Hamilton Transformation Academy was started in 2024 by Head Coach Josh Garrick and Emma Evans as a way to give back to their community. Growing up in Downtown Hamilton/Mount Hope, Josh had his share of challenges including frequently running afoul of the law and having much difficulty in school. He fought to come out the other side with the support that not everyone is able to receive, and is now living his dream life as a youth basketball coach, trainer and mentor.

Emma, a native Hamiltonian, was diagnosed with ADHD as a child through school. Emma was able to perceiver through her own unique challenges with flying colours. Emma graduated Redeemer University with minors in Psychology, Criminal Justice and a double major in Education and Physical Ed. Basketball became an outlet for Emma and kept her on track through school and university. She met Coach Josh in 2016, and now channels her passion into HTA—creating a safe, supportive space where youth can thrive through sport.

Coach Josh’s passion for giving back through sport is what drew me to him. All it took was one late night conversation between him and I for me to decide to help with this program. The passion and conviction that Coach Josh acts, coaches, speaks, and leads himself around these youth is admirable. He has been where these kids are and he’s been through worse. There is no one better to provide guidance and empathy and the room to grow into young adults, than Coach Josh through HTA.

Together, our team finds common ground through helping today’s youth mature into great members of society and to grow their ambitions to go further. HTA is a completely not for profit organization and depends on its community and donours to help fund kids’ playing fees, facility rental fees, uniforms, and other league costs. Hamilton native Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a guiding light to what’s possible and HTA is another way to help today’s kids find their own way to success and bright futures.

As a volunteer organization, our campaign is aimed at being able to provide financial assistance for players in need. Currently our short fall is $4,400 for league fees, $2,995 for for facility rental fees and uniforms, and to plan for our growing player base for next year that will also need financial assistance which is estimated to cost $5,000 for a campaign goal of 12,395

If you would like to become more involved in sponsoring our program please reach out to Coach Josh directly for sponsorship packages. If you feel that you or your organization may be able to help in another way please contact us and we’d love to talk!

Thank you for your consideration, our team is always working hard to find opportunities for youth to improve themselves, your help will allow them to grow even more.