90TEN Basketball Training Academy Grows ‘Total Package’ Athletes

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90TEN owner and founder, Robin Johnson and girls basketball team pose with pride around the emblem of the basketball training facility.
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A Tenino High School graduate, Robin Johnson played basketball at Centralia Community College before transferring to Saint Martin’s University to finish her education.

Tucked within the Deschutes Landing Industrial Park, just beyond the Olympia Regional Airport, is an impressive facility designated for elite youth basketball players. Inside the warehouse style building is an approximately 10,000 square foot athletic gym with full and youth size basketball courts, fitness studio, and team seminar rooms. There is not another complex or basketball program of its kind in the South Sound.

The 90TEN Basketball Training Academy is a place where athletes can grow in their sport, as well as learn life lessons that will help them become better people. The program aims to integrate rigorous basketball training with team building and leadership skills toward the holistic development of young athletes. 90TEN program encompasses a “total package” approach including mental skills training, fitness training, nutritional education, and competitive experience.

90TEN is geared youth athletes who want to compete at the highest level within a program that provides mental, physical and nutritional guidance.

Behind the ambitious construction project and competitive youth basketball program is Robin Johnson. Johnson envisioned developing an elite caliber Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball program. She still is a bit blurry eyed by the rapid growth and success of the 90TEN Basketball Training Academy. “Last fall was a whirlwind of activity as we completed building the new facility, expanded our coaching staff, and increased the number of youth boys and girls teams. I couldn’t have asked for a better first year. The players, parents and coaches have all been phenomenal,” Johnson shares. It appears the feeling is mutual. From players to parents to coaches the praise and appreciation for   the 90TEN program and Johnson are abundant.

Johnson has purposefully surrounded herself with coaches who understand the fundamentals of basketball and appreciates the importance of developing these athletes off the court. In addition to being accomplished former players and experienced coaches, they all share the same belief of a “bigger than basketball” mentality.

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Team unity and the slogan “All Day-Everyday” are hallmarks of the 90TEN Basketball Training Academy.

While basketball know how is essential as a 90TEN coach, the indispensable element is embracing Johnson’s philosophy of the 90TEN style of basketball. At the heart of the basketball training academy are nine core values which include respect, trust, integrity, loyalty, attitude, teamwork, discipline, learn and dedication. Monthly the 90TEN coaches and players convene to present to each other on the program’s values.

“Basketball is simply our platform. At 90TEN, we strive to be the best in all that we do, as students, sons, daughters, friends, and teammates. I believe in being the best you can be and instilling this as early as you can,” shares Johnson.

“At 90TEN, we want to compete, and always strive to win,” she adds. “However, winning is not how we determine success. Success is doing your best at all times, and doing the right things both on and off the court. Whether win or lose, it is the desire to compete that sets us apart. We teach the 90TEN players to work hard every second they are on the court, to never give up, and to play until the end,” explains Johnson. That is how we measure success.

The 90TEN Basketball Training Academy is designed for the athlete who aspires to play at a competitive level. Open tryouts occur in July. The top 8-9 boys and girls are selected for grades 4 – 8th grade. High school teams are selected in the fall. Tryouts are generally two hours of basketball drills and play assessed by a panel of 90TEN coaches. An August Training Camp is held for those selected onto one of the 90TEN teams. “It is during the training camp that the kids learn how to play 90TEN style of basketball. We introduce our core values and instill the unity of the program and the ‘family’ concept among the different players and teams,” explains Johnson.

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The 90TEN Basketball Training Academy hosts camps and clinics throughout the summer for local kids.

The 90TEN season is determined by grade and gender and accommodates kids accordingly. Teams practice twice per week as well as monthly team seminars including nutritional training, mental skills training, and leadership development. The first portion of the season is league play and the second is comprised of weekend tournaments. The specific league and tournament schedule is determined by Johnson and the 90TEN coaches, based on the appropriate level of competition. Typically, each team will play a minimum of six to eight tournaments with more competitive teams incorporating additional tournaments including out of state travel.

The 90TEN Basketball Training Academy hosts a variety of basketball camps and clinics throughout the spring and summer for kids at all skill levels looking to improve their basketball fundamentals in a fun environment. Camps and clinics are a good way to get introduced to the 90TEN style of basketball. Additionally, 90TEN offers team, small group, and individual private training for all skill levels that focus on basketball skills, mental performance, and fitness.

To learn more about the 90TEN Basketball Training Academy visit the website or Facebook page.

 

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