For most people, the Boys and Girls Club Canyon Branch is just a regular boys and girls club where kids/teens get to waste time. But for my brother and me, some of our most incredible memories have come from that place. I remember hanging out with friends, playing video games, learning to sail, and, most of all, playing sports. Whenever I went to the BAGC, I was doing something sports-related. There was always some other sport to play indoors or outdoors at the BAGCCB. But above all, basketball was the best sport to play there. You could have played on the outdoor or indoor courts, where multiple pick-up games would have already started. The best part was that the BAGC offered a basketball league during the winter season. There were various girls’ and boys’ leagues that each went up to the 5th grade. Each year, I would compete in this league, which would lead to the playoffs and, hopefully, a championship. There were also other events like the three-point contest and the All-Star game. Over my years at this beautiful place, I accumulated many great experiences, wins, and championships. I know many people who went there also had some of their best memories and are now doing other things in middle or high school.

Almost a week ago, I could revisit my memories by returning to the BAGC. When my one-year-old younger brother and I reviewed this place, the kind staff of the BAGC brought us in with welcome arms. Before this visit, I knew I wanted to coach at the BAGC, but I hadn’t had time to go over there and sign up. When I went back to the BAGC, there happened to be a joint practice going on. I could watch and then talk with the director(head of the sports department when I was there) Eric and young athletes about my experiences at the BAGC and that I hoped to coach there. The director told me this practice had two teams, as one didn’t have a coach. When the director told the young 5th-grade athletes that my brother and I would be their coaches, they were very excited. The director also started a scrimmage, so my new team got to face off against his. Our team(the Warriors) was eventually able to win the scrimmage. I was lucky enough to get offered the coaching position, and I am very enthusiastic about getting started coaching.

For our team’s first game, we played the Cavaliers who are coached by Hanes who used to be the director when I was there. The Warriors played amazingly and were able to excel in all gameplay. We were up by at least ten points by the half but toward the end, we were able to sneak away with a win.