LanceAkridge

We will be adding 7th Grade Girls to our North Nashville program. The team will be coached by Christy Winter and Desiree Collier, for more details and to register please visit our website http://www.upwardstarsnashville.org/basketball/nashville/north-nashville-spring-travel-tournament-teams-2017-click-here

Upward Stars Basketball recently hired Coach Tony McLeod as Director of Girls' Programming and Special Projects. As Director of Special Projects, Tony will wear several hats: Recruiting Coordinator (conduit to college coaches) for our top high-school athletes (Class of 2018; Class of 2019); Social Media Assistant; Tournament Director; and other special projects as assigned. Coach McLeod will specifically be working with the following teams/families: Williamson County Hub: 10th Grade Premier Boys 10th Grade Premier Girls 10th Grade Select Boys North Nashville (Hendersonville): 11th Grade Premier Boys GENERAL NEWS: http://www.upwardsta...org/news/latest Only three years old in Nashville, Upward Stars-Basketball had much success in 2016, reaching 900+ unique athletes (WILLIAMSON COUNTY and NORTH NASHVILLE HUB). Our 2016 spring/summer tournament teams competed well, winning 20 Championships, earning 27 runner-up finishes, and making 30 semi-final appearances in national/regional/& local tournaments (AAU Nationals in Florida, USSSA Nationals in Gatlinburg, Cincinnati, Louisville, Bowling Green, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Spartanburg). Visit our NEWS page for press releases on: USSSA National Champions; #13 National Ranking-AAU Div. II Nationals; Runner-up in NCAA Live Event (SC), and other championship stories!

Upward Stars Basketball recently hired Coach Tony McLeod as Director of Girls' Programming and Special Projects. As Director of Special Projects, Tony will wear several hats: Recruiting Coordinator (conduit to college coaches) for our top high-school athletes (Class of 2018; Class of 2019); Social Media Assistant; Tournament Director; and other special projects as assigned. Coach McLeod will specifically be working with the following teams/families: Williamson County Hub: 10th Grade Premier Boys 10th Grade Premier Girls 10th Grade Select Boys North Nashville (Hendersonville): 11th Grade Premier Boys GENERAL NEWS: http://www.upwardstarsnashville.org/news/latest Only three years old in Nashville, Upward Stars-Basketball had much success in 2016, reaching 900+ unique athletes (WILLIAMSON COUNTY and NORTH NASHVILLE HUB). Our 2016 spring/summer tournament teams competed well, winning 20 Championships, earning 27 runner-up finishes, and making 30 semi-final appearances in national/regional/& local tournaments (AAU Nationals in Florida, USSSA Nationals in Gatlinburg, Cincinnati, Louisville, Bowling Green, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Spartanburg). Visit our NEWS page for press releases on: USSSA National Champions; #13 National Ranking-AAU Div. II Nationals; Runner-up in NCAA Live Event (SC), and other championship stories!

MEMO: Upward Stars Basketball (SPRING TRAVEL/TOURNAMENT TEAMS - TRYOUT REGISTRATION IS OPEN!) Upward Stars is blessed and excited to enter our fourth season of forming teams for the spring/early summer tournament circuit! After forming 25 teams this past spring (19 in Williamson County; 6 in NORTH Nashville), Upward Stars plans on forming 30-32 teams for spring, 2017. Current plans include forming 20-22 teams based in Williamson County and 10 teams based in NORTH Nashville (Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, Gallatin, Madison, and surrounding communities)! We are very excited about the structure for teams this spring! Teams will practice twice a week through the week of April 17th. Beginning the week of April 24th, each team will practice once a week and also attend a shooting/skills' clinic weekly. During the week of spring break, we will also be hosting shooting/skills' clinics for those athletes that are in town. Therefore, athletes will be on the court twice a week (March-May), in addition to tournament play. Some of our Premier Teams will play into July, specifically a few of our high school teams that will be participating in NCAA "Live Period" events. To learn all details, with specific capsules on each team, and to register for tryouts, please click on the below links (NOTE: Take advantage of $5 early registration discount, and register for tryouts by 2/12): NORTH Nashville- http://www.upwardsta...tball/nashville Williamson County- http://www.upwardsta...tball/nashville Thank you and we hope to see your athlete at tryouts! Contact Lance Akridge (Club Director) for more info: Cell: 864-237-2317 (reside in Williamson County) Email: Nashville@UpwardStars.org

