Rico's Get Better Foundation

In the effort of creating a future led by leaders who are inspired by unity, equality & peaceful advancement for all humanity; there must be people dedicated today to implement such a mission… Rico’s Get Better Foundation is one leap in the direction towards a better world. Inspiring and connecting youth from all corners of the globe through the use of sports, education & community, Rico’s Get Better League for Mandela Day hosted in South Africa 2013 will be a paramount event of games that gathers youth from different backgrounds, cultures, gender and communities, using sports as the thread that binds unification. Rico Cabrera understands that in order to obtain a future world that is unified and peaceful you must nurture its future leaders (the youth) to befriend each other, know one another, collaborate with each other and grow together.
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” Mother Teresa.

I havehad the pleasure of working with Rico since he was part of the Harvard-Westlake team that I coached. With his stellar play and leadership, we won a couple of State Championships back to back. His contribution was quality play, quality leadership, and exceptional character. He has continued to support his alma mater in every way possible. Now it is my pleasure to support his Get Better Foundation. Rico mentors young men to be the best players they can be, the best students they can be, and the best people they can be. The foundation is destined to change lives and make it a better world. I believe Rico will impact many lives in the best possible ways. I am blessed to have learned so much from this young man.

The work, sacrifice, and selflessness of Rico Cabrera, Jr. as part of the Rico's Get Better Foundation cannot be entirely conveyed, summarized, or fully appreciated by words alone. However, his work within his foundation certainly rings true the famous words of Woodrow Wilson who said "there is no higher religion than human service...to work for the common good is the greatest creed." Young men and women are given an opportunity to broaden their minds and experience the world in a way that transcends just basketball. As exciting and invigorating as basketball is as a sport, Rico helps young people realize that it is, more importantly, a metaphor that teaches invaluable life lessons as they mature, become more educated, and learn more about the world we live in . These lessons are priceless and, at minimum, future generations can then embrace the "greatest creed" that Wilson alludes to.

Rico's Get Better Foundation is still writing the story as it relates to my grandson. I met Rico more than five years ago. He is consistent, committed, and caring. He plants, fertilizes, and/or waters seeds, depending on my grandson's need. He is unselfish with his knowledge and believes in (and does) edify, encourage, and enlighten my grandson. As a result, my grandson is learning how to identify and exude his value. Thank you Rico.

"Get Better" are not just words in the foundation name. Mr. Cabrera encourages my son to "get better" in whatever he does. My personal experience is that Mr. Cabrera speaks words of encouragement, edification, and enlightment. My son's eyes were opened to look at challenges as an opportunity for growth. My son is encouraged to be his best. I am thankful!

I sent 2 of my basketball players to a Rico's Get Better Foundation Camp last week. THey both learned a lot about basketball and life. They were able to play against some of the best competition in the country. They also learned about the value of a college education. I can't wait to send more players next year. THANK YOU RICO!!! Coach Rivas- Garfield HS

Rico’s Get Better Foundation has changed my perspective on my career. I have become a better person on and off the court, specifically my work ethic to become a better player and a better student. The workouts and the testimonies that were given made me realize that nothing comes easy in life but if you wish to reach your goals you have to strive for it and work hard at it. Giving up should not be an option if you want it bad enough. The foundation has also given me two things to keep in mind: 1. There is more to life than just basketball; you should all ways have a back up plan and 2. The thought of giving to the less fortunate is a great thing and will be addressed more in my life. I would like to thank Coach Rico as well as the others that helped organize, Rico’s Get Better Foundation for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to participate in the league.

I accidentally found the Rico's Get Better League while looking for basketball related articles. That accident became a blessing, after talking to Rico Cabera my son and I were invited to the parent orientation. My son Spencer was invited to play in the league. The week of academic and athletic instruction was was invaluable. The professionalism of the staff, coaches and guest speakers was tremendous. This league is what it should be, enriching the players. Many parents whose children have played sports are tired of the hustlers and superstars, this league was about hard work in the classroom and on the court. The student ahtletes that particpated in this league have enriched their lives. My son was a beneficiary and I became a supporter. Our inner cities need more leagues like this.

We were introduced to Rico's Get Better Basketball League by Johnnie Parker, a coach who my son had worked out with before. My son had just finished his AAU season and we were looking for a place to train and play, so this league accomplished both of our goals and it was very inexpensive for what we received: good coaching, workouts, games, and plenty of competition from high school players from all over Los Angeles. It was a great investment and experience, and I'm looking forward to returning to the league next time.

Playing on Rico's Get Better League was a great experience. I feel that all the scholar athletes benefited from the opportunity. Playing with some of the best basketball players in high school and having that high level of basketball made it that much more competitive and fun.

