Parent Testimonial: Lori Frisch
My name is Lori Frisch. My son's name is CJ Frisch, and we've been with GForce going on our third year now, and CJ is playing on his first AAA team, the Phantoms out of Woodridge, Illinois.
What is your favorite part about GForce Sports Academy?
Being able to work with the coaches, the ones that are either still in the NHL or they're retired. Being those guest coaches, being able to play hockey and go to school at the same time, and then the Zoom calls also with the retired NHL players or the current NHL players, he really enjoyed those. He's excited to go to school; I don't have to wake him up in the morning.
How has GForce Sports Academy helped your child grow and develop?
The off-ice training has gotten him a lot stronger. The on-ice sessions have really boosted up his confidence in his game. He's a stronger player. He has a better sense of direction on the things he needs to work on as far as school goes and on-ice. I think just getting a really good sense of direction on what he needs to work on, both on-ice, off-ice, and in school. He gets all of it.
What would you tell another parent who is considering GForce Sports Academy for their child?
If your student is sports-oriented and serious about playing a sport, this program gives them the flexibility they need. It also gives them the support they need. The online instructors and the in-person instructors really push them. They help them from not falling behind on their modules. Navigating the youth sports area is a little daunting at times, so having the guidance of these experienced instructors is really helpful for us. If you're worried about your student not having a social life — these guys, they create their own friendships, they do their own community projects, they go to each other's games and support each other. So they're like-minded, sports-oriented students, so they'll find a good community there.
Your child was successful in his academics. What support did he rely on to maintain his success all year?
Just communicating with his on-ice, off-ice instructors, for school and the sport. Mostly for school, keeping him on task. The in-person instructors and the online teachers, because they do interact with online teachers. They do Zooms, and they're supposed to be on calls, so they keep them accountable. And the best part about it is they just don't fall behind.
Has your child seen more progress and growth at GForce Sports Academy compared to other schools in the past?
GForce is not a typical brick-and-mortar school. So, we kind of took a risk on allowing him to indulge in his sport and take it as far as he can go. GForce, in alignment with Subject, seems to be a really good program. On-ice, off-ice, they get the instruction in their sport, and then they also get the backing of the NCAA-accredited program of Subject, which is super important for student-athletes. They have locations popping up in all different cities, so it's convenient for the students and for the families.