From Youth Sports to Hawks Pride. A Clear Path Forward

A 2025 Season Recap and What to Expect in 2026

As we close out 2025, La Pine Sports Academy wants to take a step back and share not just what happened this season, but why it mattered and where we are headed next.

This past year was not simply about games played or seasons completed. It was about building a stronger foundation for youth sports in La Pine and making intentional decisions that support kids, families, coaches, and the community long-term.

2025 marked a shift toward a true Sports Academy model. Rather than individual programs operating independently, the focus moved to alignment across sports, shared expectations, and long-term sustainability.

For me personally, that meant stepping back from a single-sport leadership role and fully committing to the broader Academy. That decision allowed us to strengthen structure, improve communication, and focus on the big picture rather than one season or one team.

Much of the work in 2025 happened behind the scenes, but it directly impacts the experience families and athletes have.

We invested heavily in systems, including rebuilding our website and registration platform through SportsConnect. The goal was clarity. Clearer information, clearer timelines, and fewer surprises for families.

We also continued refining governance, expectations, and internal processes. Team placement, fairness, and balance remained a consistent focus. These conversations are not always easy, but they are necessary to build trust and consistency across programs.

One of the most meaningful milestones of the year was La Pine officially having its own Little League program again. That moment represented community ownership, pride, and the belief that La Pine can support and sustain its own programs close to home.

Across all sports, participation remained strong. Coaches invested in development, volunteers stepped up, and athletes showed up ready to compete and represent La Pine with pride.

A major step forward in 2025 was the continued partnership between La Pine Sports Academy and La Pine High School.

Working alongside Scott O and the high school staff, the Academy has taken intentional steps toward establishing a clear feeder pathway from youth sports into becoming a Hawk. This partnership focuses on preparation, fundamentals, accountability, and culture so athletes are confident and ready for the next level.

This collaboration is about alignment, not pressure. When youth programs and schools work together, kids benefit.

Looking ahead, 2026 will focus on refinement and clarity.

Families can expect:

• Clearer communication and timelines
   
• Earlier and more transparent registration information
   
• Continued emphasis on development-first coaching
   
• Stronger support and accountability for coaches and volunteers
   
• Intentional growth that prioritizes quality over speed
   

We are not focused on being the biggest program. We are committed to being a program families trust.

La Pine Sports Academy would not exist without the support of our local community. We are grateful for the organizations and businesses that consistently show up for our kids and help keep opportunities close to home.

Thank you to:

• La Pine Park and Recreation District
   
• La Pine Activity Center
   
• La Pine Les Schwab
   
• La Pine Ace Hardware
   
• T and S Expresso
   
• Stu Martinez
   

Your support makes a real and lasting difference for our athletes.

La Pine Sports Academy exists to serve kids. Everything else flows from that.

2025 was a year of transition, learning, and progress. It reinforced the importance of strong systems, clear expectations, and community trust. As we move into 2026, we remain committed to continuous improvement and doing what is best for the athletes we serve.

Thank you to the families, coaches, volunteers, and partners who make this possible.

Matt Tarter

President

La Pine Sports Academy