MEMO: Upward Stars Basketball (SPRING TRAVEL/TOURNAMENT TEAMS - TRYOUT REGISTRATION IS OPEN!) Upward Stars is blessed and excited to enter our fourth season of forming teams for the spring/early summer tournament circuit! After forming 25 teams this past spring (19 in Williamson County; 6 in NORTH Nashville), Upward Stars plans on forming 30-32 teams for spring, 2017. Current plans include forming 20-22 teams based in Williamson County and 10 teams based in NORTH Nashville (Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, Gallatin, Madison, and surrounding communities)! We are very excited about the structure for teams this spring! Teams will practice twice a week through the week of April 17th. Beginning the week of April 24th, each team will practice once a week and also attend a shooting/skills' clinic weekly. During the week of spring break, we will also be hosting shooting/skills' clinics for those athletes that are in town. Therefore, athletes will be on the court twice a week (March-May), in addition to tournament play. Some of our Premier Teams will play into July, specifically a few of our high school teams that will be participating in NCAA "Live Period" events. To learn all details, with specific capsules on each team, and to register for tryouts, please click on the below links (NOTE: Take advantage of $5 early registration discount, and register for tryouts by 2/12): NORTH Nashville- http://www.upwardstarsnashville.org/basketball/nashville Williamson County- http://www.upwardstarsnashville.org/basketball/nashville Thank you and we hope to see your athlete at tryouts! Contact Lance Akridge (Club Director) for more info: Cell: 864-237-2317 (reside in Williamson County) Email: Nashville@UpwardStars.org

MEMO: Upward Stars Basketball (NORTH NASHVILLE) – Spring Tournament Teams and Tryout Registration Upward Stars-Nashville is busy preparing for year two in NORTH Nashville (Hendersonville and surrounding communities). Forming six teams this past spring, that competed in local and regional basketball tournaments, Upward Stars-Nashville anticipates forming 10 teams this spring (2017)! ALL details are now posted on website (www.UpwardStarsNashville.org) Registration for tryouts is open! Our earliest tryout, for any age group/gender is Monday, Feb. 20th. At this time, we plan on forming the following teams (multiple teams in some age groups), with coaches listed as well: · 5th Grade GIRLS (Jeff Tarkington) · 6th Grade GIRLS (Megan Mims) · 4th Grade BOYS (Booby Moore) · 5th Grade BOYS (Dana Drew Shaw and Homer Drew) · 6th Grade BOYS (PREMIER: Reece Chamberlain; SELECT: Malik Mims) · 7th Grade BOYS (PREMIER: Dana Drew Shaw and Homer Drew; SELECT: Glen Clem) · 9th Grade BOYS (Doug Gold) · 11th Grade BOYS (Todd Gerlach) · NOTE: We are still searching/interviewing coach candidates to coach an 8th Grade Boys' Team. Our NORTH Nashville Coaching Staff currently includes a great mix of former professional/college coaches/players (NY Knicks, Vanderbilt, Valparaiso, Belmont, Murray State, Berea) and/or experienced school/club coaches. · To learn more about each coach, visit our “Coach†page on our website-click here! · All details/tryout registration now on our website! QUESTIONS regarding tryouts and teams? Contact: · Reece Chamberlain (Director of Basketball Operations-NORTH Nashville): · Cell - 615-945-5207 OR Email: UpwardStarsNorth@gmail.com · Lance Akridge (Club Director): · Cell – 864-237-2317 OR Email: Nashville@UpwardStars.org GENERAL NEWS: http://www.upwardstarsnashville.org/news/latest Only three years old in Nashville, Upward Stars-Basketball had much success in 2016, reaching 900+ unique athletes (WILLIAMSON COUNTY and NORTH NASHVILLE HUB). Our 2016 spring/summer tournament teams competed well, winning 20 Championships, earning 27 runner-up finishes, and making 30 semi-final appearances in national/regional/& local tournaments (AAU Nationals in Florida, USSSA Nationals in Gatlinburg, Cincinnati, Louisville, Bowling Green, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Spartanburg). Visit our NEWS page for press releases on: USSSA National Champions; #13 National Ranking-AAU Div. II Nationals; Runner-up in NCAA Live Event (SC), and other championship stories!

