The past two weeks have been an incredible whirlwind of energy, emotion, and transformation as the Athlete Plus Basketball Summer Prep camp 2023 unfolded in the beautiful and historic city of Veszprém, Hungary. Reflecting on this period, there is so much to unpack, from the dynamic basketball sessions and personal growth to the friendships formed and cultural explorations. A Global Gathering Perhaps what stands out most strikingly about this year’s camp is the truly international nature of our participants. This year, we welcomed passionate and ambitious athletes from more than 15 different countries. This global gathering transformed our camp into a vibrant melting pot of cultures, experiences, and basketball styles. Our camp didn’t just echo with instructions, cheers, and the bounce of the ball, but also resonated with the various languages and shared laughter, fostering an environment of unity and mutual respect. Expert Coaching and Personalized Development Every great athlete stands on the shoulder of great coaches, and at Athlete Plus, we’re proud to host an exceptional team of experienced coaches led by Javier Carrasco, Christopher Spartz and Alex Geddes. With their diverse backgrounds and comprehensive knowledge of the game, our coaches ensured that each athlete received individualized attention and feedback. But, our coaches didn’t just focus on honing skills and improving techniques; they played a pivotal role in instilling a deep understanding of the game’s strategies and mental aspect. In addition, they engaged the athletes in activities designed to enhance life skills, including leadership, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, reinforcing our belief in the holistic development of an athlete. Fostering Strong Bonds and Building a Family Amidst the sounds of dribbling balls and referee whistles, one could hear laughter, friendly banter, and words of encouragement, painting a picture of the strong bonds being formed. Over the course of two weeks, strangers turned into friends, and friends turned into family, bound by shared experiences, dreams, and the mutual love for basketball. Off the court, the athletes ventured out together to explore Veszprém. From discovering local eateries to strolling down historic lanes, the shared experiences only strengthened their camaraderie. As we close the chapter of Athlete Plus Basketball Summer Prep 2023, we do so with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and excitement for the future. Each athlete left a mark on the camp, not only through their basketball prowess but also through their passion, dedication, and personal growth. We extend our deepest gratitude to our athletes, the dedicated coaching staff, and everyone who contributed to making this camp a remarkable success. We are already excitedly looking forward to next year, when we hope to see all our athletes back again, ready to embark on yet another exciting journey towards basketball excellence. Until then, keep the ball bouncing, keep learning, keep growing, and remember – the journey to success is paved with perseverance and passion.

Insights on Balancing Academics, Skill Development, and Character Building In the world of high school basketball, coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of student-athletes. They are not just mentors on the court but also guides off the court, helping young players navigate the delicate balance between academics and athletic commitments. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Nick Whitmore, basketball coach who shared his insights on coaching philosophy, player selection, and maintaining team culture inside the top-level high school basketball programs, as well as the invaluable life skills that student-athletes can take away from their time on the team. Athlete+: What inspired you to become a basketball coach and what have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career so far? Coach Whitmore: My father was a college basketball coach and, from an early age, it was something that I wanted to pursue. I have always enjoyed helping players develop as people and using basketball as a vehicle to help them. The biggest challenge I have faced is remaining confident in my abilities even in adverse times or when you are on a losing streak. Athlete+: How do you approach coaching high school basketball players, and what are some of the key attributes that you look for in a successful team? Coach Whitmore: I love coaching high school basketball because you have a tangible impact on the players development. I have always approached it as a way to help my players reach college if they so desire. We are fairly straight forward when it comes to evaluating good fits for our program. The first, and biggest, thing we look for is high-character good people. Second is motivated students. Third is basketball players that love the game and really want to improve. Athlete+: In your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges that student-athletes face in balancing their academic and athletic commitments, and what advice would you give to young athletes struggling to find the right balance? Coach Whitmore: We try to help our students understand priorities and develop good study habits for when they eventually move on to college and have to self-manage. My advice is the keep it simple and prioritize the things that truly matter to you. Hopefully family, academics, and basketball. Athlete+: Could you speak to the process of selecting players for your team and the qualities that you look for in a player beyond just their basketball skills? Coach Whitmore: This goes back to question 2. We look for high character, high academic, highly motivated players. That said, we also want players