When I first signed my son up for the program I thought it was just another opportunity for him to play basketball. After the first two weeks I saw his self confidence grow. He was encouraged at practice when he was aggressive and positive results on and off the court soon followed.
Journeyman Basketball is one of life’s wonderful childhood experiences. The coaches build you up, cheer you on & make you strive to be the best you can be. Thank you to the dedicated staff for making Sean, Matthew & Tommy better basketball players, better sports & creating life-long JM friends:) Josh can’t wait to join the JM family!
Hi,
Not sure which coach this email goes to but just wanted to let you all know the Butenas boys are taking the Fall off to play soccer and tennis but will be rejoining Journeyman Basketball in the Winter.
I wish there were more days in a week. If there were we would be signing up for the fall too. Journeyman is by far the best program my boys have ever been in. Not only is it great basketball experience which they love but the coaching is individualized, phenomenal and dedication is unreal. Community, Character and Commitment really sums it up. Journeyman really is such an important part of my boys development as a person and as a player.
Thank you! Wishing JP a quick recovery. We’ll be back in the winter.
Just a quick thank you for providing a great camp experience for both Pat and Jack. Not only did they enjoy themselves, but they improved their skills and confidence levels as well.
Jack commented that he wishes you would provide the camp all summer long because “it was WAY better than rec camp”….. 🙂
Enjoy what’s left of the summer!! See you in September.
Sue Ford
The luck of the Irish was with us the day we discovered Journeyman-J-Hawk basketball. All five of us in the family love everything about this program. From the hustle and bustle, the skills and the drills, the caring and sharing, it’s phenomenal. We are the biggest fans and can’t wait for next time. Thanks JP, Kelsey, Coach Aversano, and of course Coach Coffey. You’re all amazing!
Just wanted to give you all kudos from many of the rookie parents I’ve spoken to several over the past few D2 practices and every single one has RAVED about the experience their child is having.
The parents have all been impressed with not only the basketball knowledge that is being shared with their boys but with the demeanor of staff, the high behavioral expectations, the CCC’s, etc.
Many of the dads are coaches themselves and ALL have been staying for the entire practices, taking notes (yes they are!) on some of the drills, that they will use for their own rec teams. Keep up the great work!
Take care,
Sue
My daughter just finished her second session with J-Hawks. Her confidence and knowledge of the game has grown thru your wonderful approach to teaching. You are teaching them plays that they run until they get it right. They don’t worry about mistakes or missed shots as you help them understand that’s the way to learn. The girls have developed a great sense of team. They win or lose as a team and they cheer each other on. I can’t say enough about this program. It is so refreshing to see the girls living up to character, commitment and community.
As always, George and Andrew had a great Journeyman session (although Andrew’s was very short due to injury). George was quite happy receiving the 6th man award, he is getting more comfortable with the transition up to Seniors.
Journeyman has once again added value to my childrens lives. Both my husband and I appreciate all the work,time and patience that goes into such an organization.
Thank you all very much,
Deanne and George Soderberg
I want to thank you and your team for a great introduction to Journeyman Basketball.
This was my sons first basketball experience outside of Recreation Dept leagues. His experience with you not only helped him to develop his own skills and knowledge but also inspired him to help encourage a friend in the sport of basketball with such enthusiasm that they both were able to make the very competitive cut for the middle school basketball team.
My son encouraged his new friend during tryouts with his positive attitude and emphasis on the importance of “hustle” — lessons reinforced by your organization. In the end, the middle school coach would say to me that hustle was the determining factor for his friend making the team.
My son has often given me moments to be proud. This season with Journeyman was no exception. The positive influence and values that Journeyman stands for has definitely influenced one of your newest members. My son has a renewed passion for basketball and he carried this over to help inspire his new friend for the love of the sport as well. Thank you so much for inspiring these kids.
My son will most definitely be back for future sessions. He has always been involved in sports and there is no organization that has impressed me more than Journeyman.
I am very grateful as a parent for the great work that you do.
With my heartfelt appreciation,
Michael’s mom, D1 rookie
I just want you to know how grateful Nigel and I are for Journeyman and the role that it has played in James’s life. Obviously, James has really developed his basketball skills and his love for the game through Journeyman.