Upward Stars Nashville 16U/10th Grade AAU Premier Team: Tryout session #1 is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, March 12th, from 2:00 to 4:00 at Knox Doss Middle School (1338 Drakes Creek Road, Hendersonville). We have also added a second tryout session, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 13th, from 2:00 to 3:30 at Pope John Paul II High School (117 Caldwell Drive, Hendersonville). Athletes are strongly encouraged to attend BOTH tryout sessions. Male - 16U/10th Grade Division (An athlete can be no older than 16 on August 31, 2016.) Grade Exception: An athlete who is in the 10th Grade as of October 1, 2015 and who is no older than 17 on August 31, 2016 is eligible to play in the 16U/10th Grade Division. http://www.upwardstarsnashville.org/basketball/nashville/spring-travel-tournament-teams-2016

Tryout session #1 is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, March 12th, from 2:00 to 4:00 at Knox Doss Middle School (1338 Drakes Creek Road, Hendersonville). We have also added a second tryout session, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 13th, from 2:00 to 3:30 at Pope John Paul II High School (117 Caldwell Drive, Hendersonville). Athletes are strongly encouraged to attend BOTH tryout sessions.

ANNOUNCEMENT: 10th Grade Boys/16U Premier AAU Team forming in NORTH Nashville (based in Hendersonville). This team is looking for 4-5 spots. Tryouts will be held Saturday, March 12th, from 2:00 to 4:00 at Knox Doss Middle School (Hendersonville). All details on website by 2/17/16. (www.UpwardStarsNashville.org) http://www.upwardstarsnashville.org/news/latest Call Lance Akridge, Club Director, with any questions: 864-237-2317

UPWARD STARS-NASHVILLE 9th Grade Premier Team (Girls) with Upward Stars Nashville (Coach Tony McLeod) - tryouts in February (see more info. on website - link below). http://www.upwardsta...tball/Nashville

UPWARD STARS-NASHVILLE 12U Premier Team with Upward Stars Nashville (Coach Terrance Vanlier) - tryouts in February (see more info. and website link below). Williamson County Hub: 4th-9th grade BOYS' teams (current grade: 2015-2016 school year); 6th, 7th, & 9th grade GIRLS' teams (current grade: 2015-2016 school year); NOTE: We MAY form a 10th grade BOYS' team as well; however, dependent on future coach interviews/coach supply) On the BOYS' side, specifically in Williamson County, multiple teams will be formed for SOME age groups/grades; this will be dependent on the number of athletes attending tryouts, the talent level of those athletes, and our ability to equip additional teams with quality coaches. For example, teams within an age group MAY include: PREMIER (8 tournaments), Blue (6 tournaments), and possibly White (5 tournaments). http://www.upwardstarsnashville.org/basketball/Nashville

Check out how we are DIFFERENT; striving to impact athletes both ON and OFF the court; bringing a fresh perspective to the travel basketball/tournament scene. Contact Lance Akridge, Club Director, with any questions (email: Nashville@UpwardStars.org OR cell: 864-237-2317). UPWARD STARS-NASHVILLE (PLAYING WITH PURPOSE!)

MEMO: UPWARD STARS-NASHVILLE REGARDING: Tryouts for Williamson County HUB - Spring Tournament Teams Upward Stars is blessed and excited to enter our third season of forming teams for the spring/early summer tournament circuit! After forming 18 teams in spring, 2015, that were primarily based in Williamson County, Upward Stars plans on forming 18-20 teams for spring, 2016. The current plan includes building teams for the following age groups/genders: Williamson County Hub: 4th-9th grade BOYS' teams (current grade: 2015-2016 school year); 6th, 7th, & 9th grade GIRLS' teams (current grade: 2015-2016 school year); NOTE: We MAY form a 10th grade BOYS' team as well; however, dependent on future coach interviews/coach supply) On the BOYS' side, specifically in Williamson County, multiple teams will be formed for SOME age groups/grades; this will be dependent on the number of athletes attending tryouts, the talent level of those athletes, and our ability to equip additional teams with quality coaches. For example, teams within an age group MAY include: PREMIER (8 tournaments), Blue (6 tournaments), and possibly White (5 tournaments). On the GIRLS' side, we intend to form a 6th Grade BLUE Team, a 7th Grade BLUE Team, and a 9th Grade PREMIER Team. SPRING STRUCTURE: Upward Stars-Nashville is very excited about the structure for teams this spring! In addition to weekly practices, each team member is invited to attend a series of shooting/skills' workouts in April & May. ON the Court: Our focus is developing the athlete through practices, game play, and skills' workouts! OFF the Court: We intentionally strive to shape the athlete mentally, spiritually, and socially. Therefore, truly impacting each athlete ON and OFF the Court! COACHING STAFF: We are very pleased to welcome several new leaders to our Upward Stars Coaching Staff! Visit our Coaches web page to learn more about each coach. NOTE: Most coaching assignments will be made by 1/18/16. NEWS: Please visit our NEWS page to learn more about Upward Stars and to view articles highlighting some of the tournament championships won in spring/summer 2015 (15 Tournament Championships, 20+ Finals' appearances, and an AAU Nationals qualifier). Also, get a glimpse of how our teams "give back/serve" the community by visiting our COMMUNITY page. All details for Upward Stars Nashville (tryout dates/location, costs, team info., practice locations), including the registration link for tryouts (REGISTRATION REQUIRED), are now posted on our website. Contact Lance Akridge, Club Director, with any questions (email: Nashville@UpwardStars.org OR cell: 864-237-2317).

