I love the idea of allowing kids to try out and learn a sport without a major commitment. You can test the waters with your kid and introduce them to the idea and concepts which then they can decide if they want to continue to pursue it or maybe it’s not something for them.
Communication and the i9 team members are wonderful. Our Coach for Elite Squad has been awesome, communication from the program and Julie Gragg surpass my expectations!!
We’ve played in multiple i9 programs and Marysville/Lake Stevens is so well run. Everything is organized and runs smoothly. I love the opportunity for kids to learn and play and keep it focused on fun. Coach K has been amazing and gone above and beyond investing in the kids. We are thrilled with our experience and will recommend it to all our friends.
I might be biased because I am a coach. This is my 2nd season coaching baseball with I9. Prior to this season beginning, I saw my roster of only 5 players and thought "that's odd". Once my season began, I understood 5 is actually perfect for Rookies/Coach Pitch. We've been playing indoors, and that's greatt since winter outdoors would be rough! The whole experience from management, site coordination, and organization has been terrific! I also coach for a local little league, and it's shocking how disorganized that program is. Especially when I9, can operate so smoothly for such a short season. It's very rewarding as a coach to have players succeed, and I9 has been great a boosting EVERY child's happiness, skill, and confidence.
Because we are playing indoors, there is no outfield, which makes 5 positions, ideal. The downside of indoor baseball, is that there is basketball practice right next door to us, with no divider wall for safety. Normally this would not be an issue, except there have been SEVERAL near misses of basketball players getting hit by the batter swinging. Not to mention they constantly run through our games to use the bathroom, or basketballs roll into the baseball game. I'm just fearful of injuries from both sports as they play together. In the future, I'd recommend keeping the 2 sports separate somehow. Not sure if more enrollment is needed so that 2 baseball games be played or a time difference, to set them apart more.
I count myself lucky to have this opportunity for winter ball, and am looking forward to spring baseball!
PS. Skyla (the I9 coach for the other team) has been great to work with. She obviously never played baseball, but I am happy for her team to have her as a volunteer coach. Otherwise they might not get a chance to play. She's been very receptive when I offer advice/feedback on training for her team. Her positivity and sense of leadership shows, and her team has lots of smiles as well.
- Coach Marshall
I like that it’s inside. I like that the teams are small and everyone plays. I love the weekly awards. The snack system is easy. Coaches are great and you can tell they really care. My kid enjoys it
I like the automated emails and texts, and how well organized the practices and games are. Having t-ball available indoors during winter has been great.
Being a coach of several teams now, I have enjoyed seeing each of these children grow. I know how important it is to provide mentorship, being a good role model, and showing these children the sport/game. Its more then just learning the sport, it community, friendship, and supportive. I've enjoyed it.
The coaches are great with the kids, especially ones who have never played before or ones who are a little distracted. i9 provides great communication via email and text messages about upcoming events and information about the schedule.