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Congratulations To Our First Ever
TFA Tuition Scholarship Recipients!
Growing up in a split house hold and having a dad that has always lived far from me, I had to search for a father figure in my life. Not that I don’t love my dad but that doesn’t make him a great dad. Whether or not coach Hector or JJ know it they have been those father figures in my life, I’ve tried my best to live my life based on the words of advice they’d give me every practice. Not only did they provide the father figures a boy needs but they also made me into the basketball player I was. I played high school ball and all the coaches did was hold me back from being the best I could be, they never gave me the freedom to play my game. And as for the friendships I’ve made on the journey with TFA, they are the most cherished part of it all.
Zamare Evans has been a TFA member since the 6th grade. He is a graduate of Bradford High School
will be attending
Gateway Technical College
Area of study - Psychology
Alex Robison has been a TFA member since the 7th grade. He is a graduate of Indian Trail High School
College is undecided at this time
TFA was an amazing experience. It was always considered a second home to me. It was always more than basketball to me, it was more of a life style. Seeing the growth in the program before my own eyes is simply great. It hurts knowing that i'll be done playing with the team that encouraged me to do better. I'm so thankful to have this program apart of me. I feel I grew as the program did, and I continue to grow with this program. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of this family, and taking me in to teach me more. I honestly can say i fell in love with this game thanks to you.
Jack Grosz has been a TFA member since the 7th grade. He is a graduate of Saint Joseph Catholic Academy
Will be attending
Marquette University
Area of study -
Team First and the bond I have grown with every single player and coach has influenced me in my life to give one hundred percent in everything I do and to fight for those you love. I was able to go to practice and let go of anything bothering me because there were never any bad vibes when we were all together. We were, and still are, a brotherhood. I have gained friendships that I never would've had if I didn't join the TFA family. Most importantly, I gained lifelong friends and mentors in Coach Jones and Coach Hector. They are more than just coaches to me and they will always be there for me. TFA was always there for me and always will be. I will look back at the days I spent with my TFA brothers and have nothing but good memories.
Nick Barden has been a TFA member since the 6th grade. He is a graduate of Tremper High School
Will be attending
Carthage College
Area of study - Business Management
These past seven years of kk heat/ team first all stars have created some of my best memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. This program has made me not only a better basketball player but also a better man. The coaches that guided me threw this process have taught me essential life lessons on and off the court that I wouldn't exchange for anything.
Diego Carter has been a TFA member since the 5th grade. He is a graduate of Indian Trail High School with a 3.0 GPA
Will be attending
Northland College
Area of study -
Team First All Stars To me TFA is an organization that not only gave me responsibility on and off the court but also helped me be the young adult I am today. Coach JJ and my father Coach Hector pushed me every day in the classroom and on the basketball court. TFA also made me feel welcome from the beginning. They pushed me and everyone else in the organization in the classroom by giving us grade reports. These grade reports included our grades, comments, and our teachers signature. If these reports were not turned in the next practice we were not allowed to play, and on top of that the whole team was punished. This meant a lot to me because it showed how much Coach JJ and my dad cared about us. It stood out a lot when I played for my high school team when the coaches never asked how we were doing in class. But each and every practice Coach JJ and my dad asked us. From the very beginning Coach JJ made me feel welcome. In the 5th grade I started playing basketball for him. It was my second year of organized basketball so I was very nervous. But throughout the season I felt more and more comfortable with Coach JJ as my coach. He stayed on top of me and pushed me every day. He helped me work on my weaknesses such as, my left hand and ball handling. In conclusion, TFA is like a second family to me. They welcomed me in, pushed me every day, gave me responsibilities, and mold me into the young adult I am today.
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