Jayden Rivera sees her future clearly, even though the 14-year-old still attends middle school. Recognizing the value of an education and setting goals for your life are just two of the many values Rivera has learned as a member of Gil Basketball Academy. The Bolsa Knolls Middle School student lives with her sister Mia, and her parents, Laura … [Read more...] about Jayden Rivera

In many ways Isabella Gonzalez has two families. The 13-year-old lives with her two loving parents, two older brothers and her nana in North Salinas. Away from home Isabella experiences another close-knit environment as a member of Gil Basketball Academy. “Because of GBA, I have another family,” she said. “It has helped me become a team … [Read more...] about Isabella Gonzalez

When Nick Duque was 6 years old, his family moved to Salinas. Immediately he was the new kid, in a new school, with no one to talk to. “I had problems interacting with other kids and was bullied a lot,” he said. Starting in the fourth grade, Nick would bring his own basketball to school and shoot hoop during recess and lunch — by … [Read more...] about Nick Duque

Eduardo Rodriguez is only 17, but has already learned one of life’s great lessons. “I don’t see failure as failure, but as lessons that will help me improve and grow,” he said. He learned that by playing basketball, and by being accountable as a teammate. Any loss, or setback, became a learning experience, an opportunity to practice … [Read more...] about Eduardo Rodriguez

When your parents sacrifice everything to start a basketball academy with the goal of teaching local youth how to become healthy, productive and contributing members of the community, you play ball. No questions asked. Samuel Gil-Silva was handed a basketball at age 4. It’s a family tradition — cemented after Jose Gil and Eva Silva launched Gil … [Read more...] about Samuel Gil-Silva

Playing basketball has taught Jordan Montero many life lessons, but the one that really resonates involves character: “Anyone can be good at sports, but not everyone is a good sport.” The 5-foot, 3-inch power forward/shooting guard plays for Everett Alvarez High School and on a select team for Gil Basketball Academy. She has participated in … [Read more...] about Jordan Montero

We can learn a lot from our obstacles. Just ask 16-year-old Cristian Soto, who realized early in life that obstacles provided him a chance to practice courage and perseverance. Soto’s first big challenge happened in the third grade when he broke his ankle. “It was tough because I was in a cast for three months and that prevented me from doing … [Read more...] about Christian Soto

On the first day of 7th grade, Jayden McBride’s father gave her some profound advice: “When in doubt, just smile through it and go with the flow.” Later that year Richard McBride died from a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and Jayden’s life changed forever. “It was really hard for my mom and me,” she said. “It really took a toll. I … [Read more...] about Jayden McBride

When Natalie Cortes first picked up a basketball in the fifth grade, she found even the simple act of dribbling the ball extremely difficult. She almost gave up the sport that first day. But she refused to give up — a trait that became a huge part of the 14-year-old’s personality. “After many years of practice and determination, not only did … [Read more...] about Natalie Cortes

A freshman at Alisal High School, Roberto Mendoza has already mapped out his future. He has selected a particular path that requires hard work and discipline — not the easy one that often leads to a deadend. He’s learned such wisdom on the court as a member of Gil Basketball Academy that provides structure and a sense of belonging. “There are … [Read more...] about Roberto Mendoza