Ricky Proehl was a leader on and off the field, and his character, knowledge and charisma made him the ultimate teammate.  His work ethic was an example for all of our players and is one of the many reasons he had such a productive NFL career.  Ricky's involvement in the community is an inspiration for other professional athletes.  I would be happy for my own kids to have Ricky Proehl as a role model, not only for his success in sports, but also for success in life. John Fox Carolina Panthers Head Coach

Message to Mr. Ricky Proehl:

Ricky, my name is Bobby and I coach the DC Cougars 10U girl’s softball team.  We had the pleasure of playing at your complex August 30^th. First, thank you for allowing us to play at the facility....what a great place to play!  The fields and the staff were awesome.  Apparently, there was a guy serving hotdogs that played for the Panthers. 

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to sign autographs and take pictures with my girls. It made the weekend very special to them.  They are a great group and don’t need a lot of motivation.  However, when you told them to win, that’s all they wanted to do. We were fortunate to win the tournament and they wanted to make sure you got their picture.  Attached is a picture of the Champs.  Thank you again for spending time with the girls, and we look forward to playing at Proehlific Park again soon.

Bobby

Luke had a great time at football camp! Actually, great is an understatement. Luke said he wants to go to football camp EVERYDAY! Ricky, Rodney and all of the coaches were awesome….they gave the kids a lot of attention, were positive, upbeat and great role models for all.

Proehlific Park provides a great atmosphere for kids to learn how to play sports, the importance of teamwork and respect and how to believe in oneself. As a parent who wants their child to be self-confident and believe that anything is possible through discipline and hard work…thank you for providing a place that teaches children how to believe in themselves!

Mary Beth

I wanted to let you know that my 12 year old son Zach had a great time in your youth football camp last week. He enjoyed every drill, every scrimmage and every ball he hiked, even the last huddle ended with a nice surprise when you asked Zach his name and then told the rest of the kids to “remember that name, Zach Cooke”.  

Zach has played tackle football for the past four years in the Greensboro City League through the Lewis Recreation Center (we noticed that you had a Lewis Coach involved with the kids last week). As a rising 7^th grader he has his heart set on making his Northern Middle School football team. Academically he will receive a green light to play since he finished this year with straight A’s, perfect attendance, highest overall GPA and recognized for excellence in certain classes. On the field, he has played a wide array of positions including tackle, guard, center, linebacker and others spots.

In one one-on-one drill last year where each kid was pitted against another in a hitting drill (the loser runs a lap, the victor stays in until he is taken down), Zach cycled through every kid on his team and sent them all for a lap.

Your well organized camp, and hands-on involvement, delivered both an outstanding experience for my son and a tremendous value. I wanted to send you this brief note to say thanks!

Thank You!

Mike C.

Ricky,

I just wanted to drop an email to let you know how much I appreciate the opportunities your park has given the community.  I am new to the whole sports thing as my son is just now 8 years old but he is in his second year of little league football so I am trying to learn quickly.  I listen to Rock 92 every morning and that is how I have learned about your Proehlific Park.  My son, Chase, came to your free football clinic on Monday, November 24th.  From what my husband told me he was the only child who showed up but you guys worked with him anyway.  We were very surprised to know that you would take time out of your schedule to come down to work with one little 8-year-old boy.  We purchased him a spot in your Holiday football camp for a Christmas present and he is literally counting the days down.  Also, he has yet to remove his pink "Proehlific Park" wristband and nurses it very gently through bath time because he wants to keep it on until December 30th so he can "show Ricky I still have it".

He has talked nonstop about that Monday evening to everyone we meet and was very thrilled to meet both you and "the guy who played for Wake Forest" (he thinks his name was Nate but wasn't really sure).  I just wanted you and your staff to know we really appreciate the time you took with him and that you have made a true memory for a lifetime.  He really can't wait to come back.

Counting down the days to December 30th, Wayne, Tonya and Chase M.

Hi Steve, Jill and Ricky, in the spirit of thanksgiving I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you. Thank you for giving our kids at Pearce elementary a place (a very nice place) where they can join their classmates and play some basketball. I have received a lot of great feedback on how excited the kids are to be back playing basketball with their classmates in such a beautiful facility. Many of the kids did not even play basketball last year and now they have the chance again thanks to all three of you.  I believe the program has been a great success so far.  I hope you view it as a success as well? I also want to take this time to wish you and all of your families a very happy and healthy holiday season.

Ricky,

It was good seeing you on Saturday morning at the k-1 basketball game. I wanted to just drop you a note and tell you how impressed I am with what you have built. Last year, Daniel (my son) played in the Kindergarten Basketball league at the Y and it doesn't even hold a candle to what your organization is doing.

In such a short period of time you have built an organization that not just has an unbelievable facility but your ability to already be so organized with your programs is unheard of. Everything from the scoreboard guy, refs, coaches, and people at your front desk had a joy about them that was noticed by all. That in itself is a testimony to the leadership that you bring.

Anyway, just so you know, for as long as my family lives in Greensboro, they will always be a part of the sports programs at Proehlific Park. Keep it up man, your capturing your dream, thanks for helping change our world. That's awesome and inspiring. See you at the "One Night" event.

