Let’s Talk About It

The conversation people avoid

In the world of AAU basketball, there are conversations that most people avoid.

This is one of them.

Because behind the wins, the championships, the rankings, and the highlights — there’s a reality every program, every coach, and every leader faces at some point:

People leave.

Good players leave.

Great families leave.

Kids you’ve poured into for years… leave.

And if you’ve ever truly cared, truly invested, truly given your time, energy, and heart to building something — then you know…

It hits.

Growth and perspective

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect me.

But I can also tell you this — it doesn’t affect me the way it did 10 years ago.

Call it growth. Call it maturity. Call it perspective.

Because over time, I’ve learned something that every coach eventually has to come to terms with:

These kids and families are not our possessions.

They never were.

Why people leave

People make decisions for all kinds of reasons.

Some are searching for something different.
Some feel like they’ve gotten everything they can and it’s time for change.
Some are simply burnt out.
Some are chasing opportunity.
Some are trying to find “perfect” — only to realize it doesn’t exist.

And sometimes…

They just make a decision they believe is best in the moment.

And that’s okay.

Owning imperfection

Because the truth is — I’m not perfect.

Huntsman isn’t perfect.

And as much as I strive to live right, lead right, and honor God in everything I do — I still have areas I’m growing in every single day.

That’s real.

The mindset shift

So I’ve learned…

Don’t take it personal.

Instead, I’ve shifted my focus.

I pour into the ones who are here.

The ones who believe.
The ones who trust the process.
The ones who show up, day in and day out.

Wishing others well

And for those who leave?

I genuinely pray for their success.

No bitterness. No resentment. Just growth.

And I’ll say this — I’m grateful.

Because the majority of families who move on do it the right way. With communication. With respect. With maturity.

That says a lot about the culture we’ve built.

The culture this year

And speaking of culture…

This year?

Feels different.

Every year is exciting. But this group — this group is hungry.

High-level players. High-character families. A shared vision.

They want to be here.

And that matters more than anything.

The foundation

Because at Huntsman, the mission hasn’t changed.

Same grind.
Same standards.
Same foundation:

God. Family. Toughness. Hard Work.

That’s why the culture is strong.

Not because we’re perfect — but because we’re intentional.

Because this has never been about control.

It’s about impact.

Finding joy in the journey

And let me tell you something…

This season has already been special.

I’m over there at the end of the bench hitting waves when we knock down threes — and I’m sitting there like…

“Lord… what’s happening to me?” 😂

But maybe that’s growth too.

Learning to enjoy it more.
Learning to appreciate it more.
Learning to be grateful for the ones who are here.

Because nothing is promised.

Gratitude and perspective

And yet — here we are.

20 teams deep.
Two teams down in South Carolina.
A program still growing. Still building. Still evolving.

Not because of me.

Only because of God.

Locked in

And as we move forward into this season, I’m locked in.

Focused. Grateful. Ready.

Because this journey?

It’s bigger than basketball.

Let’s work.

God Bless,
Coach Tray