Year in Review: UPB’s Player Development Coaches Reflect on 2023
December 28, 2023
By Dylan Tehada
This year was definitely one to remember for the UPB community. Many milestones were achieved in 2023 from opening a new facility to incorporating virtual Mental Skills Training with Coach Joey to introducing our first All Girls and Little Hoopers training sessions. We are grateful for gaining more youth and pro clients and having the opportunity to continue helping athletes realize their unlimited potential on and off the court. We are looking forward to the many milestones and memories in store for the future at UPB.
As 2023 comes to a close, UPB’s player development coaches reflected on what they were most grateful for and proudest of this past year. As 2024 looms near, these coaches seek to build on the lessons they learned and continue to make an impact on the next generation of Bay Area hoopers.
What does the UPB community mean to you?
“The UPB community is a huge reason I love coming to the gym for work. Getting to know the parents of the athletes I work with is a major focal point for creating the best route for development. I always feel support and trust from our community here and it contributes to the great energy we have at UPB. I want to wish everyone who’s a part of this community a happy holiday season, and more importantly, a thank you for all the support and positive energy they give us.” - Coach Joey Hewitt
What is your favorite part of being a Player Development Coach at UPB?
“My favorite part of being a player development coach at UPB is getting the chance to help players improve their skills. Getting to watch players level up within their game is very rewarding and shows the confidence and dedication they have in me to help get them to a new level. I strive to share the knowledge I know and use that as an asset when training players to help them reach their goals.” - Coach Brittney Cedeno
What are your goals in the next year as a Player Development Coach?
“My goals are to continue to grow our clients’ skills and fundamentals and also help expand their knowledge in game situations and understanding the overall game better and more in depth. I also hope to help bring in more high level female players who can be examples to our young clients who have dreams of playing at a higher level.” - Coach Hannah Johnson
What are you most proud of this year?
“I am most proud of being able to give back to the community through the game of basketball and being able to teach all the kids the skills and values that come with the game of basketball. It’s a really rewarding feeling being able to connect with the athletes and see their work pay off by them improving their game and making their school teams or playing better.” -Coach Walter Lum
What are you most thankful for this year?
“I’m most thankful for my co-workers! I have been able to make some genuine relationships with some awesome people. Makes it a privilege to come into work everyday!” - Coach Danny LaFortune
With 2024 around the corner, we are looking forward to continue making an impact on the next generation of hoopers and sharing our love and joy for basketball. The best has yet to come for UPB and we are excited to continue growing and learning with the athletes that make the UPB Community so special. Here’s to more shared laughs, priceless memories, lessons learned, and friendships made. Happy New Year from the UPB family to yours!
