When Rick Majerus recruited me to play for the University of Utah, I had no idea the passion and pride I would form for this community. I even moved overseas for 17 years and when it was time to come home, SLC was where I wanted to be. The reason why? I knew it was a great community that would be growing in diversity and opportunity. I wanted to be somewhere I could change people’s lives for the better and know I would have the support of the community around me.
Growing up in Gary, IN, I remember what it was like to scrape and claw to play competitive sports; something my friends and I were passionate about. Luckily, we had a couple of parents that were willing to step in and do whatever it took to get us in the game. We had volunteers coach and we would raise money through community bake sales and washing cars. Those people with their time and energy built a foundation for me as a kid and gave me the chance to chase my dreams.
In every corner of America, we need a safe place with leaders of the community focused on developing our underserved and under privileged youth. We also need strong competitive sports & development programs that teach kids the value of teamwork, hard work & perseverance. That is why I founded the BWil Sports Group. Our mission is to implement a basketball & tutoring program which facilitates the personal growth and self-confidence of young athletes from all income groups. And in just a few short years we have proved we can do this. With over 20 scholarships given, 85 kids in after school basketball programs & 21 teams competing at the AAU level, we have built a strong program designed to do just that: facilitate the personal growth and self-confidence of our youth to help them grow to become the future of this community.