Clarence F.

John (CoachUp client)

Well done...great communication and tweaks that made sense. A good teacher...I was impressed.

Ethan (Testimonial)

I just wanted to thank you again for the work we put in to make me a better basketball player and a better, more confident person. I wanted to give you a reminder of my story with CRF, so this is kind of my story/testimonial. The first time we met, you were subbing as coach for my team in an AAU tournament. I still remember you taking me aside, grabbing my jersey and emphatically shaking me in 10th grade AAU and telling me if I didn't shoot the ball the next time I got it I would be joining you on the bench. I proceeded to make my next 2 shots, with you having a "told you so" look on your face. The next possession I posted up and somebody cut, so without thinking I passed it to him for an easy layup, and when I looked back at you, much to my relief, you had a huge grin on your face and said "That's fine". When I eventually didn't make the team in 11th grade, after working extremely hard over the summer, I wasn't sure if I would be able to continue basketball. However, when I informed you of my high school coaches decision, you quickly began talking about how it didn't matter, and we would continue to work. Despite my failure to make the team, you continued to set a high standard for me, and continued to believe in me, despite my flagging confidence. While I'm still learning to work through that, I can point to you as the person that first really believed in me, even before I truly believed in myself. Now I am playing collegiate basketball at an admittedly small university, Division III, but for me it makes a difference. How many people can say they were cut in 11th grade, but are now playing in the NCAA?! All I needed was encouragement and belief in me, which none of my other coaches seemed to understand. So, I want to thank YOU for being my coach, my trainer, and my teacher. I'm still on my journey basketball wise, so you never know where I could end up, but you are the reason I'm playing college ball. But more than that, I know how to work hard, how to dig in and gnash my teeth, and how hard work trumps failure, all because of CRF. One of the moments I will forever remember is when I was pushing a weighted sled, and you were screaming at me to keep going even though I was completely dead, "Don't you dare stop, don't you dare put your knees on the ground!" . And at one point you shouted "How bad do you want it?! Do you really want it?!" And I yelled back without even thinking "I want it!". At that moment it felt like I snapped my weakness in two and I ended up finishing the rep without stopping. It seems small and inconsequential, but I think it really changed my approach to life. I ended up this last year graduating Summa Cum Laude I believe in part because I had this certain ability to work harder than than other people, because I HAD reached my limits, but then somehow found a way to continue pushing forward. And maybe I'll never do anything monetarily with basketball, but I still have the principles that I learned at your instruction with me as I continue through my life. Thank you again, and I hope to see you again sometime. Unfortunately I wasn't organized enough to set up a training session before I left for college, but this next summer I'll try to get a session or two in before I go on my mission (2 years of service full-time for my church).

Jasmine (Testimonial)

CRF has been a great growth opportunity for my teenager. The program is well run, well organized and well defined. Clarence and his team lead with integrity and with pride, setting a great example for everyone that walks in the door.

Jenny (Testimonial)

Our son LOVES basketball. He attended numerous basketball camps, practiced shooting, put in the time, but it’s not easy to find great off season coaching. After playing on travel teams in previous years you can imagine his disappointment when he did not make a travel team last year. We heard that Clarence was a great coach and we called him to explain our situation. After assessing our son’s skills Clarence assured us he could help if our son wanted to put in the work. As we expected Clarence helped our son with footwork, working with his right and left hand, shooting form, understanding offenses and defenses, conditioning but Clarence taught him much, much more. Our son learned about disciplined practice, nutrition, hard work and self confidence. This year, after months of dedicated work, our son made the A travel team. He could not have been more happy about the results on the court. As parents we could not be more happy about what he learned on and off the court. Thank you very, very much Clarence.

Kris and Mark (Testimonial)

Just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for all the time and energy you have devoted to Steven over the years. He’s always received outstanding training from you and has made great gains with your help. I am thrilled to let you know that he was selected for the 10th grade team, as were many others you have helped to improve. I am not sure if any of the other parents had written to you or not, but JJ, Ben, Will, Clayton, and Devon all made the team. Grundy will be playing up on JV. I love that some of those boys were from the C or B teams before working with you, and now made the cut of the top 12. Outstanding job! Eden Prairie basketball has CRF all over it!