Coach: Greg Slater

Greg Slater is in his third year of coaching with the Stars. His ability to lead children as a teacher, mentor and coach takes the players to greater heights in understanding the game of basketball and life off the courts.  As a 20-year educator, Greg ensures that children are introduced to the basic survival skills that transitions to all phases of life regardless of their situation, their circumstances, and their family status.  Greg enjoys developing children of all ages through academics and athletics.   He challenges children to think about the long term effects of a spit second decision.  Has the decision hurt the team (family, friends, classmates, co-workers) or did your choice prove you were part of the team?  His philosophy on and off the court is about helping youth understand strategic decision making; determining where you are, deciding where you need to be, and developing a strategy to reach the goal.  Like his Stars coaching colleagues, Coach Slater says he and his coaching staff will focus on skill development and sound basketball fundamentals.

Slater’s love for basketball began in youth sports programs back in Brooklyn, NY, his skill and knowledge development came from playing basketball in the park, on the playground, in high school, college and for the United States Marine Corps.  Coach Slater has also coached track and volleyball.  His wealth of knowledge has been gained from and shared with schools in Missouri, Colorado and the Northern Virginia areas.  Greg is an alumnus of George Mason University and a graduate of the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

Last year, the team finished 2^nd in the Potomac Valley Regionals and went on to compete in the AAU Nationals in Memphis, Tennessee.   

Coach Slater can be contacted via e-mail at james.slater14@verizon.net

• Team News Congratulations to the Fairfax Stars 9U Boys Gold Team for their exceptional performance at the AAU Division I National Championship in Orlando, Florida.  There they claimed a spot in the top 10, placing 9th in the nation.  The boys played an impressive defense and a tough offense allowing them to finish with a 5-3 record, defeating teams from Dallas and San Antonio, Texas, Greensboro, North Carolina, PG County, Maryland, and Kansas City, Missouri.  The 9U Gold Team is the second Fairfax Stars team to place in the top 10 at an AAU Division I National Championship. Congratulations to the coaches and players for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Job well done! ______________________________________________________________ Congratulations to the Fairfax Stars U9 Boys Gold team as they battled their way to finish 9th in the nation at the 2009 9 & Under Boys AAU Division I National Championship tournament in Orlando, Florida. Although the Stars fell in a great game by just two points on Tuesday afternoon in the final of the consolation bracket, they claimed 9th place and completed a terrific tournament where they went 5 - 3, including a victory over the 2009 Potomac Valley AAU Regional champs. This team is only the 2nd Fairfax Stars boys team that has finished in the top 10 at an AAU Division I National Championship tournament. Congratulations to the players and coaches, and thank you to the parents, families, friends, and fans of these talented student-athletes for your continued support and enthusiasm.  Well done gentlemen...congrats!  GO STARS! ________________________________________________________________________                               Fairfax Stars U9 Boys Gold Defeat EOTO, the #2 Ranked Team! The Fairfax Stars U9 Boys Gold participated in the Maryland Invitational Tournament this past weekend at the Bowie City Gymnasium.  They went 4-1, and finished 3rd among many of the best U9 teams in the country.  The highlight of the weekend came on Sunday when the Stars claimed a remarkable victory over the #2 team in the nation, Georgia's EOTO.  The boys played tough defense and demonstrated their impressive offense as they maintained a 13 point lead.  Their talent and teamwork have distinguished them as a force to be reckoned with. A HUGE congratulations to Coach Slater, Coach Porter, Coach Kim, Ty-ree Anderson, Preston Bacon, Jason Boock, Kendall McHugh, Christopher Porter, Thomas Riley, Brandon Slater, and Jack Shanahan.