The primary goal of the Albany Capitals Girls Basketball Club is
to assist each player in our program to improve her individual
basketball skills by providing knowledgeable coaching, along with the
opportunity to play with and against the highest level of competition.
An equally important goal of the club is to develop character, teamwork,
and sportsmanship in an enjoyable basketball environment. Players also
develop new friendships established through the travel and competitive
experience.
Coaches
We take pride in the quality of our coaches. Capitals’ coaches are
all knowledgeable, experienced basketball people who share a love for
the game and a desire to teach its fundamentals. Nearly all of the
Capitals’ head coaches have either high school or college coaching
experience. The coaching staff also includes a growing number of former
Capitals’ players.
Teams
The Capitals usually field 12 traveling teams, two each at ages 11
through 16. A player’s grade and age determines the age level at which
she must compete. Click here for Age Determining Dates policy.
Tryouts
All teams are selected based on annual open tryouts conducted by
Capitals’ coaching staff. Up to 12 players are chosen per team. Tryouts
are usually held anytime from January to March. Tryout dates are
published in the sports pages of local newspapers and on this website.
Please check often.
Tournaments
Capitals’ teams compete in at least six tournaments during the spring
and summer. These tournaments are generally held on weekends at
locations that often necessitate one overnight stay. Some teams, if
qualified, may compete in National AAU Tournament events at their
respective age levels. Each team will compete in one of the Club’s own
tournaments that are held each year at Siena College and U-Albany.
Practices
Teams practice at least twice a week, usually on weeknights. Practice
sessions provide time for the development of individual skills and team
concepts. Defensive and offensive strategies are covered. Players are
expected to learn the system during these sessions, so that game
coaching can reinforce concepts and procedures that have been taught.
Playing Time
A Capitals’ player is a contributing member of a team. She is
challenged in practice sessions and is provided opportunities during
game situations to display her basketball skills. All players receive
playing time; however, some players might receive more playing time than
others. The amount of time that a player receives is determined by
several factors such as match-ups, foul trouble, attitude, attendance at
practices and games, work ethic and attendance of college coaches who
are evaluating a player.
Exposure
Many girls have aspirations to play college basketball. The Albany
Capitals provide those girls who wish to pursue basketball in college
numerous opportunities to demonstrate their basketball abilities at AAU
tournaments attended by college coaches and recruiters. Over the course
of our existance, many Capitals have earned scholarships to continue their basketball
careers at Division I and II colleges and universities. In addition,
many players have gone onto rewarding careers at the Division
III level.
Costs
The Albany Capitals charge an annual player participation fee that is
used to defray the cost of enrolling teams in tournaments, gym rental,
insurance, equipment, coaching stipends and other basic operating needs.
As a federally recognized not-for-profit corporation, the Capitals have
managed to keep this fee very reasonable compared to similar programs
through judicious cost management, fundraising, and the contributions of
its many volunteers. Consult the Capitals’ website prior to tryouts for
the most current participation fee. This fee is payable at the time a
player is selected for one of our teams. Also, players who are new to
the program will have to purchase a uniform that is very competitively
priced. The cost of travel to tournaments (transportation, meals, and
lodging) is the responsibility of each player. If the cost of
participation is a concern, the Club President may be consulted
concerning alternative financial arrangements.
