Amy Gallagher
(Neligh-Oakdale 2006) Evansville University
My decision to try out for the Cornhusker Shooting Stars was the best decision I ever made. I played with CSS for three summers and I got everything I wanted out of it and more. This program pushed me to reach my goals and helped my lifelong dreams possible. Not only did the CSS program earn myself and several other girls Division 1 scholarships, but I have so many fun memories to look back on with all my teammates that I am still very close with to this day.
I recommend the Cornhusker Shooting Star program to any girl who has a desire to play college basketball because this program is intense and will definitely make you better if you bring along the right attitude and mindset. This program opened up several doors for me and gave me opportunities that I would not have found anywhere else. It was an honor playing for the Shooting Stars and I had a blast.
Maggie Schmaderer
(Lincoln Pius X 2005) Hastings College
I was involved with the Cornhusker Shooting Stars for four years. During those years, I was given the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the nation. While playing for the Stars, I learned the importance of a good work ethic, knowing that I had to work hard for everything. The fast-paced game and the in-your-face defense that was inforced by the coaching staff truely prepared me for the level at which the college game is played.
Also, I had the opportunity to travel the nation and see many places while doing something that I loved. Playing for the Cornhusker Shooting Stars basketball team made me the best player I could be, and helped me develop a work ethic that is not only necessary on the basketball court, but also else where in life.
Cara Gustafson
(Gretna 2007) St. Bonaventure
Playing with the Cornhusker Shooting Stars the past four years was the best experience of my life. I not only developed tremendously as a basketball player, but also as a person. I can guarantee that if you are a part of this program you will be a mentally stronger, harder working, and a person
with better character than you were before.
I have met so many great girls with the same goal in mind who have developed into friends. Playing 50+ games of basketball in six weeks while traveling the nation is an opportunity of a lifetime. I thank the coaching staff and everybody who is involved in the program for donating hours upon hours of time and effort into helping young women across the state reach their goals.
Melissa Hinkley
(Lincoln East 2004) - University of Nebraska Kearney
I would not be the player I am today without Cornhusker shooting stars. I
started playing for the team right after my sophomore year of highschool.
Because of the shooting stars, I had the opportunity to play against some of
the best competition and to get recruited by many schools. The practices
have prepared me both physically and mentally for college basketball. When
I came to UNK, I was prepared for anything because I had experienced a coach
who would demand your all during 6 hours/per day practices. I can say for sure
that if you play for Dan Lesoing then you will become a better basketball
player. Those 3 years of playing for the program gave me the opportunity to
play competitive basketball and show me my passion for basketball.
Nikki Bober
(Elmwood/Murdoch 2006) - University of Nebraska
The Cornhusker Shooting Stars basketball program has been extremely beneficial to me. The program has helped me to gain skills necessary to excel in basketball and life. Through involvement in this program, I was able to obtain a full-ride scholarship to the University of Nebraska--Lincoln. This program allowed me the opportunity to gain national exposure and play in front of hundreds of college coaches. The Cornhusker Shooting Stars has taught me the value of teamwork, dedication, hard work, and discipline. I was able to meet and play with some of the most talented female basketball players in Nebraska and travel all over the country with them. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the Cornhusker Shooting Stars basketball program.
Lindsey Ducey
(Omaha Duchesne 2006) - Hastings College
I played on the Cornhusker Shooting Stars for one summer and it was one of the best summers I’ve had. That summer I experienced a higher level of basketball and through the Cornhusker Shooting Stars I was able to improve my skills to play at this level. I learned the meaning of working hard, and I saw my hard work pay off. I gained new knowledge of the game that I had never been taught at the high school level. The coaching staff was constantly pushing me to be the best I could be. The coaching staff wanted to see me get better and succeed just as much as I wanted to.
I had an opportunity to meet some of the most talented basketball players from Nebraska and Iowa and learn to play with them as a team. I traveled around the country playing against the best girls in the nation, and I will never forget the memories I made during this time. Since joining the Cornhusker Shooting Stars I have formed friendships with girls that will continue as we all head off to play college ball. Without the Cornhusker Shooting Stars I would not have had the chance to play for a National Championship team and I am forever grateful for what the program gave me.
