Founder/Head Coach
Hi, I am Gayle Parks, founder and head coach for the Hoops Mentoring Sports Academy. We started at the Presbyterian Church here in Downey, California. The youths had nothing to do while waiting for their parents after church. We got together to form a team called the Chosen Ones. On Saturdays we practiced and on Sundays after church we played the game. The team got a chance to play against each other to improve their skills and get help with their studies. I am always looking for a challenge. Our first game was with a team from Norwalk. The second one, we got an opportunity to play the Calvary Chapel High School varsity basketball team. Our team learned a valuable lesson and got some great experience. It is not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. I ask the players to give their best effort on the court, and in return no matter whether we win or lose we are still a team. The Hoops Mentoring Sports Academy is not just about playing sports. It is a program to guide the youths and motivate them with a purpose in mind to extend the skills they already have. Improve their education on and off the court. We strive to make future leaders and for them to have options to attain their goals.
I have a Master of Science and Leadership/Sports Administration from San Diego Christian College, Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry from San Diego State College, and an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Cerritos College. I also hold a Certificate of Achievement in Wellness Coaching from Coastline Community College. We welcome you to join us and take the challenge of making a difference in the lives of youths.