Read on! This page has personal testimonials from parents and players who have worked and played with Team Mayhem and coach Alex Barra.

We're always looking for feedback. If you have something to say to us please drop us a note to feedback@winnipegteammayhem.com. Be ensure to include your full name and a contact number.

Thank-you!

  " I think that Team Mayhem was the best thing for me. I remember the first time I talked to Alex it was at a volleyball tournament and he was interested in me playing for him, and so I thought to myself what do I got to lose so I did. It was so much different from what I was used to, I wasn't playing school yard basketball anymore I had moved on to a new level of basketball in which my skills alone wouldn't allow me to get by in order to be successful I now had to use my skills and also my brain and that's what Alex is better that than any other basketball coach. He gets you ready for the game mentally because he knows is a huge part of the game and that's what I love about him. Also I found with Mayhem that I wasn't going to be able to cut corners and slack off like I had in previous years, I quickly learned that this was serious and we all were striving towards the same goal, which was to be champions, not only on but also off the court. At the time I was doing the drills and running ect. I had honestly thought of just stopping in the middle and saying I quit I don't want this anymore, but the best decision I ever made was not quitting and pushing through it because only now do I realize how much of a better player that I have become as a result. Yes it was hard I remember sometimes coming up to the gym we were practicing at and thinking oh God I'm back in Hell but I always went, to show my coach, my team mates, and myself the respect they deserved. What puts Alex over the top of all other coaches is he will care for you as if you were his own son. Your conversations with him can go deeper than just basketball. Coach Alex I can say with no hesitation is the reason for where I was, Where I am, and Where I'm going to be with basketball. Its all about developing as a player and a person. It can get confusing sometimes with so much to remember but just ask Alex what to do, because that's what he wants, he wants you to understand what you're doing and why. He wants you to succeed.I took everything that I learned from Alex and then went and tried out for the Manitoba U15 Provincial Team and because of what he did for me, because I worked hard in practice, and because I believed that I could I succeeded and made the team. I still continue to use all of the skills he has taught to me in my basketball game and continue to work hard and as long as I do, I will continue to develop as a basketball player.There's just not another coach like him. Once you know him well he can have a straight face and you will still know what he's thinking or feeling. Mayhem basketball was the best thing for me and I only wish that I could still play on the team. Thanks alot Alex you are the best coach that I have ever had and are the reason I am where I am today in my basketball. I hope that all your teams you have now and in the future prove to be as successful as we were."
-Christopher "Elvis" Hart, Graduated Grade 9 Team Mayhem "91 boys"

I like being a part of Team Mayhem for various reasons. The level of basketball is very challenging and rewarding. The coaching is high-quality, and the players are very talented and skilled which allows me and everyone else to connect and interact very well on and off the court.

Being a part of this team makes me feel satisfied and at ease. I never will reqret being a part of this team.

Coach Alex has been a very educational coach and teacher to me over the years that I've known him and most importantly he has been a friend who has helped me through some hard times. Without Mr. Barra, I would not have become the player and person that I am today. Not only is coach Alex good with his team, he also is respectful to the parents. Lastly, his level of commitment to this team is very strong and he wants what is best for his players.
-Kyle Cooper, Grade 8 team, 2006

- Rodel, Winter Camp 2005-2006

My child has learned how to pass, pivot, dribble and do lay-ups with both hands. There are other subtle skills she has learned without even being aware of them. The confidence with which she moves now is apparent. Also the fact that the ball will do what she is trying to make it do without looking at it is great. I have enjoyed listening to her explaining what she has learned. The positive attitude that you bring to the camp made a huge difference to her being successful at the skills she was learning.

Thank-you again for offering something that is not offered for this age group or skill level anywhere else. I know the camp seemed hard at times for my child but she was taught hard work pays off and things get easier as she became fitter and more experienced with practice.
- Debbie Wiebe (Sage Kelly's Mom), Winter Camp 2005-2006

So I must say, pretty sweet camp you got going on. I think it's great that you are able to include fun and games while really teaching kids basketball. I think it helps keep them interested. For me, I think you let me see a different side of basketball than what I'm used to. You showed me that, yeah, you're not always going to get the "proper" shots that you're taught, sometimes you have to settle for some strange behind the back windmill shot.

I must say though your boys are pretty flipping intimidating! Even though I kind of know them and all. The thing is, I know that they are good, so I feel the need to be as good as them (it's ridiculous) because, I hate it when guys look at me as just some girl, and not a basketball player...especially when they've never seen me play at my best. I learned a lot.
- Kelsy Rawsthorne, Winter Camp 2005-2006