Karly Chesko
Throughout High School I had one major goal.  That goal was to receive a basketball scholarship to a Division One University.  I've always loved the game of basketball and by the end of my Junior Season I wanted to play more, and against better competition.  I decided to play AAU basketball and was really excited to be selected for Team USA.  My 2 years were both fun and rewarding.  The experience definitely helped me better my basketball skills, but it also helped me improve my communication and leadership skills.  I spent many hours with my teammates and coaches, practicing and playing against many different opponents.  I learned to win and lose, and to be on my own as if I were a college student traveling with my team.  I grew not only as a basketball player, but also as a person.  As I head off to Canisius College next week, I thank Team USA for helping to make me more confident both on and off the court.

Ashley Fetgatter
I am 17 years old and I am going into my senior year at Streamwood High School. I have been playing in Coach Jim Cook’s organization for 5 years, beginning in the summer when I was going into the 8th grade. I have learned so much on this team, not only on the court, but also off. It is like a life lesson. This team also helped me to play on my Varsity team all 4 years, and to become a better player all around. This team teaches you how to bring your game to the next level.

Stephanie Raymond
I was 12 when I was first introduced to AAU. At that age, I was basically focusing on all fundamentals that should be taught at that time. I have always played on teams that were an age or two older than I was.  Playing on AAU Teams, I really enjoyed the traveling time and experience. Every time I would head back to my High School season, I would feel as if I were a step in front of everybody else on our team.  Playing during the summer has helped me a lot physically and mentally. It has helped me physically with my endurance and strength. It has also helped me mentally with my court awareness, connecting with people whom I only know for a short period of time.  AAU basketball would not be anything if you did not have the correct coach. The person whom I feel knows the most about the game of basketball is Coach Jim Cook. He has helped me through all aspects of my game. He has helped me see the true player that I am.

Stephanie Smith

Coach Jim Cook asked me to write a paragraph about how he has helped me with the fundamentals of basketball. ‘One paragraph?,’ I thought. A paragraph doesn’t even begin to describe what Coach Cook has done for me over the years.
 
Cook coached me for 6 years in AAU Summer leagues. I never though a coach could help me develop my skills like Coach Cook did. He helped me out in every aspect of the game. He worked with me individually on shooting, ball handling, defense, and he taught me what it was like to be a great leader on and off the court.  Coach Cook has a way to motivate his player beyond belief. I mean, I actually looked forward to practice and games were 10 times as exciting.  After all these years Coach Cook has never let me down, on and off the court. What makes Coach Cook so special is the bond that he has with all of his players. He knows every player on a personal level, and each member feels comfortable talking to him about personal issues as well as athletic issues.  He brings his teams together in a way unknown. It is amazing playing for a coach like Coach Cook, and just to watch him Coach is out of this world. If I did not have the opportunity to play for Coach Cook, I don’t think I would be where I am at today. I got a scholarship to play Division One basketball at Northern Illinois University and am now a coach myself.  I owe all my accomplishments to Coach Cook. He has never let me quit. He is just a great coach, a great person, and one of my best friends. Coach Cook has molded me into the coach and person I am today, and I will never forget everything he has done for me. I was so blessed to have the opportunity to play for such an amazing coach, as well as an amazing person.  Thanks Coach!

Kelly Sikora
My name is Kelly Sikora and I had the pleasure of playing with Team USA for 3 years. Team USA provided an environment for me to grow and mature as a player and a person. In the summer my team was my family. We all cared for and learned from each other. Because of all of my great teammates, I progressed my game to a higher level, while creating memories I will never forget. Coach Cook taught me so much and helped me to be the best I could be. Coach Leston and Coach Percy were there for me and always had a crucial tip to enhance my game. My experiences were great! Team USA will always be my summer family. I am now looking forward to playing at Augustana College and hope to stay in contact with my friends.

Elizabeth Oleferchik
Having the opportunity to play under the guidance of Coach Jim Cook, a dedicated and motivating Coach, gave me the inspiration to challenge myself.  Not only to become a better player but also a better person.  Playing on Team USA allowed me to meet new people, travel, and play basketball at a more competitive level.  Throughout the Summer I began to raise my expectations of myself.  If I had not played on Team USA and put forth all the time, effort, and desire that Coach Cook expected from us, I would not be the player, or person, that I am today. 

Ashley Obrest
I started playing basketball at the age of 7, in a Civic Center League with all boys. I loved the competition and it made me a better player. I began to play AAU basketball at the age of 11 with the Illinois Hustle. We were State Champions for 7 years in a row, and went to Nationals each year. I am currently a senior at Elmwood Park High School. I’ve started on the Varsity Team since I was a freshman, and have earned All Conference, All Region, Team MVP, Conference MVP, Captain, and have been an IHSA 3 Point Finalist. I hold school records for steals, assists, 3 point shots in a career, 3 point shots in a game, points in a career, points in a season, and 3 point shots in a season. Last summer was the first time I played on Team USA. Although I didn’t know anyone on the team, and wasn’t exactly the most talkative, I had so much fun. The girls and Coaches were very accepting. I never really played such an up-tempo game like I did with Team USA. I loved the pace of the game and the competition. Coach Cook and Coach Jones taught me a lot about the game, and I can’t wait to use it in my last High School season. I have accepted a full scholarship offer from Boston College to play softball. Though this decision was not an easy one, I feel it was the right one. I thank Team USA and the Coaches for a great summer!

Melissa Tarrant