Support AZ GorillAZ: Empowering Young Men to Become Leaders

My name is Jake Jensen, and I am the director and head coach of AZ GorillAZ. GorillAZ is a basketball program based in Phoenix, AZ. I started the program in 2020 to provide a positive outlet to teenage boys in my city.

During the pandemic, a lot of school sports programs were canceled or postponed. During that time of uncertainty, I saw a big need to create a sense of community and continued personal development in the players I was coaching at Imagine Schools for the past few years. Many of the boys who I coached in middle school were in their freshman year of high school and going through a big transition, while feeling lost and alone without their school sports programs.

I created the team as a way for my boys to have a safe place to train and to be able to compete in tournaments and have fun. I only expected it to last for a couple of months. As God started to bring new young men from all over the city, a small group of basketball players turned into a family. In July of 2021, a small comment from a player sparked a deep realization within me. After taking a short break for a couple of weeks, we met back at our gym to practice. One of the players walked into the gym with the biggest smile on his face and said, "Yes! I'm finally back home."

I started to realize that a lot of the young men in my program did not have a stable life at home. Kids would speak to me about the things that were happening in their personal lives. They were going through times of uncertainty, and this was a community where they could truly be themselves and have fun.

This is not just a basketball team, and that’s why I’m in my 5th year of

coaching this team, despite all the time, energy and resources it can take. I’m passionate about teaching leadership and life skills through the game of basketball! I have seen countless kids who might appear rough around the edges and have difficulty managing their emotions, grow into positive leaders and strong communicators through this program. Something I am passionate about is creating opportunities for my players to train younger kids as well. These young men have taken pride in giving back to their communities. This summer, I want to provide even more opportunities for them to travel and be

successful.

With all of the hopes of growing the team and covering gym and

tournament fees there are some financial struggles and challenges. As a teacher and coach, I have limited time and money, which means I’ve faced many financial losses during tournaments and practices to allow these kids to play and have a safe environment. The AZ GorillAZ have been playing in the same practice jerseys for the past four years and many of them are ripped and beat up. We need help purchasing new uniforms that the kids can be proud of. The team is also looking for funds for tournaments outside of Phoenix and to explore together. Last summer, we took a trip to Tucson, and it was literally a life-changing experience. Many of the boys had their first hiking experience on that trip. We cooked meals as a team, ate together, and introduced the kids to pickleball and spikeball, creating memories that will last for a lifetime.

I am asking for your help because God has provided me with an opportunity to connect and give back to the young men in my community. For four years, I have coached the team without charging a club fee or making a profit, charging only what is needed to cover the gym space and tournament fees. Something special is taking place, and I feel a calling to continue this work. With your much needed help, I can continue to coach this club that brings

basketball knowledge, training, comradery, life-skills, and most importantly a place that’s home.

Estimated Costs for the 2025 Season:

Gym Space for Practice: $2,500 ($50 an hour)

Tournament Fees: $5,250 ($350 per tournament)

New Uniforms: $1,800

Travel Opportunities: If possible, I would like to take the boys on 3 different trips this season. Each trip would cost us about $2,500 for lodging, food, and travel expenses.

Total Expenses for 2025 Season: $17,000

*** video created by Silas Tolles of Wildhues***

http://wildhues.co/