In my eyes, Rico's Get Better Foundation epitomizes what a great nonprofit organization should be. "Get Better" is not just a name Rico's foundation goes by but truly the philosophy Rico and his foundation members teach. Rico's Get Better Basketball League was unlike any other league I've ever been a part of. What stood out to me the most about the league was it's professionality and organization. The daily focus questions, statistics, and post game interviews allowed us to evaluate our performances and mark ourselfs to keep improving. Everyone involved in the league offered their knowledge and wisdom of basketball or just life in general for our benefit as players and students. One of the most unique and meaningful aspect's of Rico's Get Better Basketball League is the basketball education and life skills workshop in which we heard firsthand the experiences of former and current D1 players.
Rico's Get Better Basketball League proved to be extremely beneficial to my development not only as a player but also as a student. In addition to the basketball and life skills workshops, I recieved an hour of free SAT prep. The community service aspect of the league was also unique and meaningful. I was able to contribute to the shoe drive by donating three pairs of shoes to charity. At the culmination of my experience at the league, I was fortunate enough to be awarded an iPad 2 for my efforts throughout the course of the week. Rico's Get Better Basketball League truly taught me that hard work pays off.

Rico's Get Better Foundation is an excellent youth development organization with a focus on education and life skills. Ive acted as a participating sponsor of the Basketball, Education and Life Skills (BELS) clinic. I've also known the organizations founder, Rico Cabrera, for many years and can attest to his diligence and committment to positively impacting the lives of young student atheletes. Although the Get Better Foundation is based in Los Angeles, their influence has extended well across the country. I currently live in New York and was excited when I heard that Rico was bringing his basketball team to New York City to participate in one of the most prolific basketball tournaments in the world. But it was even more pleasing to hear that basketball was simply one line item on an itenaray filled with educational and life changing experiences. Whether it was learning how to navigate the big apple, visiting museaums or even an exclusive visit to historic Madison Square Garden, the kids were actually "living" the foundations premise of promoting education and life skills as a byproduct of athletics. I was proud to see the foundation fulfilling its committment and seeing these kids travel across country honestly "actualized' the program in my eyes. I wish Ricos Get Better Foundation continued success with their current and future programs!

I have been working with Get Better and specifically coach/trainer Johnnie Parker for nearly the last year. I am currently a senior in high school. Through Johnnie's personal workouts, I have seen a vast improvement in my game. His number one goal is for the players he is coaching to improve. He takes pride in his work, and if he does not see his players getting better, he views it as a reflection of himself. However, that wouldn't happen, as Johnnie has so much to offer as a coach. Experience and knowledge of the game, for one thing, is an aspect that he is certainly not lacking. It has been almost a year, and I am still being shown new drills and skills in our workouts. When it comes to workout time, it is all business. There is no letting up because that does make you a better player. Johnnie has put an emphasis on "respect" for the game from day one, which is something that Rico's Get Better Foundation emphasizes as a whole. I couldn't be more pleased with the work the the Foundation and Johnnie is doing. Next fall, I will be playing college basketball, and I feel very prepared having worked Rico's foundation.

I have known Rico for many years, and seen his incredible coaching style with young basketball players. He had a summer league that I attended, and often ended up volunteering my assistance in checking in the players, etc. Rico gave the young men confidence by not yelling at them, but with his calm coaching style, they were able to pay attention to his directions and suggestions. The GET BETTER FOUNDATION is an excellent example of how to get young men motivated and to enhance their basketball skills.

Rico's Get Better Foundation has truly changed my life. Through Coach Parker and Coach Rico, I have developed my game exponentially throughout these past two years and i owe it all to them. They have motivated and guided me to playing a better brand of basketball that will allow me to grow as I get to the next level. Through this program I have been through some of the hardest but beneficial workouts that leave you always wanting more. Last summer I went with Coach Rico and Coach Parker to play for a week in New York City. That experience really opened my eyes to another side of basketball while inspiring me to work that much harder to hopefully become a Division 1 Student/Athlete. I owe a lot to Coach Rico and Coach Parker for truly changing my life and i would like to thank them for allowing me to an active member of Rico's Better Foundation.

Rico's Get Better Foundation emphasizes education for today's youth while also providing a fun outlet with sports. I've known Rico for over 18 years, I played against him in youth sports leagues, I've seen him grow into a passionate adult who inspires positive change for the youth of Los Angeles. What I really love about Rico's Get Better Foundation is they allow kids to follow their athletic dreams while instilling an overall lesson that knowledge is the real-game changer. Kids who immerse themselves in school will have an advantage for achieving their dream career, no matter what field they choose. Sports is about having fun, but it's also competitive; Rico teaches kids that education is fun too and very competitive. Rico also grasps the changing environment in terms of technology and social media because that's how kids are today - they are online 24/7. Rico has built his own true Social Network of athletes, actors, teachers, coaches that he is dialed into to help his cause. I'm very proud to see a friend from Los Angeles making such a difference in our hometown. Rico's foundation is a fantastic concept for generating a cultural change in how any city or town views education and the role of youth sports. I highly recommend city leaders, high school coaches, school board members - anyone interested in social change for today's youth - to meet with Rico and run his playbook.

I think the Rico's foundation is just what are youth need. Our kids need someone like Rico to help them understand that your education goals should be just as important as your basketball aspirations. Rico's Get Better Basketball Foundation, is organization that all parents, educators, business people should be aware of. This is one of the good ones!

I have watched Rico's foundation grow over the years. His commitment is unquestionable. Each year I watch the players sharpen their skills and more importantly develop basketball intelligence. Kudos!

