Over a decade ago, I was blessed to step into the game as a coach. Today, I stand not just as a coach, but as a leader trying to drive something far bigger—a movement that builds communities through the power of sports.
What makes starting a club special isn’t just the trophies or titles. It’s the friendships forged, the confidence unlocked, and watching young athletes discover the best versions of themselves. That spark—that transformation—is why we do this.
🧠 Our Philosophy: The Individual Within the Team
When I played in the Baltimore Orioles organization, I was told:
“This game is played by nine individuals who understand their roles around a team concept.”
That quote has become the heartbeat of our club. Development is at the core of what we do—but real teams, great teams, are built by individuals who each strive to master their role. It’s not about fitting into a mold—it’s about becoming your personal best while learning how to thrive in a team-first culture.
💔 The Cancer in Modern Youth Sports
Let’s be honest: youth sports are becoming toxic.
We focus too much on winning trophies and not enough on building strong minds and resilient spirits. Too often, coaches cut kids who are trying—rather than nourishing them at the level they’re at.
The truth is: young athletes grow on different learning curves. Our job isn’t to exclude them—it’s to guide them.
🧬 A Track Record of Growth
I’ve personally played on teams that finished:
0–10
1–9
12–0
23–1
54–17
And I’ll tell you this: the lessons were the same. Growth.
Not every season was filled with wins—but each one taught me how to fight, lead, adapt, and overcome. Those experiences led me to this moment—and they planted the roots of what would become the Missouri Mariners.
Not in glory. In grit.
🏆 Local or National — We Prepare You to Succeed
Some of our teams want to compete locally. Some want to chase greatness on the national stage.
Our job is to support both. Because every player’s journey matters—and we’re committed to helping them reach their highest level.
💸 Our Pricing Philosophy: Fair, Not Inflated
Our top-level competitive program costs $2,800. It’s not a money grab—it’s a fair, transparent investment into elite coaching, development, and resources.
But we also believe in access for all.
That’s why we offer our $770 Developmental Bridge Program, which includes:
Recreational league sign-up
Three tournaments
Full access to our Missouri Mariners Development Programming
Tech-based tools to build physical and mental skills
We’re not building a wall between rec and travel. We’re building a bridge.
📚 It's Bigger Than the Game
At Missouri Mariners, we train athletes. But more importantly—we grow people.
We push academics. We support recruiting. We teach kids how to think like leaders, teammates, and citizens.
I came up through programs like YMCA, OCAC, SLABA, SPAA, and CBSA—and eventually played at the highest levels. I know what it means to start at the bottom and rise.
🌱 Our Next 5 Years: From Foundation to Impact
The first five years of the Missouri Mariners were about establishment. The next five are about impact.
We’re not just trying to build teams. We’re trying to shape the future—by raising community leaders through sport.
This isn’t about ego. It’s about creating a better society through the development of people.
🌊 Everyone Has a Place in the Wave
Whether you’re just starting or chasing a college dream—there’s a place for you here. If you’ve got the drive, we’ll help you find the direction.
We are Missouri Mariners Athletics. And we’re building more than teams.
With Heart, Truth, and Purpose,
Gerrion Grim III Co-Founder, Missouri Mariners Athletics
“Built from the dirt, rising for the future.”