that are highly skilled and can pass, handle, and shoot. Athlete+: How do you support student-athletes who are looking to pursue a college basketball career, and what advice would you give to players who are hoping to earn athletic scholarships? Coach Whitmore: We work closely with our college counseling office, families, and the students themselves to determine a realistic list for them to pursue. We then work to get video in front of coaches and advocate on our end for players. Ultimately, it is very challenging to earn a scholarship and the more you can do to add value as a player and student will help. Athlete+: How do you maintain a positive team culture and ensure that all members of the team are valued and supported, both on and off the court? Coach Whitmore: We are very transparent with roles and playing time in our program. We stat everything and it is easy to understand where you need to improve. In terms of locker room culture, we have been fortunate to have the right players in the locker room to keep morale high, but we frequently do team building activities to build chemistry off the court. Athlete+: What are some of the most important life skills that you hope your players will take away from their time playing basketball for your team, and how do you incorporate these values into your coaching approach? Coach Whitmore: How to be a great person and treat people with empathy and respect. Being a diverse team with players from all over the globe we also hope that they understand different cultures and can work with a variety of people. Athlete+: In your experience, what role do parents and family members play in the success of student-athletes, and how can they best support their child’s athletic and academic pursuits? Coach Whitmore: Parents are crucial in developing successful people. I believe the best role for parents is to be supportive of their players and the coaching staff. By trusting in the coaches you can develop a relationship where players can be told the truth and develop as players. Athlete+: What do you see as the future of high school basketball, and how do you see the game evolving in the coming years? Coach Whitmore: College recruitment has changed drastically in the wake of COVID and the transfer portal. This means it is increasingly challenging to earn a scholarship or place on a college roster. More and more value will be placed on loyalty and finding the right fits for each program. Athlete+: Could you speak to any specific success stories or experiences you’ve had working with student-athletes, and how these experiences have impacted your coaching philosophy? Coach Whitmore: I have always felt most rewarded when we have been able to take a player and ensure they have a tremendous experience at the high school level. Often times with international student-athletes this can be most fufilling as you watch players mature and thrive in a boarding school environment. This interview has provided a glimpse into the passion, challenges, and values that define the role of a high school basketball coach. Through his unwavering dedication to their players’ development, both on and off the court, coach Nick shapes not just skilled athletes, but resilient, well-rounded individuals ready to take on the challenges of the future.

Top Spin Tennis Academy and Athlete Plus Join Forces to Serve Up Opportunities for Young Tennis Players in the UAE The world of sports is all about partnerships and collaborations that encourage growth, and one such amazing partnership has recently been created between the Top Spin Tennis Academy from Dubai and Athlete Plus. This partnership is set to create incredible opportunities for young tennis players in the UAE. The Top Spin Tennis Academy is a well-known and respected tennis academy in Dubai, with a reputation for developing and producing some of the best tennis talent in the region while Athlete Plus as a global organization, is dedicated to helping young athletes achieve their dreams by providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Through this partnership, Top Spin Tennis Academy and Athlete Plus are working together to provide scholarships and other offers to talented young tennis players in the UAE. These scholarship opportunities will enable players to continue top-quality training and development they’ve already experienced at Top Spin Academy, and help them develop their skills and reach their full potential. In addition to the scholarships, Top Spin Tennis Academy and Athlete Plus are also working together to create a year-long tour for young tennis players in this region. This exciting project will be open to both boys and girls, and will provide them with the opportunity to compete against other talented players. Tour winners will be awarded with a fully covered year at one of the top US high school tennis programs, which will give them the chance to receive a world-class education while continuing to hone their tennis skills. This is an incredible opportunity for any young tennis player who dreams of making it big in the world of tennis. By supporting young tennis players in this way, Top Spin Tennis Academy and Athlete Plus are contributing to the growth and development of the sport in the region. This partnership is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to fostering talent and creating opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams. In short, the partnership between Top Spin Tennis Academy and Athlete Plus is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on young athletes. It is partnerships like these that will continue to drive the growth and success of tennis in the UAE, and we can’t wait to see the incredible talent that emerges from this collaboration.

