Rise Above

Basketball Academy

About Us

Welcome to Rise Above Basketball Academy, where our mission is to nurture and develop the skills, discipline, and passion for basketball in the young athletes of Grande Prairie. At the heart of our academy is a commitment to excellence, both on and off the court, fostered by a team dedicated to inspiring and guiding our players towards achieving their fullest potential.

Meet Our Coach: Levi Wenzel

A Journey Defined by Passion and Perseverance

Levi Wenzel’s journey in basketball is one of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering passion for the game. Growing up, Levi immersed himself in the world of competitive school and club basketball, where he not only honed his skills but also developed a deep understanding of the game’s intricacies.

Known for his exceptional work ethic, Levi’s training routine was a testament to his commitment. He spent countless early mornings and late nights on the court, pushing his limits, mastering techniques, and understanding the strategic elements of basketball. This relentless pursuit of excellence set him apart as a player and later as a coach.

Levi’s journey was not just about personal skill development but also about becoming a leader. His experiences in competitive basketball taught him the importance of teamwork, resilience, and leadership—qualities he now instills in his trainees at Rise Above Basketball Academy.

Levi Wenzel - Head Coach

Our Philosophy

At Rise Above Basketball Academy, we believe that basketball is more than just a game; it’s a pathway to learning life lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth.

Under Levi's guidance, our academy focuses on:
Skill Development: Fostering technical skills and game intelligence.
Physical and Mental Strength: Building physical endurance and mental toughness.
Team Dynamics: Encouraging teamwork and cooperative play.
Holistic Growth: Developing well-rounded individuals who excel on and off the court.

Our High-Performance Athlete Development Philosophy

Beginning of the Season (Fall)

In the initial phase of our program, our focus is intensively set on conditioning our athletes. We are committed to rigorously pushing our athletes to their utmost capabilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for the dynamic challenges of game situations. This period is characterized by a fusion of high-tempo cardiovascular activities and skill development drills. Our objective is to build a robust foundation of physical fitness, while simultaneously enhancing the individual skills of each athlete.

Mid-Season (Winter)

Transitioning into the mid-season, our focus subtly shifts towards high-level skill development, though we continue to incorporate elements of conditioning into our regimen. While the emphasis on conditioning is slightly reduced compared to the season’s outset, maintaining an elite level of fitness remains a key component of our training philosophy. Our drills are meticulously designed to refine the technical abilities of our athletes, ensuring a harmonious balance between skill enhancement and physical endurance.

Spring Club Season (Spring)

As we approach the Spring Club Season, our training paradigm evolves to prioritize team-based drills, strategies, and plays. Conditioning, while still a vital element of our program, enters a maintenance phase. The primary focus during this crucial preparatory period is to foster team cohesion and master complex plays and sets. Our goal is to seamlessly integrate individual skills into a collective framework, preparing our athletes for the tactical demands of the upcoming Spring Club Season.

Summer Club Season (Summer)

During the Club Season, our emphasis continues reinforcing team-oriented drills, plays, and strategic sets. We aim to sustain the skill development and conditioning levels attained in the previous phases, with a slight reduction in the intensity of individual skill drills. This phase is crucial for applying the skills and strategies honed during the season.

Programs

At Rise Above Basketball Academy, we offer a comprehensive range of programs designed to cater to every aspect of a young athlete’s development in basketball. From individual skill enhancement to team dynamics and physical conditioning, our programs are structured to elevate players of all levels.

Whether you’re just starting or aiming to play at higher levels, our programs are designed to help you rise above. Contact us today to learn more and register for the program that best suits your basketball journey.

One-On-One Training

Personalized Attention for Maximum Development

Tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each athlete, our one-on-one training sessions focus on individual skill development. Players receive personalized coaching, including technical skills, strategic understanding, and mental preparation.

Specialized Skill Development Camps

Elevating Skills Together

These camps are designed for players to learn in a group setting. They focus on enhancing fundamental basketball skills, such as dribbling, shooting, defense, and teamwork, through engaging drills and scrimmages.

Dryland Training

Building Athletic Power Off the Court

Dryland training is crucial for improving overall athletic ability. These sessions focus on strength, conditioning, agility, and endurance, providing athletes with the physical edge they need on the court.

Club Teams

Compete, Learn, and Grow

For those ready to take their game to the next level, our club teams provide competitive playing opportunities. Players will experience team dynamics, strategy, and the thrill of competition, all under the guidance of experienced coaches.

Words from the coach…

Incredible dedication and hard work are what sets Rise Above Basketball Academy apart from the rest. When you step onto that court, you’re not just players; you’re a team that has put in the extra effort to stand out.

One noticeable difference is the level of cardio fitness. Our relentless commitment to hard work in every practice translates into superior endurance on the court. It’s not just about scoring points; it’s about outlasting and outplaying the competition.

While others may rest, we push ourselves further, run that extra sprint, and embrace the grind. Our cardio game is a testament to the discipline and determination that defines us. So, when you face opponents who may not share our rigorous training, remember that our stamina is our secret weapon.

Keep pushing, keep working, and let our commitment to excellence shine through every dribble, pass, and sprint. You’re not just representing a team; you’re embodying the spirit of hard work and resilience. Let’s continue to show the world the difference that dedication makes. Push Beyond, Rise Above!

Levi Wenzel

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