The commitment piece (something that we also emphasize at home), the character piece and good sportsman qualities while still being competitive, also so important, have all been invaluable and play a big part of who he is today. It has been overwhelmingly a positive experience for James.
Overall, I am very proud of the way James has played thus far. And just to let you know, in all of James’s time at Journeyman James has never complained about playing time. In the early days when he seemed to play less than the other players, it seemed to be his choice, not to speak up for it or maybe a confidence issue on his part. Well thanks to the system at Journeyman, of encouraging the players to speak up for themselves instead of parents complaining, James has also grown in that way.
And just one more thing, I will always remember two sessions ago at Lincoln Street when the Red team had their last game, James put himself in for about 2 minutes of the game because it was Grant Faustino’s last game, and wanted to give him that playing time.
So I guess what I am trying to say is that I really appreciate the balance of competition and compassion that Journeyman fosters. I know it is up to the individual player and their family to support the philosophies of Journeyman, I just want you to know that I am grateful for this organization.
This email …(is) one of support. Dealing with parents you must get more than your fair share of complaints (as an 8th grade teacher, I can empathize.) So really, thanks to you and your wonderful staff, for pouring your hearts and time into these kids.
Tracy Aldrich
I am glad you are addressing Parent/Child conduct seriously, and I hope the attitudes of some parents and players stops, or that they find another organization. As parents, the main reason we wanted Jack, Sam and Meg to join is because of Journeyman’s philosophy of character, commitment and community.
There are plenty of places to play ball, Journeyman is a unique PRIVILEGE and opportunity for families to grow personally, amidst this era of obsessive kid sports.
Our kids look forward to each session, and they feel like they belong to something great.
Here are some things I’ve noticed in Jack, Sam and Meg: Jack and Sam have said, “You know what I like about Journeyman? I can play basketball with my friends until I’m 17.”
I can’t say enough. Journeyman is a unique and valuable place. It is a privilege, not a right, to be a Journeyman family. Stay true to your standards. The parents and kids who are benefiting from you far outweigh those who leave with their own game plan.
Sincerely,
Ellen Knollmeyer
I have realized after being away from home, that I just really never got to thank you for everything you have done for me in the past.
You have no idea how much Journeyman changed my life. I had so many great experiences, was able to accomplish a great deal, and make many cherished acquaintances. Your coaching and friendship had impacted the person I am and for this I am truly grateful. The program means so much to me because it gave me a chance to play ball and get involved.
The program gave so much to me and I still feel like I need to give back. Thanks again for all that you have done and all that you continue to do. You are a true role model and you should be proud of your great accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Robbie Hanson
Maigan and I want to take a few minutes and thank the entire Journeyman staff for having made such a positive impact on our boys. We appreciate what Journeyman Basketball stands for and encompasses.
The program does a terrific job of teaching basketball fundamentals in a fun and positive way, and the difference in both Zach and Keigan today vs when they first entered the program is amazing. In a few weeks Zach will try out for the freshman team at Winnacunnet High School and I can say with certainty that Zach has a chance to make the roster largely as a result of the instruction your staff has provided.
Both Keigan and Zach have improved their skill sets but they have also become more confident individuals.
Character, Commitment and Community is more than just a slogan – it is the template for self confidence and achievement. We see this in the positive attitudes of both boys, the improvement in school, the respect for others and the understanding that full commitment is essential to achieving their goals.
Both Maigan and I have coached for years and both of us were college athletes at very high levels so we have a unique perspective on your program.
We would tell all parents that the foundation for success is being taught right here by JP, Charlie, Mike, Kelsey and the entire staff at Journeyman Basketball — enroll your kids and experience this outstanding program for yourselves.
We can’t thank you enough and what really matters is how you play TODAY!
Best Regards,
Chris and Maigan Galipeau
I’m extremely excited to get the new session kicked off with a bang. After taking the summer session off I can’t wait to get back.
I did miss a lot of things about Journeyman though. I missed getting to play with a bunch of my friends and getting a kick out of what we say at the end of the games. I didn’t think that Journeyman was such a big influence on my day to day life, but I was wrong.
Everyday I think about the three C’s. Character is something that you have to build over your entire life, making changes as needed. Commitment is a huge roll in life whether it’s saying you can go over to a friends house or why you were late for something important. Finally community, which I think is the most important of all. Our community is where we live, who our friends are and who we care about.
