to understand what focus, conditioning and repetition can bring to their lives.

Attitude:
Negative attitudes are not tolerated from any member of the Blaze Family.  Attitude, whether good or bad, affects everyone.  Any negativity towards other players, coaches, referees or parents results in the evaluation by the coaches as to whether that player will continue her involvement with the Blaze teams.

Playing Time:
Playing time is earned, not given.  Coaches decide who plays and how many minutes per player.  Playing time on the floor is based on skill, involvement in practice, the ability to focus and retain team material, and the player's attitude towards herself and others around her.

Parent Conduct:
Parents are advised to support their daughter and not to coach them or the team while at practice or during games.  The players have enough voices to listen to and any coaching that goes against the coaches’ plan can, and will, confuse players.  Parents are asked to be involved in a positive way and also be a role model to their daughters and other players, siblings and parents involved in the Blaze activities.

Be on Time:
If, for any reason a player will be late to a function or will not be able to attend, it is her responsibility to contact her coach in a timely manner. This is an act of respect to the rest of the team and the coaches involved.   If a player is late, it is her responsibility to ask questions if she does not understand what is happening in practice or in the game. She must respect the other players who have been there the whole time and not disrupt any drills.

Continued Development:
This is a  premier level team, not a developmental team.  During practice we focus on team play, basketball IQ, and some skill development and aerobic training.  However, it is expected that each player supplement that with extra time outside of practice.  This includes repetitions in shooting, dribbling, and aerobic exercise.  We continue to improve as a team and it is the responsibility of each player to strive to improve their skills at the same time.    See, Playing Time.

Marissa Trias-Ruiz
Head Coach
Blaze Girls Basketball Association, Inc.