- Empowering underrepresented youth through sports mentoring-
- Providing access to opportunities and resources for personal growth-
- Cultivating a supportive community for success on and off the court and beyond the game-
Basketball has been a vehicle. It has provided so many opportunities beyond the game and I am forever grateful for this journey.
My personal goal is to create an environment that serves as an incubator for mentoring through sports. I’m using my experiences, knowledge, and expertise to help young people benefit both on the court and beyond the game.
Coach Mike, Retired international pro player, mentor and coach.
Great Gain Athletics Association Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit sports mentoring organization serving the Los Angeles area and surrounding communities. We seek to improve the lives and well being of youth and young adults through our sports mentoring programs, activities and events. Our purpose is to provide access to opportunities, resources and guidance for underrepresented young people who may have experienced socioeconomic disadvantages. Our vision is to cultivate a mentoring community through one of a kind experiences that give young people the best chances to succeed as athletes on the court and beyond the game.
REACH BACK. GUIDE FORWARD.
Our vision is to cultivate a mentoring community that connects with young people through unique and memorable sports experiences. We aim to provide a supportive, judgment-free environment where youth can develop essential skills, tools, and work ethic for success. Our goal is to empower them to advance in their careers as positive, productive members of society, challenging negative perceptions and stereotypes along the way.
As advocates for mental health and wellness, we are deeply committed to the social, economic, academic, and psychological development of young people from at-risk and underrepresented communities. For many, basketball has become a refuge that extends beyond the game. It imparts crucial life lessons, preparing young people for challenges that might otherwise hinder them from achieving their goals. Without proper guidance, many face difficult choices that could jeopardize their chances of success in life.
Coach Mike, a Chicago native who only began playing organized basketball at 17, was once considered an under-the-radar, misguided athlete with little faith in a basketball career. His outlook changed when his high school coach saw his potential. As Mike realized he could play at a high level, he also became aware of the lack of resources and mentorship needed to support his journey. After eight years as an international professional athlete, coach, and mentor, Mike quickly recognized that many young people—especially young Black males—had experiences paralleling his own. Driven by this realization, Mike and his wife, Tricia, decided it was time to take action. They founded Great Gain Athletics Association Inc., with flagship programs focusing on building community, mental health, education and training, and sports mentorship.