Alex’s AAU Basketball Tournament Travel

Hello!  I am Alex Hyder and I have been invited to travel this summer with the Tennessee Tigers 16U AAU Basketball Team (Nashville, TN). We have three big tournaments in July that are so important for me to play in. There are a lot of expenses involved for me and a parent such as gas, hotel, food and ticket/entrance fees for my mom and/or dad to travel with me. Due to COVID restrictions and a full schedule, fundraising attempts have been difficult so my mom suggested that we work together to reach out via gofundme.com for you to consider.

These tournaments are extracurricular activities for me (meaning it is optional), but here is why it is important for me to go:  Playing with the Tennessee Tigers in July puts me in front of college coaches and scouts for recruitment. All of these are NCAA events with DI, DII and DIII coaches present. It’s an opportunity that is very important for my academic and athletic goals. So that is why I am reaching out to you.

Here is a little bit about who I am:

I will be starting my junior year at Cleveland High School this fall. I have been playing basketball since 2nd grade. I have had a very successful freshman and sophomore year as a member of the Men’s Varsity Basketball team for the Cleveland High School Blue Raiders. Last year (2020) our team qualified for state, but COVID kept that event from taking place. This year (2021) our team won district, regional and went all the way to state qualifying for the playoff. At the regional game I was awarded the Region 3 AAA -All Tournament Team Award and was the only sophomore among three seniors.

At the end of year sports program, I was honored to be presented the 6th Man Award from Men’s Head Basketball Coach Reggie Tucker. I  was chosen by the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee to be one of 100 (invite only) Tennessee Basketball Players to attend the BCAT Top 100 event that took place on June 26. I also attended the Prep Hoops Summer Combine on June 27,  where I was selected for the winning Allstar Team.

After graduation from high school, my goal is to attend college and play basketball while earning my degree. Of course, to play basketball at a higher level would be my ultimate dream. It will take a lot of work in the classroom and on the court but I’m willing to do what it takes. I have already received attention from some impressive coaches that are interested in me and I am hoping for the opportunity to make myself more available for coaches to view.

I am a serious student-athlete. I currently have a 3.765 GPA. I work hard to train for the physical part of basketball, but my academic studies are a big part of my preparation and I understand that my academics play a big part of who I am and who I become.  

My Mom keeps me posted on all our family and friends that are following my story and praying for me. She may be small but she is my biggest fan – just go check out #bigalsmom on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter if you don’t believe me! I appreciate your prayers for me as I continue to complete my high school junior and senior years. I would not be where I am today without those prayers and the encouragement from my family and friends.

Would you consider sponsoring me this summer?  Anything you can give to support my tournament fundraising goal is greatly appreciated.