New England Crusaders

"Our daughter Kara had the pleasure and honor of playing for one of the finest coach’s at any level in Kara Leary. We traveled every weekend from Springfield, Ma to New Hampshire just so Kara could play in such a prestigious program like the Crusaders, little did we know that it turned out to be one of the best experiences of her basketball career. Traveling the country with some of the best young talent in New England gave her the confidence she needed at the next level to succeed. Kara was fortunate to start for four years at the University of Richmond. She now works for a public relations firm in NYC. On a personal note I met some of the nicest parents and have many great memories traveling the country. ... "

-Barb & Jimmy Powell, Scout - Indiana Pacers,
Parents Kara Powell Richmond 2011

"When you make the decision to become a New England Crusader, you are joining an impressive and accomplished network of female student athletes that extends far beyond your years wearing the blue and white. Kara Leary is an excellent leader, mentor and committed coach who runs a program that provides the skill development, the core team values and the opportunities for each individual player to reach their unique goals. My time with the Crusaders enabled me to successfully meet the demands of the Ivy League, but more importantly left me with strong friendships and great memories of playing hoops with the best."

-Shae Fitzpatrick, Law Student, Boston College 2014,
Crusader Alum,  Brown 2010, Lynnfield 2006 

"Crusader alum, currently living in ... (Mass) ... getting licensed in massage therapy and starting my masters in counseling. Also, I will be co-head coaching at BB&N in Cambridge, Ma. Proud to say I played 2 seasons and coached for about 3 seasons with the Crusaders. Those experiences were invaluable to me as a player and coach and I am forever greatful! I still have close friendships with many Crusader teammates and miss the days where we lived on the road during the months of June and July."

-Kindyll Dorsey, HS Coach, BB&N,
Crusader Alum, Crusader Coach
Professional  Player  - Ireland,
Boston College 2007, Peddie School/2003-Memorial/2002

"I live in New York City and work for an advertising agency, working on brands involving sports and athletics, as well as the tourism industry.  Wherever I go, sports seem to follow. And I think the Crusaders helped to set the foundation for an active life, both personally and professionally.  At a young age, I was able to go places most teens never go, be with amazing women I might have not met and gain the confidence I needed at the time to excel at the sport and play on a collegiate level.  But I didn’t realize what the experience had done for everything in my life, I.e. The way I treat colleagues at work, the work ethic instilled at a young age, the team aspect, etc.  What I learned as a Crusader still stays with me, and I value the program immensely. "

-Meranne Whitney, Professional - Advertising
Crusader Alum, Aldelphi 2004, Nashua 2000

"..Currently working for .... a public accounting firm in downtown Boston, and also working towards getting my CPA. Playing Crusaders thoughout high school was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Crusaders exposed us on a national stage and it provided me with the opportunity to play at the next level in college. I was introduced to some of the greatest group of girls, most who are still best friends of mine even as college bball is all over. Kara... (is).... one of the greatest coaches and mentors of the game and her commitment to all her players is above and beyond!"

-Molly Griffiths, Professional - Financial Services,
Crusader Alum, All Conference Northeast 10, 
Assumption College 2011, Ursuline 2007

"Our daughter Amy plays for Holy Cross now and grew tremendously as a player and person in the Crusader experience. You quickly learn that as good as you might be in the NE area the national stage is humbling and inspiring.Amy was able to expand her horizons and be exposed to coaches and schools from around the country.She wound up where she wanted and was fortunate to receive a full scholarship.Also the (C)rusader program is a reasonable financial commitment with good return on investment as compared with with other programs.We wish you continued success".

-Paul and Barb Lepley,
Parents of Amy Lepley (Holy Cross 2013, Bishop Feehan 2009)

"Currently working at ..... Hospital, but going back to graduate school ..... as a graduate assistant for their basketball program. All of the connections I've made through basketball stem back to playing for Kara on the Crusaders. The basketball skills I've learned and the amazing people and teammates I've met through aau and college have not only helped my professional life, but helped shape who I've become. I'm forever thankful!"

-Krystin Hickey, Professional - Medical Field,
Crusader Alum, Conference Player of Year,
Wheaton 2009, New Hampton 2005

"Crusader alum, currently working for .... a biotech company in the great state of Maine. I am also beginning my MBA in December. I joined the Crusaders my sophomore year of highschool and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Kara's knowledge of the game is exceptional and her commitment to the program and every individual player is unbelievable. I am still good friends with many of my teammates even after college and would do anything to go back to days of being a Crusader!"

-Emily Rousseau, Professional - Biotech Industry,
Crusader Alum, All Conference Northeat 10 Player,
Stonehill 2011, Biddeford 2007

"Our daughter Cassie Cooper (Dartmouth '11), played for the Crusader AAU program throughout her high school career. Cassie had always told us she wanted to play basketball with and against the best players in the country and she did in the Crusader program. She got the chance to become great friends with many players throughout the country because of her experience. She was able to travel and compete in the top tournaments. We feel very lucky to have heard about the program from Mike Cimino back when Cassie was younger. Kara works very hard to promote Women's basketball and the student athletes. Oh ya, the girls were dressed all in NIKE gear too which Cassie loved. If your daughter wants to play with and against the best in the country then the Crusader program is for her."