Seerra Fantroy
(Lincoln Southwest 2006) Memphis
Playing for the Cornhusker Shooting Stars was a lot of fun on and off the floor. Playing for the CSS program taught me not only a lot about basketball, but also a lot about life. I learned skills that will be beneficial to me on the floor and in the work force. Dan’s program taught me skills like teamwork, dedication, time management, and commitment. I learned a lot about myself as a person and a player. This program helped me to not only dream of playing Division 1 basketball, but it helped me reach my goals and my dreams. When you look back after you have reached your goal of playing basketball at a high level, you don’t only think about all the hard work and time you put into the program that got you to where your at now, but you have memories of trips, hotels, and activities that will last a life time.
I recommend this program to anyone who is serious about basketball and wants to get better. It helps you in so many ways as an athlete and person. You will become mentally tough and that much better then all of your opponents. Remember its how hard you are willing to work, nothing is just given to you in the CSS program.
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Rachel Schwartz
(Lincoln East 2005) University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Volleyball)
I played for the Cornhusker shooting stars for about seven years. It wasnt always easy. I didnt play when I first came, but I never gave up, and eventually I turned into a starter. When you want something it doesnt come easy, it comes at a price, and for sports usually its hard work. I learned that here while participating in the Cornhusker Shooting Stars program.
This program is one of the greatest memories, and one of the best things that ever happened to me. Here is where I gained confidence to perform and to chase my dreams, not only in sports, but in life. You get out of it what you put into it, I put a lot in, but I think that I gained more from it. I have many memories of the wins, all the trophies that hang on my wall are a great reminder, but perhaps the most fond memories that I have are the relationships that I developed while on one of the best programs in the nation. I met some of my best friends here, and some of the greatest mentors in my life. Dan Lesoing has been an inspiration to me, he and I may not always agree, nor when I was playing with him did I always like him at times, but I always respected and trusted him. Trust and love are the cornerstones to make a Great team, and this is one of the best examples in sports.
If you want to chase a dream, if you want to play college basketball then there is no other place for you. I play volleyball for the University of Nebraska, and I can tell you that in the CSS basketball gym was where it all started. I love basketball, and I love this program, it doesnt matter what age you are; it is never to early nor to late to start the greatest journey of your life.
Monica Laune
(Ashland-Greenwood 2006) Davidson University
The Cornhusker Shooting Stars program was an experience that will last a lifetime. I only played for two years, but I wish I had found out about it sooner. Throughout those two years there were dramatic changes in my playing style, attitude, and mental toughness. I went from a non-aggressive but competitive player to diving for every lose ball, and pushing myself harder then ever before. Players that had my same desire for basketball and determination to get better surrounded me. The coaching staff helped me become the player I had always had the potential to be. Landing me a division 1 scholarship to an amazing school where I am looking forward to spending the next four years.
It wasn’t all just playing basketball and living in the gym though. I met so many people, formed lasting friendships, and traveled to places I never would have if it weren’t for the CSS program. Everything was well scheduled and we didn’t go to joke tournaments to just play high school teams. We traveled all over the nation to play the best of the best! Playing for CSS was one of my milestone moments molding me into who I am today.
TaLisa Krejci
(Exeter-Milligan 2006) Concordia College
The Cornhusker Shooting Stars program has had such an influence on me throughout my three years of being a part of the program. I learned so much from the program: a great work ethic, maintaining a positive attitude, and also, I learned from the other players on the program who are now my life-long friends.
The memories are unforgettable. There are numerous opportunities offered from the Cornhusker Shooting Stars program. We had the chance to improve our basketball skills any day of the week, play with the best players in Nebraska, and perform in national tournaments in front of college coaches from any level. I learned so much from this program; it prepared me mentally and physically for college level competition but also I developed valuable characteristics for the real world thanks to this program.
Rachel Isherwood
(Lincoln Southwest 2006) Hastings College
I played for the Cornhusker Shooting Stars for six years. It was without a doubt the most positive experience I have in athletics. I started as a 7th grader (just practicing), and worked my way up to being a starter as an 8th grader, and started every game for over 4 years. The Stars taught me so much about how to play the game of basketball and succeed in life. On the court the practices were great 3 hours of defense, drills, improvement and fun, but what makes it so great is that the players you are going against are also some of the best in the state, they also have the same goals you do, and thats to be the best, and get everything you can out of the body you were given. Playing 50+ games a season was great, because 30+ of them were against some of the best teams in the nation.
I will never forget all of the opportunities to play in front of college coaches I had, which never would have been there for me If I wouldnt have played for the Stars. One game my Sophomore season we were in Memphis, TN playing an older team from West Virgina. There was probably over 40 college coaches there mostly to watch this one guard from the WV team. The coaches had my deny her the ball full court, and never take my eyes off of her, it was great. We ended up upsetting this team, I had a good game offensively, but most importantly I held her to 4 points, and caused her to foul out with 4 offensive fouls against me the last being a cheap shot out of frustration.