Athlete Plus a leading sports organization for student-athletes, is proud to announce a partnership with FC FAMOS from Sarajevo. FC FAMOS is a professional association football club currently playing in the Second League of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group Center) and plays its home matches on the Hrasnica Stadium, with thecapacity of 2,000 seats. Organization with rich history, dating back to 1953, gave the world many generations of successful young people and athletes. Today, Famos is recognized among Bosnian football/soccer fans and experts as a team with great environment for young players, investing resources in their development and infrastructure. The partnership will consist of multiple events in the coming months, including an upcoming webinar that will take place at the end of this winter. This event will bring together youth soccer players from all parts of Sarajevo and Bosnia, allowing them to listen to some of the world’s most famous coaches as well as providing them with an opportunity to learn about athletic and academic possibilities in Europe and United States. Athlete Plus will also assist FC FAMOS with organizing their annual tournament, which includes some of Europe’s greatest under 19 football teams such as Red Star Belgrade, Trabzonspor and many others. Both organizations strive to build a strong partnership that will create opportunities for aspiring student-athletes in Sarajevo and all of Bosnia and Herzegovina for years to come. Athlete Plus and FC FAMOS also plan to work together on various other initiatives that will help aspiring student-athletes pursue their dreams in sport.

The Heliópolis coxed eight secured its thirteenth consecutive victory in the men’s absolute category at the Seville-Betis Regatta, narrowing the historical gap to 30-27 in favor of the Seville rowing classic. The dominance extended to the women’s category (15-19), with only one of the six derbies eluding them, which included candidates and veterans. In the 57th edition of the Athleteplus.org Seville-Betis Regatta, Real Betis displayed a dominant green and white presence on Saturday, setting the stage for the league derby at the Sánchez Pizjuán. Real Betis triumphed in five out of six coxed eight events against arch-rival Sevilla FC, with Sevilla FC securing victory only in the women’s veteran category at the start of the day at the Guadalquivir dock. The Seville rowing classic, globally broadcasted on platforms such as the World Rowing YouTube channel, Teledeporte, Canal Sur TV, Betis TV, RTVEPlay, and CanalSur Más, lived up to expectations. Fans witnessed an intense and spectacular morning of regattas with remarkable parity. Following Sevilla FC veterans’ initial triumph, increasing their lead to 2-0, the veterans and male candidates’ over-1,000-meter contests ended with Betis victories (7-21 and 18-20 in total, respectively). The Nervión boats suffered damage in two blade clashes, also conceding defeat in the interspersed female candidates’ event (1-1). Over the 6-kilometer course from San Jerónimo to the Muelle de las Delicias, Real Betis secured victory in the absolute women’s derby, marking their sixth consecutive win with a time of 20:50.75, compared to their rival’s 21:16.48, leading 15-19 in the Regatta’s history. The climax of the day unfolded in the absolute men’s event, as Real Betis extended its winning streak to 13, tightening the overall result to 30-27 against Sevilla FC. Despite a close race past the Torre del Oro, Real Betis, powered by the historic Marcelino García setting a personal record of 17, clinched victory with a time of 18:55.86, just seven seconds ahead of Sevilla FC (19:02.77). Sevilla FC will have to wait another year to lift the coveted ‘crocodile,’ known as the José Antonio Muñoz ‘Anchoa’ Trophy. The trophy presentation for the 57th AthletePlus.org Sevilla-Betis Regatta included notable figures such as the president of the Andalusian Rowing Federation, Miguel Ángel Millán; executive director of World Rowing, Vicent Gaillard; general secretary for Sports of the Junta de Andalucía, José María Arrabal; mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz; Sports delegate of the Seville City Council, Minerva Salas; president of the Spanish Rowing Federation, Asunción Loriente, and other dignitaries. The Andalusian Rowing Federation organized the 57th Seville-Betis Regatta with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Government of Andalusia, the Municipal Sports Institute of the Seville City Council, the Port of Seville, and AthletePlus.org, among other collaborators. The event maintained its charitable nature, supporting the Spanish Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Association.