-Bruce & Maureen Cooper
(Parents of Cassie Cooper, Dartmouth 2011, Cony 2007)

"My daughter Asia Ewing started playing for the Crusaders sophomore year. I had heard great things about the Crusaders and Kara from a former alumni and parent and it turned out to be all true. Kara knew how to get the job done with all her bb expertise and how to motivate the girls. The icing on the cake was that Asia had a great time and so did I with all the Crusader parents who I still consider as friends."

-Monet Ewing
(Parent of Asia Ewing, Stonehill 2014, Westford Academy 2010)

"...The Crusaders allowed me to travel the US with my best friends playing the sport we all love. I am still very close with my teammates to this day, Crusaders are still involved in my life through different social/work related networks. It's really a special things to say, I was a Crusader. And proud to be a Sader. "

Maureen Lemay, Professional - Medical Field
Crusader Alum, Worcester St College 2008, Nashua 2008

"We are very thankful that Ralph learned about the New England Crusader Team on-line as Tonya was previously playing for a local AAU team that played local tournaments with limited exposure. 

Once we were part of the Crusader family we were totally impressed with the Kara and her coaching staff.  We loved how the practices and pre-season work outs were set up and the tournaments they chose to attend. 

We were amazed at how it raised the level of Tonya’s play and the skills she learned.  We were also impressed with the choice of tournaments and the exposure and interest from a multitude of colleges she received. 

Kara was such a great help with everything from teaching the girls at practice, and was such a great source of knowledge and support in the recruiting process.  We were also thankful for all the advice and support we were given during a tough time when Tonya decided to get out of her NLI because of some unfortunate circumstances forcing the head coach to resign.  Kara was there for us every step of the way. 

Kara also really cares about her athletes and takes time out of her busy schedule to see them play in college.  Kara was also a great help just listening and giving advice during the ups and downs of Tonya’s entire college career. 

We met many wonderful families and made some incredible friends during this Crusader experience.  We have some priceless memories from the Crusader days and would highly recommend this team to anyone looking for high level competition and a wonderful family environment."

-Michelle & Ralph Young
(Parents, Tonya Young, Vermont 2011, Mascoma 2007)

"Playing (C)rusaders was one of the greatest experiences in my life. I was able to meet some of my best friends through the (C)rusaders. It was also a nice way for me to see the United States and play against the best competition in the Nation. I can honestly say that the reason crusaders was so important to me though was because of the coaching. Practice was about learning the game. Kara teaches kids how to think the game and expects them to know how to get themselves prepared to play through shooting and drill work on their own. This was an important skill for me to learn because in college you don't have people dragging you to the gym everyday telling you to shoot, if you want to play you have to be self motivated and do those things on your own. Another big part of my experience was that through having Coach Cimino as a coach I was able to figure out what I wanted to do as a career. I now want to coach so I can teach kids how the importance of the game can make a difference in their lives like Coach Cimino taught me. I now am playing basketball at the University of Maine and studying to become and elementary school teacher with a focus in mathematics.

-College Player, Crusader Alum,
UMaine 2015, Leavitt 2011

"Since I was a little kid, my dream was always to play college basketball. I truly believe that the New England Crusaders gave me the best oppurtunity to live out this dream. The coaching and instruction I was given while I played for the Crusaders was both humbling and inspirational. Kara and her coaching staff knows how to extract the most out of their players in order to achieve their appropriate level of academic and athletic success. Once you leave New England, you are able to appreciate the talent that is out there and I feel that the Crusaders really allowed me to see my capability amongst this talent." 

-College Player, Crusader Alum,
Holy Cross 2013, Bishop Feehan 2009

"Kara Leary is a tremendous coach AND person. Kara's ability to sharpen each player's individual basketball skill set within a team ball concept is amazing, clearly reflected in the number of her players who have been recruited by the best schools across the nation. Our daughter, Shae Fitzpatrick (Brown University '10), will tell you her time with Kara and the Crusaders was the ultimate basketball playing experience. A quick check back to Shae's Crusader team with Kara as coach and recruiting mentor, reflects the quality and commitment of the young women and their families who are drawn to the NE Crusaders AAU Basketball
program. Looking at just this one group alone, Shae's teammates (and friends for life) went on to excel as student-athletes at such outstanding schools as Villanova, Richmond, Dartmouth, Harvard, Boston College, Stanford, Fordham, Holy Cross, UNH and UVA. Playing against the nation's elite competition at the best tournaments with maximum recruiting exposure, the outstanding NE Crusaders
basketball program is an OUTSTANDING opportunity for every dedicated player."

-Bill & Diane Fitzpatrick
(Parents, Shae Fitzpatrick, Brown 2010, Lynnfield 2006)

Playing w/ Crusaders was such an awsome experience. Too bad i only played for 1 year (2006), Yet i played with talented players and against many great players from all over the country. Kara was a great coach, and i had a lot of fun during, between, and after the games ...... Great thing in college, i played games vs many of my (C)rusaders teammates :)

-Current College Player, Merrimack College 2012, Tilton 2007