The Coaches
Coach Jason has been a basketball fan since he could remember. While playing basketball in High School and experiencing a major injury, what was once a dream of playing basketball at a more competitive level, became an after thought. Although he became discouraged, the love of the game never died.
After spending several years solely in IT, he sought an opportunity as a volunteer basketball coach, which evolved into other coaching opportunities over several years. This included working as a lead coach for The Christian Laettner Basketball Academy, an assistant coach for a H.S and an assistant coach for a travel basketball team.
Jason's passion for both basketball and working with kids created 4 The Kids Basketball Academy.
Coach Diego aka Coach D was born in Peru but was raised in Jacksonville his entire life. Formerly a real estate agent, he decided to quit and focus on being a basketball coach. Played in local clubs, he has a desire to help children understand the fundamentals of the game and allow them to get better at the game of basketball. He's hard working and will try to help a kid in any way that he can.
Coach Monie aka Coach Mo hails from Harlem, NY relocating to Jacksonville, FL in 2019. Since 2019 she’s been with I9 Sports as a volunteer prior to joining the Academy. With experience as a basketball player from elementary school through college, her passion for the game has never left. She has a passion for working with children and families, and helping others. The collaboration between 4 The Kids Basketball Academy and I9 Sports Jacksonville, affords her the opportunity to combine her athletic experience with her passion, while meeting many amazing kids. She’s looking forward to continuing the legacy.
Coach Alexis was born and raised in Augusta, GA. and moved to Jacksonville, FL in 2019. After receiving her B.S in Medical Sociology, she went on to receive her M.A in Teaching from the University of North Florida. She is currently in her 4th year as an educator in Duval County. Lester has the passion for working with student-athletes to teach core sports principles, teamwork, and lifelong strategies for success. She has previously coached for multiple YMCA’s and elementary public-school leagues. She is currently the head coach at Oceanway Middle school. She has a commitment to growing future athletes as people first and players second.
The History
4 The Kids Basketball Academy was created to develop the basketball skills of kids ranging in age from 3 to 13 years old in an individual, group or camp settings. At the Academy we understand the patience and enthusiasm required to engage our younger kids, as well as the insight and connections needed to keep the interest of our older groups. Keeping that in mind, our coaches do their best to create a fun learning environment with age-appropriate challenges to mold more disciplined, skillful basketball players and overall athletes.