What matters is how you play today!
TJ “The Closer” Tetreault
The ceremony last night was terrific! I think you know that I am very proud of Joe. A father could not ask to be blessed with a better son than Joe.
I give you and the Journeyman organization part of the credit. His affiliation with Journeyman has taught him many of the lessons and disciplines that have resulted in the person he is today.
Journeyman Basketball is without a doubt THE best youth organization in the state. I have been fortunate to be a part of it and to have you, Lauri, Greg, Charlie, Steve, Mike, Kelsey (and now Nick) as friends. I will stay involved as much as I can.
Again, thank you sincerely!!!
Vin Benevento
Thanks again for all you do. This is without question the best league we have ever seen in all the sports the kids have done so far. We really love how you stress the three C’s! Any questions, feel free to call.
Pete and Kathy Consigli
Hi Jeff and JP, thanks again. You guys have a great program. From the drills, to the games, to teaching them to give something back to the community, to your ability to adapt your style to the particular skill level of the kids; We will be back.
Wow! Amazing.
Thank you so much for having so many of the Journeyman players write letters to Joe. He is loving it. You should’ve seen the grin on his face yesterday when he got the first batch. And the Bonzi Wells shirt is great. That was sooooo nice of you. He loves it. What an awesome thing for you to do! Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much it has helped his whole recovery process. It’s nice for him to know that people here care about him too…even kids who don’t even know him!
Thanks again,
Jane
My son has been a Journeyman for two years, In those two years not only has his basketball game improved, but so has his self-confidence.
Journeyman is a program for kids with all abilities. No one is judged on their abilities, but on their capabilities. All of the coaches take a personal interest to helping every child improve their game.
The Journeyman program is based on teamwork. Each child gets credit for what they have brought to the game. Their stats are not just based on baskets made, but on assists, blocks, and all other aspects of the game.
The players are encouraged to take care of their own responsibilities. Fighting, unsportsmanship like conduct and negativity will not be tolerated.
Journeymen are well-rounded young men. The older players are there for the younger players. They are all encouraged to give back to the community and participate in annual fundraisers. I wish there was a program like this when I was a child.
My daughter just finished her first NETS (now J-Hawks) session. There is no doubt in our minds that she will be a long term NETS player. She enjoyed every minute of games as well as practices. I was very impressed with the senior NETS players. They helped the younger girls improve their game, never once judging them. The younger girls are very lucky to have such great role models. These young women are taught to work as a team. They are rewarded not just for their baskets, but for their assists, blocks and steals. She loves going on line and being able to see her stats. The rules are simple, respect yourself as well as others and play as a team. I encourage any young woman with the love of basketball to come and play for the NETS. This is an unbelievable program.
Sincerely,
Chris Picanso
I want to say thank you for all that you do. We have played a lot of sports and even AAU basketball and Journeyman by far has the best organization.
I have watched my son grow 100% in his self confidence and he loves coming to Journeyman. I owe you all a huge thank you for this.
One of the things we love about Journeyman is that politics don’t come into play. It really is about the kids!
I appreciate all your time and efforts that you donate to Journeyman. I have watched Div. 2 this season and have seen first hand how the kids have learned to play as a team.
Thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you.
Sincerely,
Suzanne & Rich Ross
My son started playing basketball in Kindergarten with the recreation department. It was fun and a great introduction to team sports. In fifth grade he tried out for the town travel team. He did not make it. I worried that he would stop playing.
I remembered my nephew talking about another league run by “this guy” JP. I did some searching and came to find Journeyman. Since then my son has participated in three sessions and two camp programs. While each experience was good, it seems to only be getting better!
I am constantly surprised by how much my son is learning and improving as a player. He holds no awards and has no trophies, but accomplishing his personal goals and obtaining a high level of satisfaction have been the true rewards.
He made the CMS seventh grade team because, I believe, he benefited so much from the Journeyman experiences.
Being a single mother, raising a young man has its challenges. Finding good male role models is one of them. Each member of the Journeyman staff exemplifies the qualities I want my son to inherit. The coaches and the game referees are respectable, professional, and truly demonstrate good sportsmanship.
