With 2025 Right Around the Corner UPB Reflects on a Memorable 2024

By: Dylan Tehada

2024 has been a year to remember here at UPBasketball! In our first full year in the new facility, so many memories were made, whether it be hosting a Mini Camp for NBA and college athletes at the gym, putting on our second annual Mental Skills Clinic with Coach Betchart or adding new members to the team. In the spirit of celebrating 2024 with the new year approaching, we will be recapping all of the biggest events from this past year! 

Even in year 8 of UPB being in business, new ways to bring basketball to families and athletes were introduced. This year was characterized by so many fun and unique events from our Mom’s Basketball Clinic to our 3v3 League where athletes got to go head to head in the gym to our Father’s Day Clinic bringing fathers and their sons together to play ball. Amongst all these events, many milestones were achieved, one of them being the one year anniversary in the new gym.

“My personal highlight and favorite part of the year was our one year anniversary event at the new gym. It was a great turnout and we had so many people come join us for group training, food trucks and raffle tickets,” said UPB’s Operations Manager, Madisen Carter. “Our community is what makes us us, so it was a great experience to give back to them. We truly appreciate their continuous support.”

UPB even ventured outside of the Bay Area as Coach Packie trained with NBA athletes in Santa Barbara for the Pre-Draft process and attended this year’s NBA Draft in New York and the All-Star game in Indiana.  During the Pre-Draft process, Coach Packie and fellow UPB staff trained with prospective NBA athletes, seven of which were drafted in this year’s draft! Coach Packie continues to train with NBA clientele, such as Jalen Williams, EJ Liddell and more in the midst of the young NBA season!

“This year, we got to do some really exciting things at UPB and really spend a full offseason with the majority of our clients. From the Pre-Draft process to the NBA Draft to Summer League to holding our Mini Camp where we brought some vets and college players to help prepare for the year,” Coach Packie said.

Here at UPB we seek to push the boundaries of basketball training and innovate new ways for athletes of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels to elevate their hoops skills. One area of focus has been empowering young female athletes to showcase their passion for the game and train at the gym. In prior years, UPB has hosted all girls group training, but this year marked the first ongoing weekly all girls group and was one of the staff’s many achievements.

“I think a big achievement this year was creating an ongoing all girls group on Sundays and Wednesdays. It has always been a goal for us to push women’s basketball, so to have a consistent opportunity for these girls to have a safe space for them to learn and build their confidence is amazing,” Carter said.

This year, UPB also announced new and exciting partnerships with brands like Lululemon and the Women’s Coaching Alliance, bringing in new members of the UPB community. One of the marquee events this year was the Mom’s clinic at the gym in March. During this clinic, moms were coached by UPB staff and coaches from the Women’s Coaching Alliance in order to better understand the game and further support their athletes. Additionally, in support of the Women’s Coaching Alliance UPB staff attended a fundraiser to show our support for their cause and to continue advocating for women’s involvement in sports. To continue building on providing opportunities for female athletes, UPB will be hosting an All-Girls 3v3 league in January!

With 2025 right around the corner, new horizons loom near. As we reflect on all the memories made and achievements accomplished in 2024, we look forward to 2025 to keep thinking of new ways to share our love and passion for hoops. Year over year UPB has reached new athletes in memorable and profound ways, and we seek to keep that ball rolling going into the new year.

When asked what excites her most about 2025, UPB’s Director of Operations, Ruta Savickaite said, “Growth! I feel like we are on a path to something bigger than 2024 and I am excited about that!”

We are all excited for the upcoming year and cannot wait for all the memories to be made and stories to be told. From our home to yours, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!