Rico's Get Better Foundation should serve as THE model for the development of youth basketball programs. What separates Rico and his organization is that the end goal is to develop not only elite-level basketball skills, but the "whole person." In short, Rico develops leaders; young people that are ready to go out in the world and make an impact. There is a true preparation for life.

In the two years I have known Rico his focus on continuing to develop the infrastructure of his foundation has been inspiring. In a grassroots landscape all too often sullied by unscrupulous characters, Rico is one of the true good guys. You get the sense being around Rico that he will always be there for you - and while there's a real warmth to him, he is in the words of his foundation - always trying to "make you better."

What Rico is doing with these kids is a breath of fresh air in
a somewhat stale climate. His program is not based on any
hidden agendas or get rich quick scheme. If you want your
children around a group of men dedicated to preparing
your kids for the next fifty years of their life , then
put your kids and your trust in Rico.

Its not called get better program for nothing. Go check
it out , it wont take long for you to see what I know.
Have a blessed day.

Rico's Get Better Foundation is a wonderful organization. Rico has built a truly remarkable program for educating children and getting them ready for the the world beyond basketball.

I'd like to congratulate Rico and the Rico Get Better Foundation on their progressive success in providing opportunities to all students in the L.A. communities. After looking into what his program has achieved while still striving for more, for others that is, I thought of Rico.

My name is James Johnson and I am from New London Connecticut. I met Rico at the end of his senior year of high school through a good friend, who lives in the L.A. area, and we have communicated ever since. I am proud of him in keeping his word to work his hardest to show the youth that they can make it. He came to Worcester Academy prep-school for a high school Post-Graduate, and we became family.

After coaching Rico and showing him our East Coast hospitality,
he had a vision of how he could go home and make things happen.
Rico's aspirations for playing basketball at the highest level were reachable, but he wanted to stay in the game, just in a different capacity. He wanted to provide opportunities to student-athletes.

I've helped Rico's program throughout the years, by continuing to
support opportunities for student-athletes. Believe me, I tried to convince Rico to do this program in CT, but he's committed to CA. This program has helped several youth while also motivating them to give back, which a great sign.

Please, take advantage of this opportunity to support this rising program, it is here for the long run and you are blessed to have it.

Peace and Blessings,
Coach Johnson

I've known Rico for nearly 25 years and one thing that always stands out about him is his leadership abilities. His charisma and work ethic combined with his leadership skills has allowed his foundation to flourish and continue to grow. He's willing to make tough decisions and stand up for what he believes. If we had more non-profits like Rico's Foundation we would live in a much better society

I worked with Rico a couple years back and it was an ultimate learning experience. Not only did Rico guide me in the business field but he showed me how important it is to better our communities, and this is what this foundation stands for.

Rico's Get Better Foundation is an absolute sure fire way to make a young man a more confident basketball player and person. As an alumnus of Rico's Get Better League, I can say from personal experience that the opportunity and arena the Foundation gave me to work on and improve my skills was instrumental in building up to my current success. Right now I'm playing basketball professionally overseas in Israel, but before my senior year in college, I barely saw any playing time. I have no doubt that my summer experience competing in Rico's Bet Better League a couple of years earlier mad me a much stronger and more assertive basketball player.

While Rico helped me improve on the court, the Foundation's reach and influence goes way beyond athletic accomplishments. Sports is simply one of many vehicles the Foundation uses to create new and exciting educational opportunities for young students. I give Rico's Get Better Foundation my full endorsement and am looking forward to seeing its continued growth.

I personally had the opportunity to play under Rico and he really taught me alot. I played on his team when I came straight out of high school and was going to be a Freshman in college and Rico's guidance really helped me out and he is a big reason why I'm at where I am right now. The Get Better Foundation is incredible and I thank Rico for doing what he does best.

Rico was diligent in his comittment to our son. He was able help him raise his game and build his self confidence. He would suggest books and videos to help broaden his outlook. He learn to compartmentalize the game. He suggested he break it down into 5 minute segments and focus on immediate performance Goals . My son went from all league to MVP of the league. He also earned a scholarship to U of Miami. He improved in every statitical category. Get better with Rico

Our experience with what we have seen Rico do with young people has all been positive and only helpful to the youth. He(Rico) shows the youth leadership and guides them to be better people and helps to guide them to a better future--school--sports--life--and personal. My son was fortunate to go to NY City to play in the Ruckers League, all because of Rico. He is one of the few coaches we trust with our youth!!

I have known and utilize the advice of Rico Cabrera for a number of years. Rico and his "Get Better Foundation" have been instrumental in helping my son Bill prosper as a basketball player and as a student athlete. Rico has been a wonderful mentor and basketball coach for Bill. I have witness Rico's diligent and unwavering desire to help young men reach their highest potential as a student, a basketball player and a responsible young man.

We really appreciate Rico Cabrera and his "Get Better Foundation" for helping our son Ausar see the bigger picture and being a very important piece of the puzzle. It has helped him realize his potential both on and off the basketball court. Rico's support has been very beneficial by introducing us to the right people and circumstances needed for our son to succeed as a scholar athlete.