MEMO: UPWARD STARS-NASHVILLE REGARDING: Tryouts for North Nashville - Spring Tournament Teams Upward Stars-Nashville is expanding into NORTH Nashville (Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, Gallatin, Madison, and surrounding communities) in spring, 2016, as the basketball club will be forming competitive, basketball teams to play in the spring, 2016 tournament circuit. SPRING STRUCTURE: Upward Stars-Nashville is very excited about the structure for teams this spring! In addition to weekly practices, each team member is invited to attend a series of shooting/skills' workouts in April & May. ON the Court: Our focus is developing the athlete through practices, game play, and skills' workouts! OFF the Court: We intentionally strive to shape the athlete mentally, spiritually, and socially. Therefore, truly impacting each athlete ON and OFF the Court! All tryouts will be at JP II High School (1/23, 1/30, and 1/31); see tryout schedule for each grade below: 5th Grade BOYS (current grade: 2015-16 school year) - Coach Reece Chamberlain (former Belmont Bruin and Beech High School athlete)Sat., Jan. 23rd, from 5:30 to 7:00 Sunday, Jan. 31st, from 1:30 to 3:10 6th Grade BOYS (current grade: 2015-16 school year) - To Be AnnouncedSat., Jan. 23rd, from 7:15 to 8:45 Sunday, Jan. 31st, from 3:20 to 5:00 7th Grade BOYS(current grade: 2015-16 school year) - Coach Kevin Baute (Davidson Academy)Saturday, Jan. 23rd, from 1:15 to 3:00 Saturday, Jan. 30th, from 5:10 to 6:50 8th Grade BOYS (current grade: 2015-16 school year) - Drew Wolthers (played collegiately at Univ. of Northern Arizona)Saturday, Jan. 23rd, from 3:15 to 5:00 Saturday, Jan. 30th, from 7:00 to 8:45 All details for NORTH Nashville teams (tryout dates/location, costs, team info., practice locations), including the registration link for tryouts (REGISTRATION REQUIRED), are now posted on our website. Contact Lance Akridge, Club Director, with any questions (email: Nashville@UpwardStars.org OR cell: 864-237-2317).

Upward Stars recently decided to launch a 7th grade boys' team based out of Lebanon. This team will play in five basketball tournaments (March-April). A tryout for this team is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 16th, from 6:30 to 7:30, at Friendship Christian School, Lebanon. For more information on this team and for the "tryout registration link," click here (and scroll to the bottom of the web page). Call Lance Akridge at 864-237-2317 for more info. Upward Stars Snapshot: The goal of Upward Stars is to provide quality basketball instruction/coaching and to mentor young men/women, building athletes of strong character, self-esteem, confidence, and spirit. You can learn more about Upward Stars by watching the short "Williamson Sportslight" video produced by the williamson source (five minutes). You can also click here for a new video - Upward Stars' Overview. Upward Stars experienced much success in 2014, our initial season in Nashville! Over 250 different athletes were involved with Upward Stars through spring travel/tournament teams, clinics, academies, and fall tournament teams. We expect more growth in 2015 as we will be forming 18-20 teams for spring/early summer tournament action in the Nashville area. Upward Stars-Nashville will host tryouts for male and female athletes beginning on Feb. 14: Boys - 4th through 11th grade; Girls - 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. All tryout information/details for these teams are on our website. We have assembled a fantastic coaching staff of 24 certified leaders. All of our leaders currently serve as college graduate assistant coaches (Belmont University), high school, or middle school coaches and/or played basketball collegiately. You can find "Bio" information for each coach on our website.