Ivy League Youth Sports Academy, founded by Maurtice Ivy, is dedicated to helping girls in grades 4-7 achieve success in sports while building character and gaining life skills. ILYSA focuses on athletic skill, but also nutrition, behavior, teamwork, athletic IQ and coach-player relationships After a successful year with its volleyball program, which has already developed a wait list, Ivy League is gearing up to launch its next sport: basketball. “I looked at all the gaps in athletics and realized there was a missing link between this age group and the next level.
This is an opportunity for young athletes, especially those who don’t have the means to join leagues, to engage in a high-quality sports experience,” Ivy said. “ Our focus is making sure we develop the entire athlete as someone who doesn’t just understand the rules, but understands the game.” “The Grind” is an 8-week spring basketball session to set girls up for success on and off the court. Athletes will build on-court technique; develop mental and physical resilience through competition; increase athletic awareness and mental toughness; learn to be physically and mentally ready for their sport; and grow in a safe, healthy and supportive environment.
Student-athletes will be empowered to be active participants in their own athletic, academic and personal success. ILYSA aims to create a pipeline for high school sports in the Omaha metro area.
“There’s a big chunk of practice and education missing between middle school and high school,” said Dana Comeau, a parent of one of Ivy League’s volleyball players. “Ivy League fills that gap and brings the community together while doing it. My daughter has learned a lot from other kids here. They share their knowledge and build confidence together.”
The spring 2021 session is open to girls in grades 4-7 and runs May 4 through June 26, 2021 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Sessions take place at Girls Inc., 2811 N. 45th St. Registration is $150 for the 8-week session. No additional charges will apply, and the fee includes full uniforms and equipment for practice and events. Scholarships are available for the spring session.
Participants can expect high energy, organized practice sessions and close collaboration with coaches. Competitions are age specific and athletes will be placed on teams during practice for intra-league competition. Classroom development enhances basketball IQ, and foundational skills will focus on ball handling, passing, shooting and lock down defense. Sessions will follow COVID-19 safety procedures with a limited number of student athletes.
About Maurtice Ivy Native Omahan Maurtice Ivy has one of the six jerseys retired in the history of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln basketball program. She played for six years in the WBA and has been inducted into the Omaha Central High School Hall of Fame, Nebraska Black Sports Hall of Fame, Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, Omaha Public School Hall of Fame and Omaha Sports Hall of Fame. Ivy has been coaching youth sports for 30 years.
The IVY/5 ILYSA’s IVY/5 are the critical principles each student athlete will develop in ILYSA.
1. Highly Skilled: Relentless commitment to excellence and skill building critical for success on the court and in life.
2. Competitive: Creating an environment of healthy competition where athletes learn to be mentally and physically resilient.
3. High IQ: Developing high athletic awareness and mental toughness for the game.
4. Prepared: “Court Ready” – preparing and equipping athletes to be physically and mentally ready for their sport.
5. The Village: Creating a safe and healthy environment where athletes are supported and encouraged by staff, parents, and the community.
For more information, visit https://www. ivyleaguesportsacademy.org/.
Ivy League Youth Sports Academy Maurtice Ivy
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