The league founder/president, JP Sanborn, is remarkable. My son once gave me a list of his top idols/heroes they included Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and JP Sanborn! When JP comments on a game’s performance or recognizes a contribution my son made during a game, my son literally floats home – he shines for days! The organization’s motto, “What matters is how you play today,” has become a common theme in our house – not only in other sports programs, but also in applying it to school and life. If my son bombs a test or has an off day he will remind himself that each day brings an opportunity to try harder and do better. This is an invaluable lesson that holds no price tag.
I feel that the cost of this program is an investment into my child’s future – as an athlete and as a person.
Thank you to everyone who offers their time to make this all work for all of these children. Please know that what you do touches the life of a child and influences their journey to adulthood. This is truly something to be proud of!!
With sincere gratitude,
Christine Lowe
Journeyman has been a wonderful program and experience for our son. The program is simple – the kids get instructive practice time, they get a lot of game playing experience, and most importantly in my opinion – they get a chance to develop and gain confidence in a supportive environment.
The structure of the program is balanced to allow the kids to have fun while emphasizing and rewarding teamwork, effort and sportsmanship.
The staff is clearly committed to the kids – they provide opportunities for the kids to grow personally in addition to developing their game. My most compelling initial impressions of Journeyman were of the positive and constructive spirit demonstrated by the kids, their willingness to embrace a new teammate, and the staff’s personal interest in supporting my son’s efforts.
Perhaps the most important testimonial about Journeyman comes from the kids themselves as evidenced by their commitment and loyalty to the program.
Thank you,
Brian Woodilla
I am enjoying a hot coffee on a cold dark November morning. I am euphoric after the weekend at Journeyman that Henry and his family and friends enjoyed.
First I am writing this as a Journeyman parent. On Saturday evening my son was inducted into the Hall of Fame with his buddy Cam. The respect and honor given him that day were really beyond mere words. I recalled a time 6 years ago walking into the gym with Matt and Henry checking out the program and this guy JP we had run into at Stratham Rec ball. Of course Henry’s game has grown and he has grown physically in the subsequent years. As you know this past year and a half have been difficult for Henry. Saturday’s ceremony meant so much to him, going down memory lane and all the congratulations he received, especially from the youngest D-2 group who really don’t know him very well.
Henry responded on Sunday with his finest performance on the court, 43 points and 11 for 18 on three pointers, 13 rebounds and 7 assists! Of course he played almost the entire game and his fellow all-stars yielded to him. His performance these past two sessions were not up to his standards but the honor of being a Hall of Famer renewed his passion and his joy for the game.
I want to thank you and the countless volunteers and supporters of this program for the many memories my family has. I want to thank everyone for the help in teaching the game to my sons and instilling the 3 Cs in them. I wish to remain with the program until I am no longer able and to help other kids who want to learn to play basketball the right way in a supportive atmosphere.
Thanks,
Mike Rockwood
Just a quick note to say thanks again for all you do. What a good session Justin had. He is learning so much and we definitely see his (improvement), I feel very blessed that Justin is surrounded by wonderful people. Happy Holidays. See you at the next session. Michele McElreath
The anniversary dinner was a wonderful evening and a great testimonial to the Journeyman Program. The celebration emphasized the C’s of the program, especially Community; all of us coming together, everyone contributing, and recognizing past and present participants. This night highlighted why my boys and my family love Journeyman so much: it’s not about ‘the stat’s but truly about character, (emboddied by J.P. and the coaches) and committment as demonstrated by Kelsey and all of the volunteers, board members, sponsors, parents, and the players themselves.
Kudos to the planning committee and the speakers, especially the memories shared by my big brother Mike!
Thanks again for all you do,
Heidi and John
Thank you both (Coach Coffey & Coach Rockwood) so much for your kind words. It meant the world to me.
Being divorced, sometimes you wonder if you are doing a good job. You are constantly wondering “what if”. Tommy loves the Journeyman program and I know that he is who he is because he is surrounded by a lot of great people. Tommy and I owe a lot to JP and the organization. JP for never letting Tommy give up and letting his emotions get in the way. Helping him with his peers.
