Lady Eagles Basketball: A Program Built on Community

Tom Duncan with players from the Lady Eagles Basketball Club

In a region where youth sports often chase trophies and elite rosters, the Lady Eagles Basketball Club has spent nearly 20 years building something far more meaningful: a true community. As the feeder program for Del Oro High School, LEBC has become a place where young girls learn the game, find belonging, and grow into confident athletes long before they ever put on a varsity jersey.

Feeder programs typically serve 4th through 8th-grade athletes and are connected to a specific high school, sharing its name, branding, and culture. High school coaches often guide these programs to help future players become familiar with their system. When LEBC began, only a handful of feeder programs existed in the area. Today, they’ve grown significantly, and LEBC has remained one of the most established in the league.

LEBC’s foundation was built on development, and most importantly, teamwork. Over the years, several parents and coaches helped create a positive framework. Past LEBC presidents have said it was about making lasting memories for the girls. They might not remember the games, but they would remember the experiences.

When leadership transitioned in 2022, current president Tom Duncan continued building on that foundation. Under Duncan’s guidance, the emphasis on community and player growth has remained central. Coaches are encouraged to host team-bonding events each season. Teams have visited pumpkin patches, gone to movies, shared meals, and participated in service activities. One memorable outing has been the “Light the World Giving Machines” at the Roseville Galleria, where players purchased charitable items—such as meals or clothing—for Placer County families in need. “These experiences reinforce the belief that LEBC is about more than basketball; it’s about teaching life skills, serving others and learning how to treat others,” stated Duncan.

The program has grown to a record 75-plus players. Duncan also helped create a “Feeder League” with other feeder programs to play a full-season format. LEBC has moved from a winter only sport to multiple seasons within the year; accommodating year round and seasonal players, while emphasising multi-sport athletes.

Also, fundraising has become a collaborative effort involving varsity coaches, LEBC coaches, local businesses, host locations, and dedicated parents. This collective support keeps player costs significantly lower than traditional AAU programs, and LEBC coaches volunteer their time. One way the program sustains a lower cost model is through its annual fundraiser, which Duncan helps organize and host alongside the broader leadership team. The event brings together families, alumni, and community partners and has become a major source of support for both LEBC and the Del Oro women’s basketball program. Its consistency and community-driven nature help ensure the program remains accessible and well-resourced.

The results on the court reflect this long-term investment in development. Rather than focusing on memorizing plays, coaches teach players how to play—how to read the situation, make decisions, and grow over time. LEBC teams may take early losses, but as they develop, they often outperform all-star AAU teams. That foundation, the young women carry into high school.

"What makes our coaches truly special isn't just their knowledge of the game — it's their commitment to developing the whole person. They push the players through adversity, instill character, and remind them what it means to show up for each other. For that, we're deeply grateful,” said Duncan.

I’ve watched this program through the eyes of a parent, too. My daughter’s journey—from not making the team, to steadily building her skills and confidence—mirrors what LEBC stands for.

After every game, win or lose, the girls come together, support one another, and move forward with purpose. The program’s growth, its culture, and its impact on Del Oro basketball all reflect the power of volunteers who lead with heart. LEBC isn’t just preparing athletes—it’s shaping confident young women who carry these lessons long after the season ends.