Athlete Plus is honored to announce our headlining sponsorship for the 57th edition of the iconic Seville-Betis Regatta. This classic duel on the Guadalquivir, a riveting local rendition of the legendary Oxford-Cambridge showdown, is set to unfold on November 11th, setting the stage for the city’s football derby the following day. This year’s regatta resonates our commitment to sporting excellence and community spirit. The official poster, unveiled at the City Hall is a testament to the regatta’s unwavering commitment to equality, emphasized through the equal representation of men’s and women’s teams, mirroring our own dedication to inclusivity in sport. While the overall tally favors the Nervión side (30-26), Betis’s remarkable streak of twelve consecutive victories underscores the evolving competitive landscape, igniting anticipation for this year’s clash. As the oars slice through the river come November, they’ll carry more than athletes; they’ll bear the legacy of extraordinary rowers, the passion of a city, and a shared aspiration that binds us all: the pursuit of greatness. In this spirit, the regatta will once again be broadcast by Televisión Española and Canal Sur, weaving this local tradition into the fabric of households across the nation. As our athletes prepare, some taking their dedication to the international stage in anticipation of the 2024 Olympics, we stand with them, celebrating their vigor and resolve. This celebration transcends sport, encapsulating cultural heritage, communal pride, and a united front in the face of every challenge. Representatives from various sectors, including Athlete Plus’s own CEO Juan José Márquez, gathered to pay homage to this ethos during the poster presentation. The event, fortified by diverse support – from local authorities to passionate patrons like Coca-Cola, Cruzcampo, and more – isn’t just a competition; it’s a symbol of communal identity and solidarity. Moreover, the Sevilla-Betis Regatta continues its noble tradition of philanthropy, this year supporting the Spanish Association for Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, reflecting our collective responsibility to wield the power of sport for global good. So, as the city of Seville breathes in the autumn air, we at Athlete Plus extend our invitation to witness this testament to human spirit and sportsmanship. Join us on the banks of the Guadalquivir, as we write the next chapter in this storied rivalry, underpinning our commitment to fostering excellence, equality, and empathy, both on the water and off.

Award Ceremony and Positive Energy The third and final day of the Athlete Plus Scholarship Talent Combine in Amman was a thrilling conclusion to an incredible event. The day started with a coaching clinic led by renowned Coach Don Showalter, where over 130 Jordanian coaches had the opportunity to watch and learn about developing youth players and planning their growth. The coaches gained valuable insights and strategies that they can implement in their own coaching, and the athletes benefited from the high-quality coaching and training. After the coaching clinic, the athletes took to the court to showcase their skills and compete in games for U14, U16, and U18 boys and girls. The games were intense and competitive, and the athletes displayed remarkable talent and potential. The coaches were impressed with the performance of the athletes, and many of them were scouted for future opportunities. The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where the Athlete Plus team awarded six athletes with a free 7-day summer prep program in Europe. The program is designed to provide athletes with top-notch coaching, training, and development opportunities that will help them take their skills to the next level. Over the past three days, the Athlete Plus Scholarship Talent Combine in Amman provided a platform for young basketball players to showcase their skills, connect with experienced coaches and trainers, and gain valuable insights and knowledge about the world of athletic scholarships. The event also had a significant impact on the Jordanian basketball community, with coaches and trainers gaining new strategies and ideas to develop their players. For Athlete Plus, the event was a huge success, and we look forward to continuing to support young athletes and their families in their journey towards excellence. Athlete Plus is also excited to invite all the participants to join us for a longer development run at our Summer Prep program in Hungary this July. This program will provide athletes with an opportunity to experience the highest level of coaching and training, as well as exposure to top-level competition. In conclusion, the Athlete Plus Scholarship Talent Combine in Amman was an incredible event that provided a platform for young basketball players to showcase their skills, connect with experienced coaches and trainers, and gain knowledge. The impact of this event will be felt for years to come, as athletes and coaches alike will continue to use the strategies and insights gained to develop their skills and excel in their respective fields. Athlete Plus is proud to have been a part of this event and looks forward to continuing to support young athletes and their families in their journey towards excellence.

