Hoops United
Donation protected
I am the head Varsity Boys basketball coach at Blair High School in Pasadena, California.
When I first arrived at the school, there were no balls, insufficient equipment, and a group of disspirited young men coming off a one win season.
Most of the kids' grades were way down--some below a 1.0. There were different reasons for this--some lacked the motivation to keep their grades up, some struggled with subjects like math and science.
On top of their academic struggles, the kids lacked a general belief in their ability both on and off the court. They had a defeatist attitude which made success a virtual impossibility. It was heartbreaking to see.
However, we are starting to really turn things around. Through a daily study hall with tutors which I pay for, many of the kids have already gotten their grades way up. Two of our players went from a 0.8 GPA to above a 2.0 in a matter of a month.
On the court, we went from one win the season before I took over to eight this last season. Many of the kids' attitudes have done a complete 180. They are starting to get a collective belief in themselves, their teammates and this program and it is truly motivating them to become better students, athletes and young men.
I have spent a ton of money out of my own pocket on this program in an effort to help turn these kids' lives around. Some of the kids come from very poor financial situations and they cannot afford to pay for anything. I have funded pregame and postgame meals, nutrition supplements, uniforms, gear, equipment, league fees etc...While this has put a strain on me financially, it has been well worth it to see the turnaround in these young men.
I ask for your support in my efforts to continue to turn around this program, inspire these young men and take them to new heights they would have never imagined possible both on and off the court. Anything you can contribute to our program would be truly appreciated by all of us.
When I first arrived at the school, there were no balls, insufficient equipment, and a group of disspirited young men coming off a one win season.
Most of the kids' grades were way down--some below a 1.0. There were different reasons for this--some lacked the motivation to keep their grades up, some struggled with subjects like math and science.
On top of their academic struggles, the kids lacked a general belief in their ability both on and off the court. They had a defeatist attitude which made success a virtual impossibility. It was heartbreaking to see.
However, we are starting to really turn things around. Through a daily study hall with tutors which I pay for, many of the kids have already gotten their grades way up. Two of our players went from a 0.8 GPA to above a 2.0 in a matter of a month.
On the court, we went from one win the season before I took over to eight this last season. Many of the kids' attitudes have done a complete 180. They are starting to get a collective belief in themselves, their teammates and this program and it is truly motivating them to become better students, athletes and young men.
I have spent a ton of money out of my own pocket on this program in an effort to help turn these kids' lives around. Some of the kids come from very poor financial situations and they cannot afford to pay for anything. I have funded pregame and postgame meals, nutrition supplements, uniforms, gear, equipment, league fees etc...While this has put a strain on me financially, it has been well worth it to see the turnaround in these young men.
I ask for your support in my efforts to continue to turn around this program, inspire these young men and take them to new heights they would have never imagined possible both on and off the court. Anything you can contribute to our program would be truly appreciated by all of us.
Organizer
Alon Margalit
Organizer
Pasadena, CA
