South Gator Basketball Club has at its core the empowerment of girls, teens and women. It does this work through an initiative called TRIBE. The acronym TRIBE stands for together, rising, infinitely, boldly, endlessly. As a board member, I had the opportunity this year to work with a group of teenage girls from the Southeast Los Angeles area. The girls received high quality basketball training from various individuals, some who are employed as coaches at the collegiate level and others who run their own AAU basketball program. The girls had an opportunity to use their skills as a team and participate in travel basketball tournaments, including a tournament in Las Vegas. Other experiences included attending a Sparks basketball game, basketball day camps at colleges, receiving injury prevention treatment and financial literacy sessions. Upon completion of the yearlong training, all the girls expressed an interest in playing college basketball and in furthering their education beyond high school. Through basketball, this group of girls was inspired, motivated and uplifted which is the primary goal of this nonprofit organization.
The South Gator Basketball Club’s Executive Training Program has played a pivotal role in my journey. Through the program, I gained valuable experience taking statistics during student-athletes' basketball games, helping them understand their performance and providing them with stats they could use in their college recruiting process. I also received guidance on how to seek funding through scholarships and connect with donors who believe in investing in my future. As a result, I’ve been able to secure internships, build my network, and access resources that have supported me both academically and professionally. I’m incredibly grateful for everything this program has done for me!
South Gator Basketball Club has been a huge part of my life, helping me develop not just as a basketball player but as a person. I’ve been with the club since elementary school, and during that time, I’ve gained so much—my self-esteem has grown, my basketball skills have improved, and I’ve been able to play at a high level thanks to the coaches and trainers who always push me to be my best.
One of the most meaningful opportunities South Gator has given me is the chance to become an intern trainer. Now, I get to train kids just like myself, many from underserved communities in Southeast LA. It’s been an amazing experience to give back and work with these kids, helping them improve and find confidence in themselves through basketball.
I’m really excited about my future. Thanks to South Gator Basketball Club, I’m now thinking about going to college to study kinesiology, physical therapy, or maybe even sports management. No matter what path I choose, I know South Gator will always be a big part of why I’m headed in the right direction. I’m so grateful for everything the club has done for me, and I look forward to continuing to grow as a coach and as a person!
South Gator Basketball Club Review: A Total Game-Changer!
We are a group of high school girls who are so grateful to South Gator Basketball Club for everything they’ve done for us. Thanks to them, we got to play travel basketball every month, and they even covered all the expenses! We never thought we’d get a chance to do something like this, especially not from where we come from.
South Gator Basketball Club didn’t just help us with travel, though. They paid for our flights, hotels, and tournament fees for an amazing trip to Las Vegas, and we are forever thankful. It was an experience we’ll never forget, and none of this would’ve been possible without their support.
But the real game-changer was the training! They connected us with the best trainers and coaches from Next Level Performance, and the things we learned from them were on another level. We’ve grown so much as players. Honestly, we wouldn’t have gotten this kind of training from our LAUSD high school teams, and it’s opened our eyes to what we’re truly capable of.
We can’t say thank you enough to South Gator Basketball Club for everything they’ve done for us. We’ve learned so much and are so thankful for all the opportunities we’ve had because of them.
If you’re thinking about supporting a cause, please donate to South Gator Basketball Club so other girls from communities like ours can get the same chance. Your help could change someone’s life, just like it did for us!
Leaving this review is our way of letting others know how amazing this nonprofit is. We hope it encourages you to get involved or support in any way you can.
Thank you, South Gator Basketball Club!
The South Gator Basketball Club provided Isaiah the opportunity to have a neuropsychological assessment conducted by a trained professional. This assessment provided us with critical insights into our child's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. We found that this experienced offered a comprehensive evaluation of my child's strengths and weaknesses across various domains. Because of South Gators Basketball Club we have a thorough understanding that has helped us appreciate Isaiah’s unique profile and identify areas where they might need additional support or accommodations. The South Gator Basketball Club's dedication to supporting families like ours not only in the basketball courts but outside is commendable. Your generosity and commitment to improving the lives of children are making a lasting impact. Thank you for everything you do.
Hi my name is Michael Jr and Im grateful for the opportunities that South Gators has given me. It’s really helped me through my high school years. I feel prepared for the next chapter after i graduate. Everyone has been so supportive and awesome.
Hello my name is Brianna. My experience with South Gators Basketball Club has been good. I’ve made many friends and the coaches have been really helpful. I’m so excited because this program has helped me prepare for the 9th grade.
My name is Jonathan Martinez. I just want to say thank you for helping my dad and mom. My family could not have done this for us without South Gators help. This program is so much fun.
My name is Michael Martinez and I currently have three children that have participated with South Gator Basketball Club for a few years now. I feel really grateful that this program has enabled my kids to do something constructive and positive that they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to. My biggest desire is for my children to have better opportunities that I had growing up and thanks to this program I’ve been able to do that. Thanks to this wonderful program my kids are working hard to keep their grades up and seeing them grow mentally and physically healthy is such a blessing. I’m so excited because all three of my kids have goals of attending college and working on their careers. Thank you SGBC
I recently had the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible work being done by the South Gator Basketball Club, and I am thoroughly impressed. As an organization dedicated to supporting student-athletes from underserved and underfunded communities, they are making a significant and positive impact.
What sets South Gator Basketball Club apart is their comprehensive approach. They don't just focus on basketball skills; they also prioritize mental and physical development, academic support, and exposure to cultural diversity. This holistic approach is something I haven't seen to this extent in other sports programs.
The high level of basketball training provided is exceptional. The coaches are not only skilled in the sport but also genuinely committed to the personal and athletic growth of each student-athlete. It's inspiring to see these young athletes improve their basketball skills, but even more so to watch them develop life skills that extend far beyond the court.
The club's commitment to exposing these young athletes to higher education is particularly commendable. Through their programs, student-athletes are not only motivated to excel in sports but are also encouraged to aspire for academic achievement and consider higher education as a viable and attainable goal.
Moreover, the cultural diversity and inclusivity promoted by the South Gator Basketball Club are truly admirable. They create an environment where athletes from various backgrounds come together, learn from each other, and build a sense of community. This exposure to different cultures and perspectives is invaluable for young individuals.
Lastly, the support extended to the families of these athletes is noteworthy. The club understands that nurturing talent often requires a collective effort, and their support system for families is a testament to their commitment to holistic development.
In conclusion, the South Gator Basketball Club is not just a sports organization; it's a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in the community. Their dedication to nurturing young talent, supporting education, and promoting cultural diversity is exemplary. I wholeheartedly recommend this club to any young athlete looking for an environment where they can grow both as a player and a person.