If you think about what makes a good basketball player, three things come to mind: physical predisposition, talent, and devotion. But basketball is a team sport, and working on individual growth for a young player includes mastering the art of teamwork. Therefore, it is every coach’s job to develop a culture of communication within their team because, as our guest, coach Dan Panaggio, says: ‘’Communication is the glue that pulls five guys into one unit at the defensive end of the floor.’’ Coach Panaggio and our host, Momir Gajic, also discussed the differences between the US and international games. In addition, they touched upon defense as a critical aspect on which players must focus and what young international athletes can expect from coming to study and play in the USA, specifically, joining prep academies such as DME Sports Academy. You can check out the entire webinar below. What Is the Biggest Difference Between the USA Game and International Game Young Players Should Know? ‘’When people think of the US, that’s where basketball has been king. There are teams that go into the Olympics and usually win the Olympic gold medal without any problem. That is all changing because international players are every bit as good and gaining each year on American players. America just had such a great head start in the game of basketball. But if you look at what’s happening in the NBA or college basketball, international players are making a huge impact on the game. International players come with size, great fundamentals, and very good skills. And if you think about it, who are the best players in the NBA this year? Several of them are international players.’’ If you think about what makes a good basketball player, three things come to mind: physical predisposition, talent, and devotion. But basketball is a team sport, and working on individual growth for a young player includes mastering the art of teamwork. Therefore, it is every coach’s job to develop a culture of communication within their team because, as our guest, coach Dan Panaggio, says: ‘’Communication is the glue that pulls five guys into one unit at the defensive end of the floor.’’ Coach Panaggio and our host, Momir Gajic, also discussed the differences between the US and international games. In addition, they touched upon defense as a critical aspect on which players must focus and what young international athletes can expect from coming to study and play in the USA, specifically, joining prep academies such as DME Sports Academy. You can check out the entire webinar below. Must International Players Work on Their Defence to Have Easier Adjustments in the USA? ‘’Everything defensively starts with competitiveness. If you allow your opponent to score easily, that’s a real knock on your competitive spirit. So you have the feeling that when you get out on the court, you’re gonna make it as difficult as possible for your opponent to score. The second part of the defence is being able to get yourself into a good, solid defensive stance. Without a good stance, you are not ready to react; you are not ready to move. And then, anticipation. A lot of people say, ‘Well, you know, that guy is just a step slow defensively.’ Sometimes he is a step slow, but sometimes he is not able to anticipate what the next movement of his opponent is going to be. You might be deficient in guarding a quick guy with a ball who can change speeds and directions very well. That’s difficult for any athlete. But there are a lot of things, regardless of your athleticism, that you are completely in control of defensively.’’ How Would You Describe a Typical High School/College Coach? ”Many times, a college coach or scout is looking for length and athleticism, and sometimes they get too focused on that and not enough on fundamentals, skills, competitiveness, and individual character. But, they are looking for talent; they want to win. And how do you win? You get five really good basketball players on the floor; you teach them the fundamentals, to communicate, and play together.’’ What Does a Typical Day at DME Sports Academy Look Like for High School Athletes? ‘’You wake up from the dormitory, have breakfast, and come to the classroom. And you are in class for two hours. Maybe from 8 am to 10 am. You come out of the classroom, and you’ve got strength and conditioning, and our strength and conditioning guys are working with you on speed and agility. You may go from there to the gym, and you have an individual skill development session in the gym. When you finish that, it’s time for lunch. After lunch, you are back in the classroom from 1 pm to 3 pm. At 3 pm, it’s time for your team practice. You are on the practice floor for the next two hours. By the end of that time, you probably need half an hour after practice to go back to your room, shower, and relax before dinner. You have your dinner, and then we have a little study time for you so you can catch up on your studies.’’ How Tough Is It to Get Basketball Scholarships? ‘’I would take a step back from that and say: How tough is it to make a college team with or without a scholarship? There are four levels; there is a lot of scholarship and financial aid, and everybody wants it. It’s not just Americans fighting for these scholarships; there are people from around the world. So you have to have yourself together as a player, as a person, but it can be done.’’ It was a pleasure having coach Panaggio on the webinar as he shared valuable insights from his fruitful career, which includes winning two championships with the Lakers. Coach Panaggio is also the owner and director of DME Sports Academy. Asked about what differentiates DME from other basketball academies, he says: ‘’If you want me to narrow it down to one thing, our kids have fun! When they come to DME Academy and spend a couple of years here, it’s the time of their life. They are meeting not only the athletes from the United States but they are meeting athletes and students from all around the world. We’ve got kids from Asia, Europe, South America, and kids from the US. You are making friends and learning things about other cultures that you can bring with you the rest of your life.’’ We know how overwhelming it can be for high-school athletes to work on their play and look for the best colleges and sports scholarships. That’s why we launched Athlete+, a program designed to help you improve your skills and go through the college recruiting process as smoothly as possible. Don’t give up your dreams! Athlete+ team is here to guide you in shaping them into goals you’ll successfully reach, finding basketball and academic programs (in the USA and abroad) that best fit you.