Also I have noticed the both of you, and how you are always there watching the boys, giving them positive feedback, giving them guidance. Tommy read your message on the website and I kid you not the smile was priceless. So thank you! Years from now I will remember these past couple of days and remember how lucky Tommy and I are to have been apart of the Journeyman basketball program.
Warm Regards,
Bev
…All of a sudden I see this journeymanbasketball.com page. I thought, this sounds familiar. Sure enough it was the same website that I saw Ryan Bushnell’s record career point total on the stats page. It’s so funny looking back and how much I can remember about the good times we had. Sean Loanard and crazy Corey Marceau! Danny Umbro and Alex Cronin! There were a lot of great memories I can recall from Journeymen and I wanted to just say thanks for that JP. Thanks for all those memories of games and practices. Thanks for being a great friend and even though it’s been way too long, I can still look at this website and say you know what…. I know the founder of this great organization personally. Something else too, I can take pride in the fact that I actually knew a guy as great as you JP. It’s been way too long, and before I’m a forty year old fatso, you and I have got to play a game of horse one last time. God Bless!
Sincerely,
Hayden “Sparky” Hammel
We just have to share what a terrific experience Journeyman Basketball has been for our son and our family. Our son Billy came to Journeyman not the strongest ball player. He actually did not even feel he was good enough to play. His younger cousin talked him into coming saying that Journeyman is for everyone. He played his first session summer 2010 and loved it. He was in such great shape from Journeyman that he didn’t even need to worry about conditioning for football. What has impressed me about the program is how JP knows each kid- even if they are new. He knows their individual stats and will pull them aside for 1 on 1 coaching to work on an area that needs improvement. He is strict with the boys. He holds them accountable to be respectful and great sports, always encouraging opposing teams to help another up from a fall to the floor. He makes it look easy to coach the boys to act this way but we all as parents of teenage boys know it is not! The coaching has brought out a basketball player our son didn’t even know he had in him. We love Journeyman and are looking forward to the next session!
I have always believed and promoted Journeyman whenever and wherever I can. For Matt, not being a natural, it was a place to feel like a star, and became one! For Henry, it a place to call home and feel comfortable no matter how he feels. Journeyman kept Henry focused and gave him the will to keep going through this unbelievable 1-1/2 yrs. I am encouraging him to continue his involvement, even if just Alumni games or when extra help is needed for bigger events.
(Henry kept checking the stats last night in awe!)
I thank you, JP, from the bottom of my heart for what you have created, and continue to develop. There’s so much you add to others’ lives that you may never realize.
Forever Grateful,
Gina and Hank!
Thanks for mentioning me on the website that means a lot to me. You are definitely one of the reasons why I made the varsity team this year. I basically started my basketball career with you and you have helped every step of the way. Hopefully I will see you around soon.
Respectfully,
Brandon
I wanted to drop you a quick note and say thank you for all the time you have dedicated to the players. Michael made the freshman team at Winnacunnet last night and I feel that you and the volunteers at Journeyman made that happen. There were 30 kids trying out for the freshman team and the coach said that this was one of the most talented group of players that he had seen in a long time. Many of the players have participated in the Journeyman program.
Since joining your program he has improved not only as a player but his confidence in himself has improved as well. After the first night of tryouts I asked Michael how it went and he said that he was nervous but that he felt good about the tryouts and that Journeyman had made a difference. I hope you will share this with the other volunteers as I think that you guys are doing a fantastic job!!
Regards,
Joyce Karpel
I do think that it is impressive, that out of the whole NH seacoast 5 of 9 players going are Journeyman kids. If Alec and Jonathan F. didn’t have a prior commitment, cooperstown baseball that week, it would have been 7 out of 10 kids that are Journeyman. So you guys deserve some applause and congrats as well as anyone.
Thanks,
Eric Edwards
Both my boys have been playing in Journeyman Basketball for about a year. This program has made such a huge impact not only on the basketball court, but off the court as well.
JP and all the coaches stress good sportsmanship and being a good person just as much as learning a basketball skill.
They do a great job placing the players at the appropriate level. My older son is playing with such confidence on the court and my younger one has finally found his peeps; kids that love basketball as much as he does.
The program is very organized and well run. I can’t say enough good things about it or about JP and his team. So thankful that we are a part of this program.
Sincerely,
Jess Molda