The Stars is also more then just basketball, the girls, the coaches, the parents, and the relationships I made our amazing. I still consider myself best friends with 5 or 6 of the girls, and am in frequent contact with many more that I never would have met if not for the Stars. They also gave me options I never would have had for college, I received a few D2 offers, and received interest from over 20 D1 schools. I would reccomend the Cornhusker Shooting Stars to any girl who loves basketball, wants to be the best player she can be, and wants an amazing experience.
Ashley Howard
(Fall City Sacred Heart 2003) Doane College
Playing for CSS was definitely a different feeling. It was a lot of hard work, and Ill never forget practicing 5 hours a day! One thing I did gain from playing for CSS was a good work ethic and a lot of friendships. I still talk to a lot of the girls that I played with. Dan never allowed for excuses, and this made me become a better person. I feel that a lot of good qualities were brought out through playing for CSS. It was something that was fun, even though I hated the practices. It was a great experience.
Jasmine Johnson
(Omaha Central 2007) University of Houston
The past two years of my life has been the greatest learning experience for me ever as a player and a person. Playing for the Cornhusker Shooting Stars made me better as a player because it forced me, and I do mean forced me, to reach my goals. I dont mean forced as if I was forced to play for this club because it was totally my decision, but it made me WANT to work hard everyday twice a day to get what I wanted out of it! It taught me to be mentally tough, accept constructive criticism, be strong with the ball, and to work together as a team. If you didnt have that urge to get after it, then there was really no point of going forward. The experience is so worth it because working everyday, twice a day puts you two steps ahead of everyone else. This part of my experience has taken me to another level and gave me the looks and offers that I never thought I would have. I learned a tremendous amount as a person as well. It taught me how to learn, teach, trust and do things for my team because it is expected whether you want to do it or not.
My first summer was different from what I have been accustomed to. I wasnt uncomfortable, but the statement I made was Ive never been around this many white people in my entire life!! I have grown to love all people for who they are and the qualities that they have and not the color of their skin. Everyone is different, but if you stay positive and put a smile on your face nothing could go wrong that cant be fixed. One of the most important things that Ive learned is that you do something because its just the right thing to do and it turns out better than you expected. I enjoyed my experience and learned a lot from playing with such a great group of kids.
I wouldnt trade my experience with being a part of this club for anything and I encourage everyone to be a part of this program if the opportunity is presented.
Ashley Ford
(Lincoln Northeast-2003) University of Nebraska
I began playing for Dan when I was in the sixth grade and played for the Cornhusker Shooting Stars until the summer after my senior year. I credit Dan and my experience with the CSS for my growth as an individual as well as a basketball player. The travels, competition, friendships and memories I have with the program are invaluable Dan’s guidance has helped me with not only my basketball career, but in my choices in life as well. I credit Dan for teaching me to have the work ethic I have today and to never let obstacles push you away from you dreams. As a young girl with the dream of playing division I basketball, I feel that Dan prepared me for the hard work and dedication that it takes to play at that level. WOW, those practices were something else. If you aren’t giving the effort Dan knows you could give, he is on you because you are just cheating yourself. What I like about Dan is that he can see talent, but he would take a player that works hard and wants to learn, as easily as he would the talented player.
Dominique Kelley
(Lincoln Notheast-2007) University of Nebraska
Dan, I just want to start by saying that God has truly been a provider because I have truly been blessed over the last 3 years and I owe 90% of it to you and the Cornhusker Shooting Stars. I can honestly say that playing for the CSS was one of the best things that I ever experienced. Looking back, it challenged me as a player and as a person and until this day, I don’t regret my Cornhusker Shooting Stars experience. People often ask me for my opinion as to whether or not their daughter should play and I always respond very truthfully. “It was more than what I wanted to be committed to at the age, but if your daughter is aspiring to play college basketball than she should most definitely try it.” She will be shown the type of mentality and work ethic she will need at the next level.
Im again so glad that I was provided that opportunity. I gained a better understanding of what type of work ethic and mentality I was going to need to play at the next level. I was offered scholarships by 20 division 1 schools and none of that would have been possible without the Cornhusker Shooting Stars. You guys were nothing but kind to me. I made countless friendships there and still keep in touch with a few of the girls.
