Coach Mike Allen
COACH MIKE: Giving Back to a Man Who Has Given So Much to Our Community
Coach Mike has lost everything during the pandemic: his basketball gym, his livelihood, everything. He is unable to get a PPP loan despite applying for it. He did not want to let go of the gym that his program had built over the years, but, sadly, he had no choice.
Early this year, he was diagnosed with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and has been suffering from a degenerative lumbar disease that causes him a lot of pain when he stands or sits too long. He collects disability pay, but it barely covers his needs. He’s unable to pay rent this month and could be without a home soon.
He could really use our help.
Coach Mike has devoted much of his adult life and career to improving the lives of kids and young adults. His basketball/sports programs not only kept kids out of trouble but helped them realize their full potential. If you knew Coach Mike, you would know that he guides his players to become solid, well-rounded individuals on and off the court.
It’s painful to see a man who has given a lot to us and our community in this very tough position. He has put in years of hard work developing his basketball program, but a few mishaps and, in a snap, it’s gone. Even so, the admirable thing is that Mike still presses on and does not complain about his situation.
Let us help him get back on his feet, get his health in order, and, hopefully, get back to coaching.
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TESTIMONIALS
"All three of my children have been involved with the Mike Allen basketball program, Junior Warriors, and Travel teams. My 2 youngest since they were in 1st grade, both now in high school.
My oldest who is 23 now, started in the junior warriors and played with the Ballin’ ambassadors travel teams since he was 15. He started working for the program when he was 18. It is moving to think that Coach Mike has always been a father figure to all of my kids (especially to my eldest) even though his own father was killed when he was 16.
Coach Mike really cares about the kids and never about the money. If you couldn’t afford something he would always work something out so that your child could play. He is truly invested in their lives and well-being; for that, I will be forever grateful. His program was a Godsend to me and my family."
-Erin B.
"Mike was extremely generous with his time and helping my twin boys Andrew and Jonathan when we were in his program a few years ago. He also invited them up to practice at DeAnza College on some nights to give them extra court time. He coached with complete devotion to his teams and his "way" of working with them was exceptional. He put the kids ahead of talent worked hard to bring the best out of them and his staff did as well. He is missed and loved by many."
-Jeff O'Harra
"Coach Mike Allen’s basketball program helped my young kids learn and enjoy the game of basketball at the ages of 6 and 5 back in 2015. His program was near by at Gunderson high school. To this day, my kids talk about their learnings from Coach Mike and the lifetime friends and memories they created."
-Jeff J.
"Mike Allen has been a basketball coach for my five children. My 26 and 25-year-old attended one of his summer basketball camps when they were in 5th grade. My three younger children joined his traveling team and loved it.
Our family appreciates Mike Allen as a coach and as a person. He inspires children to do their best and teaches them to become responsible students and to care for others. "
-Carmen K.
