As a current Division I student athlete at the University of Pennsylvania, I have a lot of people to be thankful for where I am right now but one person who I am extremely grateful for is Darren Weissman. I began training with Darren when I was in the fifth grade and I would not have reached the level I am at and the accomplishments I have received without him.  

Darren helped develop my ball handling skills by having me do advanced two-ball dribbling drills at a young age, which allowed me to play point guard in high school and has helped at the college level as well at the shooting guard position. Darren was always the ball handling guru, hence the Dr. Dribble nickname he now goes by. Not only did I improve my ball handling with Darren but he also developed my shooting and provided me with an array of moves to the basket. As I got older, Darren had me doing intense strength and conditioning workouts that mirror the workouts I now perform at the college level. I was able to improve my speed, agility, and jumping ability because of these workouts. They were never easy but Darren always reminded me that there were other girls out there always working out and getting better and that I had to do the same. 

Not only did my basketball and athletic skills progress, but I learned valuable lessons on how to study and think the game with more basketball awareness. He taught me mental toughness by never letting me quit. This has translated to my work ethic today and all the success I have earned on and off the court. I regard Darren as a big brother figure as well as a coach because of how much time I have spent with him and how much I have learned from him.