Ontario Trip Recap: Growth, Exposure & Fortitude
This past week, our team embarked on a significant trip to Ontario, an experience that blended campus visits, elite competition, and invaluable learning. We left with a clearer vision of what lies ahead and how we’re going to get there.
Campus Visits & Connections
Our journey began with a tour of the University of Toronto, where we were fortunate to spend time with Coach Muddy. Coach Muddy spoke about his program and what it takes to thrive as a student-athlete at that level. We toured the athletic facilities, walked the campus, and spent time exploring downtown Toronto, getting a real sense of what life looks like for U of T players on and off the court.
Next, we headed to Queen’s University. There, we met with Coach Steph and Coach John, toured the campus, and took in three U Sports games. Seeing firsthand the environment where university-level student-athletes live, train, and compete gave our players a powerful reference point. It wasn’t just about the architecture or facilities; it was about what the lifestyle demands.
Later, at one of those games, we had the opportunity to meet Coach Brad from Western University. Although we didn’t get to visit Western’s campus, the interaction reinforced just how interconnected the Canadian university basketball ecosystem is and how much networking and relationships matter.
A common theme from every coach we met was clear. They all spoke about the type of player and person they want in their programs. Each emphasized the same values: team-first individuals who are committed to being successful both on the court and in the classroom. We were also happy to hear that many of the on-court habits they value are the same habits we teach every day at Split Second.
On-Court Battles
Once we arrived in Kingston, we stepped into competition mode. We played several tough Ontario teams that came at us physically, emotionally, and tactically. These weren’t easy matchups. Our guys were tested, and through those challenges, we saw glimpses of what resilience looks like. We showed fortitude when our backs were against the wall. We learned where we are strong and where we’re still growing.
Key Takeaways & What’s Next
Exposure matters. From the university visits to watching U Sports games live, our players gained insight into the next level: the habits, mindset, and standards required.
Fortitude is earned. It’s not enough just to want intensity; you have to create it, maintain it, and demand it from yourself and your teammates. Our games showed us that.
Growth requires honesty. We saw where we struggled, sometimes in maintaining composure under pressure, maybe in physicality, maybe in consistency. That’s okay. What matters is that we recognize it and act on it.
Relationships are vital. Our thanks go out to Coach Muddy, Coach Steph, Coach John, and Coach Brad for their time, insights, and hospitality. These connections are more than just niceties; they’re windows into the future.
The journey continues. This trip isn’t the destination. It’s a stepping stone. What happens when we return is what defines us: the training sessions, the mindset shifts, the accountability, the next steps.
A Final Word
To our players: be proud of what you showed, but stay hungry for what’s ahead. To our coaches and staff: thank you for committing to this journey. And to our program: this Ontario trip represents a moment of clarity. We know where we stand, and now we know where we’re going.
Let’s keep building. Let’s keep growing. And let’s keep showing the kind of fortitude that separates the good from the great.