Matt C. (Frank's little side-kick) 

I pick my grandson up from Pearce after school. I live in Kernersville. It is a 16 mile trip one way. The benefits of Proehlific Park are worth every mile. My grandson has lost three very important people in his life since Sept. 25th. As Hospice and his therapist have told my son & me, he is a lost child. The difference in his personality since he has been going to the park is incredible. He absolutely loves going there. The staff is so easy to work with and they really care about the children. I am not sure of all the names yet but Nate & Steve just make Peyton smile when he walks in. 

Rick talked to my grandson Friday and told me he was an awesome kid. My grandson told everyone he saw that night that Rick said that about him. It meant the world to him. I have told so many people that Proehlific Park has made such a difference in this child's life. Thank-you is definitely not enough. Keep up the great work. The children of Greensboro need a place like Proehlific Park to go.

Lorraine K.

We have been so impressed from the endorsements we’ve heard from other parents whose children currently attend after school and use the park. The combination of their enthusiasm for Proehlific Park and our experiences with our son playing basketball and taking martial arts classes there have led us to wanting our children to spend their after school hours at Proehlific Park. We have talked with the staff at Proehlific Park and have been very impressed with them and the park itself. We’ve met Ricky and we are so thankful that he brought his vision to Greensboro. The park is a true asset to the kids, their families and our neighborhoods.

Kindest regards, Lisa N.

My husband and I have chosen for our children to participate in Proehlific Park for many reasons.  First is the caring, loving Christian environment at the Park.  Second, my children are involved in organized sports learning how to play by the rules.  Third, my children really enjoy the computers, activities and free time in a safe, clean place.  Finally Proehlific Park is just what my family ordered to meet our after school needs. Thank you for your time and support.

Andrew and Lynn G.

My son first attended Ricky’s football camp his freshman year of high school, and after those 3 days, he became determined to play high school football. Ricky has been a wonderful influence on my son.
Since football camp this year, the difference in my son has been astounding.  Not only has he improved his football skills, but through Ricky's coaching and encouragement, my son has grown immensely in his self confidence and demeanor.  He has gained a desire to continue his education and football career after high school. I contribute all of this change to Ricky.  Proehlific Park is a wonderful thing, and I am so proud that I know Ricky and the other members of Proehlific Park.  All of the people I have met through the football camps and at Proehlific Park are the kind of individuals that make a positive change in young people’s lives. Young people need to have a place to play and learn life lessons in a safe, nurturing environment.

As a single mother, I am so grateful to have such a wonderful male role model in my son's life.  My son’s father is not around, and his grandfather died when he started high school, so he has not really had a strong male figure in his life. Ricky has been my blessing.  One of most special times to me and my son was Ricky’s presence at my son’s Senior Night. Not only did Ricky come to his game, but also he and his sons sat with me and other parents and was the most gracious person.

Wilma M.

Ricky,
You are absolutely the nicest guy ever!  We got in really late before we received your phone message. My son was beaming when he listened to it, and thought your call was "the coolest".  Thank you SOOOO much for thinking of him.  It meant tons to all of us.   He had an outstanding try-out, but there are a lot of good players trying out.   Regardless of the outcome, he's really proud of himself for trying and just "doing it".  Your training, care and connection helped give him the confidence to take that leap.  You have no idea how much that means to my husband and me.  So, no matter the outcome of the try-outs, this has been a hugely positive experience.  Thank you so very much for caring about our son.  It just means the world to us. 

Dear Proehlific Park Staff,

My name is Tara Klusmann and I'm one of the event coordinators here at Hoops of Hope. In response to the Hoops of Hope event that recently took place at your facility, I want to thank you. On behalf of Hoops of Hope, I would specifically like to thank you for your willingness to open up your incredible facility in order for us to host this event and get the word out to the community. It may sound cliché, but we honestly could not have done it without you.

We are so proud of the kids' passion and dedication to make a difference in other kids' lives across the globe. Without your support, these students would not have had the opportunity to be a part of doing something bigger than them. Many lives in Africa will forever be changed because of the successful endeavor of the community of Greensboro. You, specifically, have played a major and significant role in bringing transformation and hope to the people of Zambia. 

Your contribution and support is much appreciated!

Kind Regards,

Tara & the Hoops of Hope Team

Just wanted to take a minute to say thanks for all you are doing for our kids in the afterschool program. Cameron had been to numerous after school programs and was not happy at any of them. This makes it really difficult to send him to a program when I know that he is truly not happy there. You and Steve have listened with open ears when I asked questions or explained what we were looking for in an afterschool program. You have a quality program that encourages strong character, Christian principals and academic and social support for our children. The fact that he begs to go to Proehlific Park afterschool and never wants to leave when I pick him up tells me you are doing something right.

I am starting back to work full-time in the fall. It is a comfort to know that he will be in a safe place that he likes. This makes a difficult transition so much easier for us. Ricky has also been so kind to our other son, Chandler, who is Developmentally Delayed by allowing him to come to visit with his CAP workers and enjoy the things he is capable of doing. He just loves the excitement and action at the park as well. Keep up the good work and thanks again. Please share this with your co-workers who have played an important role as well.

Holly M.