Athlete Spotlight

Athlete Spotlight Stories 2 Inspire The Edge Insider

Love, Loss, & the Game That Heals

Essay Written by Carissa Fredricks | With Reflections from Coach Audrey.

Athlete Spotlight The Edge Insider

From One Player to Another: Lessons I Learned Along the Way.

Her Story. Her Edge. Her Journey.

Athlete Spotlight

Gabriella Mittelman: PG; Demarest HS |@gabmittelman30

Her Story. Her Edge. Her Journey.

- Athlete Spotlight, Stories 2 Inspire, The Edge Insider
- May 28, 2025
Love, Loss, & the Game That Heals

Coach Audrey's Note:There are moments in life that shape who you become—not just as an athlete, but as a person. Moments that feel like the game stops, the air goes still, and everything you thought you knew changes. That’s what happened to Carissa. This is her truth, her pain, and her power. This is what it looks like when you choose love through loss. And when you let that love become the fuel that drives your why. Less than 48 hours before my 16th birthday, I died.Not literally, but emotionally, as I lost my best friend, my reason for everything—my PopPop. Diagnosed with cancer in 2020, I was terrified I’d lose him, just like we lost my aunt four years earlier. But I refused to think about that, convincing myself he would survive, that he’d be there for all the milestones we’d planned together: graduation, teaching me to drive, walking me down the aisle. But those plans would never happen. I’ll never forget the day my dad sat us down to tell us PopPop was sick. I had already seen his emails, but I was in denial. When the news was confirmed, it hit me like a truck. I could,...
- Coach Corner, The Edge Insider
- October 28, 2025
Court Vision Explained: How to See the Game Like a Point Guard

You’ve accepted the truth: training like a point guard is the fastest way to elevate your game — no matter your position. In Part I, we talked about what makes the Point Guard the Architect — the one who thinks the game, sets the tone, and commits to the unseen grind. Now, let’s talk about the skill that turns good players into great ones: vision. Because vision isn’t just seeing what’s in front of you — it’s seeing possibilities. A great assist is born when vision meets decision. True court vision isn’t just spotting the open player; it’s recognizing the advantage and acting before anyone else. 💭 Coach’s Note: Every time you make the right read, you’re not just playing the game — you’re learning to lead it. 👀 Vision is Decision: Seeing the Advantage Your eyes are your most dangerous weapon — but your brain is the trigger. You must train your eyes to focus on the right things and your mind to make the right choice in a split second. True point guards play with their head up and eyes scanning. They’re not just looking at the next pass — they’re already seeing the pass after the pass.,...
- Events
- November 6, 2024
Ballin’ in the Park: Reviving Play, Strengthening Community

Ballin’ in the Park is more than just a sports event—it’s a movement to bring youth back to the parks, restore a sense of community, and inspire the next generation through the power of play. Created as a response to the fading presence of kids playing outside, this initiative provides a safe, structured, and engaging environment where young athletes can develop their skills, build confidence, and form lasting connections.

Love, Loss, & the Game That Heals

Choosing Love: How Coach Audrey Is Inspiring a New Generation of Athletes

Gabriella Mittelman: PG; Demarest HS |@gabmittelman30

Love, Loss, & the Game That Heals

Court Vision Explained: How to See the Game Like a Point Guard

Ballin’ in the Park: Reviving Play, Strengthening Community

Empowered Women Empower Women. And It Starts Here.

Choosing Love: How Coach Audrey Is Inspiring a New Generation of Athletes