The PAMSACO JLS Cross Country experience was our first experience with middle school sports and we received clear communications, supportive coaching and growth in our student's athletic abilities. We have since participated in basketball and track and field through the City MSA program and in both cases have been sorely disappointed by the coach communication as well as engagement. In both cases it felt like the coaches were given instruction not to communicate directly with parents and as a result, there was confusion about practices/events and general logistics.
AC
Our family had a very positive experience with the PAMSACO JLS Cross Country team. One of the biggest strengths was the dependable schedule, which made it much easier for families to plan consistently. The coaching was organized and supportive, and the meets were run efficiently with clear communication and coordinated carpool planning for families. We also appreciated the transparency of the program — race results and updates were shared promptly and were easy to access. Overall, the program felt well managed, responsive to families’ needs, and thoughtfully organized for both students and parents.
Anonymous
My child's participation in JLS Cross Country team organized by PAMSACO was a much better experience than the one led by the City.
PAMSACO had amazing and passionate coaches; events were well planned. And the registration fee was far less than what the the City MSA program charges.
Weifeng Pan
Our daughter truly enjoyed her time with the PAMSACO JLS Cross Country team. Having the practices start right after school was incredibly convenient for our family's schedule. The overall environment was consistently positive and nice, providing a great space for her to stay active with her peers. Thank you, PAMSACO!
Anonymous
For 2 years 2024-25 and 25-26 with PAMSACO, the coaching staff had a strong understanding of each student’s individual abilities and provided appropriate coaching and assignments based on their level.
They encouraged students to participate in a variety of events, taking into account not only the students’ preferences but also their potential. In addition, meet schedules and even carpool arrangements were shared and announced about a month in advance consistently, ensuring parents were well informed and able to communicate and plan ahead proactively.
However, in the city program, the planning for meets felt very improvised, and students were often placed into open spots at the meet site in a last-minute, patchwork manner. The level of coach commitment and understanding of the students’ abilities was also significantly lower.
SY Wang
I was able to join a bit later into the season with PAMSACO, but was not able to do that with the City program. During my time with PAMSACO, I also got some amazing coaches who were very supportive, and there were people of any skill level, so it was easy to find a running buddy. It was very organized, and I knew what we would be doing at practice every day beforehand.
Anonymous
My daughter was a member of the PAMSACO JLS Cross Country team in the fall of 6th grade. I was immediately impressed by the Coach Tom's energy and commitment to providing a best in class program for the kids. In addition to being the head coach and organizing the participation in events, he was also advocating for his fledgling organization, PAMSACO, to be vetted, a herculean effort with setbacks he shared openly along the way. Although we have not been able to participate in middle school sports during 7th due to time commitments, I would really like to see Tom Haxton and his organization succeed.
HY
PAMSACO created more opportunities for the community to support the athletic program. This directly translates to more opportunities for our youth to develop lifelong fitness habits, find new friends, and have better mental health. My interactions with the program were extremely positive. I hope it can continue!
Nick Koshnick
Coach Tom has always been incredibly attentive to all of our requests and questions, making sure to respond in a timely and clear manner. Often, he would organize out-of-campus runs, and employ multiple adults to accompany the team and ensure our safety.
YD