Testimonials
"Ben truly has a gift for working with our youth...I have never in my 49 years and as a mother of four athletes, seen a coach as awe inspiring as Ben!...His immense passion and joy for the sport shines through in everything he does. His dedication and devotion to the sport and his desire to share his vast knowledge of the game is rare. His patience and ability to understand what each child needs is really rare...My son once told me, that the only thing he looks forward to everyday is practicing basketball with Coach Ben. He is so proud of the accomplishments and improvement in his skills that Ben has taught him. His confidence level is over the top."
- Marianne Munn (Mother)
"Our 13 yr-old son, Matt, played for Coach Ben on the Gainesville Stampede. In addition, Matt was fortunate enough to receive individual instruction from Ben in one-on-one and small group lessons... Ben's love and knowledge of the game of basketball, combined with a passion for teaching how it should be played properly, was a thing of beauty to watch. As a father and a coach, I have too often seen misplaced priorities in youth sports. Ben Stirt epitomizes everything that is right about being an athlete and being part of a team. In Matt's words, "he was the best coach I ever had." We would highly recommend Ben as an individual trainer or coach for any level of basketball instruction."
- Don Ryan (Father and Youth Basketball Coach)
"Athleticism cannot be taught, but athletes can be. Any athlete that has the opportunity to be taught by Ben Stirt is truly lucky. Ben can teach any player at any level, focusing intensely on fundamentals, and working his way up to advanced moves. As a post player, Ben contributed to my success in many ways. Ben's teachings acted as stepping stones for me to dramatically improve my game overall. Ben's ability to teach and motivate his players is unmatched. Any player taught by Ben, with the right work ethic, can achieve great things."
- Jake Nangle (Trainee, FL All-State and All-Academic Selection, and offered a walk-on spot to the University of Florida)
"My son worked with Ben both individually and in a team setting for over two years. His basketball skills consistently improved in that time, and so did his confidence. Ben has tremendous basketball knowledge, and the workouts he did with my son were focused and meaningful. Maybe equally important was that my son enjoyed every workout and couldn't wait for the next. Ben has a great demeanor and develops a strong rapport with the kids he works with. They want to improve and learn the things that Ben is trying to teach them. My son had particular goals in terms of skills he wanted to develop and the position he wanted to play. Ben worked to get him where he needed to be and helped him achieve the things that were important to him. I could not endorse Ben Stirt anymore highly than I do."
- Lynda Tealer (Mother, Former College Basketball Player, and U. of Florida Associate Athletic Director)
"Starting in 2009, my son, Jake, worked with Ben individually on shooting form, passing, ball handling skills, post moves (including footwork and body positioning), defensive technique, and rebounding. He helped Jake to develop into a powerful force in the post with an intermediate jump shot and the ability to take anyone with either hand with a variety of post moves. Ben was responsible for the transition of a big strong kid into a basketball player. Maybe the best lesson Jake learned from Ben is that with hard work almost anything is achievable. What a powerful life lesson!...I will be forever grateful that my son had Ben to help him develop into player and the young man he is today."
- Art Nangle (Father and High School Basketball Statistician)
"Coach Ben (Stirt) is wonderful! He has a natural ability to teach and coach young athletes, and a thorough knowledge of the game of basketball. I watched as Ben taught skills and drills, encouraged effort and precision, and exemplified genuine character and talent on and off the court. Above all, his kind heart and love of the game shine through whether he is coaching, training, or just being a good role model."
- Amanda Cole (Mother)
"My 13 Year old Son was fortunate to work with Coach Ben Stirt on a one on one basis, small group basis, and was also fortunate enough to play with Coach Stirt’s 13U travel team in Gainesville, Florida. Ben’s attention to detail, fast paced workouts, and high energy was an easy sell for me to spend the time and the money on important basketball fundamentals that Coach Stirt delivered in a very easy to understand formula. My son really enjoyed working with Ben, and we were so thankful to have Ben be a part of our lives to help mold our son."
- Tim Walton (Father and U. of Florida Head Softball Coach)
"Ben was recommended to us several years ago as a coach for our two boys, now age 13 and 11. Right away, we were impressed by how knowledgeable Ben is and, more importantly, what an effective teacher and coach he is for kids of all ages. He rebuilt the shots of both boys and made every minute fun for them. (The boys constantly have asked us when they can work out with Ben.) What we are most grateful for during the boys time with Ben is that his positive attitude towards each of the boys gave them confidence. He played on their very different strengths."
- The Newman Family
"My son, Brayton, had the pleasure of being coached by Ben Stirt for two years while he played for the Gainesville Stampede travel basketball club. During that time, I saw my son develop as both a basketball player and a young man. Ben's coaching style allows him to get the best from each child, while doing so in a way that allows him to foster a real relationship with the child. Ben truly cares for the kids he takes on and has the skills necessary to get the most out of your child, as he did mine."
- Marc Cauchon, DMD (Father)