Embracing Technology: La Grange’s Basketball Edge
Joyce Ekworomadu
DIRECTOR, BASKETBALL OPERATIONS
Joyce attended Texas State University where she averaged 18.9 points a game, was Southland Conference Player of The Year, led the team to the school’s first ever Conference Championship, became the 5th player in Texas state history to record over 1500 points and 600 rebounds, became the 1st player in the Southland Conference to sign a WNBA contract and graduated with a BBA in Marketing. Post college, she played in the WNBA, Poland, Italy, the National Nigerian Basketball Team and is the 12th female of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. She has traveled to over 40 countries playing the game of basketball. As the Director of Basketball Operations and Account Manager at Ballogy, she blends her extensive experience in basketball with a deep commitment to operating and constructing player development curriculum. With a focus on strategic planning and execution, she contributes to the continuous enhancement of Ballogy’s training programs and user experience. In her role as an Account Manager, she cultivates lasting relationships with clients, ensuring their success by tailoring solutions to their unique needs. Joyce is dedicated to shaping the future of basketball through innovative technology and collaborative leadership at Ballogy.
In the heart of La Grange, Texas, Coach Trent Collier leads the La Grange High School boys basketball team with passion and dedication. Fresh off a 25-10 season and an impressive 11-1 district championship run, Coach Collier continuously seeks ways to enhance his team’s performance. This pursuit of excellence led him to discover Ballogy late in the season, a decision that has since revolutionized their training regimen.
Discovering Ballogy
“We discovered Ballogy late in the season, and we’ve been really excited about the opportunity to bring an app-based curriculum into our program,” says Coach Collier. For his team, especially in rural Texas, having access to skill development anytime, anywhere, was a game-changer.
Traditionally, gym time is limited, making it challenging for players to get the practice they need. With Ballogy, athletes can now train at their convenience, breaking the barriers imposed by limited facility availability.
The Most Beneficial Features
Coach Collier highlights specific features of Ballogy that have been particularly beneficial for his coaching. “With Ballogy, we can set up an auto-curriculum that pushes out workouts based on skill level weekly. It also tracks which kids are completing these workouts, ensuring they’re engaging in quality drills rather than just following the latest internet trends.”
One of the standout features for Coach Collier and his team is the drill library. “Our kids know their weaknesses, and they can go on the app, find drills to strengthen those areas, and take ownership of their development,” he explains. This empowerment fosters a deeper commitment to improvement, as players have control over their training.
A Success Story
Though still relatively new to Ballogy, Coach Collier has already witnessed significant growth across his team. One of the earliest adopters was his own son, who experienced remarkable progress. “We’ve been using the Ballogy Skill Assessment (BSA) to track his growth. Over time, we’ve seen a 30 to 35 point gain in his BSA, providing a reliable measure of his improvement.”
This success story underscores the effectiveness of Ballogy in fostering measurable growth and provides a compelling case for its continued use.
Improving Coaching Efficiency and Effectiveness
Ballogy has not only benefited the players but also improved Coach Collier’s efficiency and effectiveness. “The auto curriculum feature allows us to set up weekly reminders for our kids, automatically assigning them workouts,” he notes. Whether focusing on specific skills like improving off-hand strength or bundling custom workouts, Ballogy provides structured guidance, even outside of regular gym sessions.
This capability ensures that players continue to develop their skills independently, without overstepping coaching boundaries, especially during the off-season.
Advice for New Coaches
Coach Collier offers valuable advice for coaches new to Ballogy, particularly those less familiar with technology. “Find someone who can delve into the technology. Buy-in is crucial, so be patient and persistent. Convince key players to take ownership, start using the BSA, and engage with the curriculum. Once you get buy-in, it will snowball.”
For Coach Collier and the La Grange High School basketball team, Ballogy has proven to be an indispensable tool. It has provided players with the resources to train effectively, allowed coaches to monitor progress, and ultimately enhanced the overall training experience. As they look ahead, Coach Collier is confident that Ballogy will continue to play a vital role in their journey towards excellence.