Words truly cannot begin to express the depth of gratitude that my mom and I feel for the Cornhusker Shooting Stars. So all in all, I would just like to thank you
Alissa Holland
(Lincoln High 2004) Doane College
I have many experiences playing with the Cornhusker team since I was apart of it for so long. The practices were tough and long, but now I realized how they prepared me for our practices today. Most of my experiences prepared me for not so much of high school, but for college basketball. The concepts of hard work, dedication, and teamwork were made relevant but also the mental and physical aspects of the game.
The best memories I have would include the friendships and connections with so many different girls that I made and got the opportunity to play with. One of my best friends now, is one I played with on the Stars. I can say we wouldnt be as close of friends now if we didnt play with each other then. Many of the girls are successful athletes now and its fun to see how many are going places. Playing for Dan and with the Cornhuskers was a great experience and I can say I took many life lessons away from my time on the team.
Amy Pleskac
(Bishop Neuman 2007) Briar Cliff
The Cornhusker Shooting Stars program has shaped me into the player and person that I am today. Had it not been for this program, I would be playing at nowhere near the level that I am today. I started the program as a seventh grader, and have worked with several coaches on the staff. All of them worked extremely hard to help me achieve my goals and to make me the best player that I could be. I learned that the time, commitment, hard work and dedication that the program takes are all worth it. I learned so much from the coaches both on and of the court. One thing that I especially appreciate is that I learned to evaluate myself-- to maintain my strengths and improve upon my weaknesses.
Joining this program was one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did it help me on the court, but it has also helped me to become a better person. I learned the meaning of hard work and mental toughness. I also learned the value of teamwork. There were many games when the other team was much more talented and athletic that we were, but we came away with the win because we worked hard and we worked as a team, not as individual athletes.
The people I met and worked with made the experience all the more enjoyable. I became good friends with many of the athletes, still communicate with many of them, and one of my former teammates is one of my best friends today.
I strongly recommend this program to any young athlete who wants to become the best basketball player that he or she can be. Its a great opportunity to get exposure to colleges; most of the girls who come out of this program are offered college scholarships, many at the D1 level. As long as an athlete is willing to put forth his or her best effort and attitude, these coaches will do their best to make it happen!
Eva Benson
(Overton 2008) Evansville University
The Cornhusker Shooting Stars basketball program is defiantly the best in Nebraska for improving athletic skills as well as personal growth.
I played for the Cornhusker Shooting Stars for two summers, and I will never regret the time I spent away from my friends and family. Every time I went to a practice I knew that I would be challenged physically and mentally on the court. It was the best experience of my life and I got to share it with many other girls with similar goals who are now my close friends.
To excel in this program you not only have to better yourself as an athlete, you also have to develop a strong work ethic and show great character. I have many memories and friends within the program that I will never forget and still keep in touch with.
Thanks to Dan I have had the opportunity to play in many major tournaments in front of college coaches from all over the United States. I come from a very small town in central Nebraska where this type of exposure would not have been possible without the Cornhusker Shooting Stars.
I appreciate the opportunity the Cornhusker Shooting Stars gave me to achieve my goals.
Katie Birkel
(Lincoln Southeast 2008)
After having surgery on my toe and missing my entire summer basketball season after my sophomore year, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to fulfill my dream of playing college basketball. I felt like I missed out on many opportunities for coaches to watch me play, and the chance to improve. Luckily I still had one summer to prove myself. I knew that if I still wanted to play college basketball there was no place to go other than the Cornhusker Shooting Stars program.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Cornhusker Shooting Stars program is the best in Nebraska. The practices we went through were so intense and we always had to be focused in order to improve. I loved being on the team and competing with the other amazing athletes just in practice. It helped prepare us for the athleticism we would face in the tournaments we competed in, and I know it will help me compete with the athletes at the next level.
The Cornhusker Shooting Stars practices helped prepare me for the next level not only physically but also mentally. I feel like I grew as a person in my experience while playing for Dan. He challenged me to be a better player, and in games we struggled in, he helped me realize that attitude is everything. Dan helped me understand that pouting will get you nowhere, and if you want to get the job done on the court, you simply have to go out and do it. I am definitely a better leader because of this program.
Finally, I know the amazing experiences I had while I played for this program are unforgettable. I met so many new girls, and still keep in touch with many of them. The program is not all work; I had a lot of fun as well. I enjoyed my opportunity to play in and explore places like North Carolina, Atlanta and Ohio, just to name a few.
The girls, the coaches and the practices make this program worth trying. It was an experience I will never forget or regret. If it wasn’t for this program I never would have had the opportunity to receive a Division I scholarship.