GBA’s mission is to empower youth by developing their athletic skills, leadership, work ethic, world view, and enhancing their commitment to the community.
At Gil Basketball Academy (GBA), the game is just the beginning. GBA trains youth in East Salinas to lead—with discipline, purpose, and heart. From the first practice to community events and speaking engagements, young athletes learn the power of presence, responsibility, and service. Coaches are mentors. Teammates become a second family. This year, MC Gives! donations will support GBA’s leadership development curriculum, mental wellness workshops, and opportunities for youth to speak publicly about their experiences. GBA isn’t just building players, it’s building leaders who are ready to rise in their schools, families, and neighborhoods. Every dollar helps shape the next generation of changemakers.
Coordinated youth activities are virtually non-existent in East Salinas. After an assessment of school and organizational services it was found that the opportunities available within this area are very limited. Our community needs enriching activities that involve the students through physical activity. GBA provides this venue for youth to be able to play basketball in their own neighborhood. Through the GBA league, children as young as four years old can now participate in organized sports.
The GBA programs annually serve over 350 youth from the Alisal Union, Salinas City, and Salinas Union School Districts. We encourage youth leadership by providing character building workshops during our practice sessions and service learning projects for our youth to develop their external and internal assets so that they can become healthy, caring, responsible, and contributing members of their community.
Before joining Gil Basketball Academy, I lacked confidence. I rarely spoke up and often questioned my abilities both on and off the court. But being surrounded by passionate coaches, dedicated teammates, and inspiring college mentors helped me break out of my shell and begin believing in myself. One of my most unforgettable experiences was traveling with GBA to Japan and Greece, where we connected with student athletes from around the world. It opened my eyes to new cultures and made me realize that the world is so much bigger than Monterey County. Through this journey, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about personal achievement it’s about uplifting others and building community. Thanks to GBA, I don’t just believe in myself, I believe in my ability to dream beyond basketball.
- Diego Hernandez, Salinas
