One court, two generations: how teen coaches at Smbball are inspiring the next wave of basketball leaders

After roughly half a year of consistent mentorship from high school coaches, young players at San Marcos Basketball are developing skills, confidence, and leadership on and off the court. In addition, the launch of a new girls' team further strengthens the nonprofit's commitment to building a lasting pipeline of athletes, trainers, and community leaders.

Dedicated to uplifting young athletes in San Marcos, California, nonprofit San Marcos Basketball (Smbball) has spent years building more than just basketball skills-it has likewise cultivated a community where mentorship, growth, and teamwork can thrive. Through its programs, today's players not only learn the fundamentals of the game but also attain confidence, resilience, and the tools to navigate challenges on and off the court.

Central to this mission are high school coaches Lila Swisher, Ximena Oltean, and Ezekiel Gachalian, who have spent the past six months guiding 3rd- and 4th-graders in their basketball journey. With consistent instruction, thoughtful feedback, and steady encouragement, they have transformed routine practices into moments when young athletes not only sharpen their skills-they also witness, up close, the genuine meaning of effectively leading and inspiring a generation. Essentially, children confirm firsthand that the players they look up to today can indeed become the coaches, mentors, and stars of tomorrow, creating a living cycle of evolution and opportunity that extends far beyond any single season.

"A coaching role wasn't on my radar at first, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of my high school journey so far. Growing up, sports have been my foundation. I've played basketball competitively for six years, including being a starter on my school's varsity team. And it is through rigorous training that I've learned the value of discipline, resilience, and leading by example-lessons I wanted to pass on," said Oltean, boys youth basketball coach assistant.

Building on the success of these mentorships, Smbball has launched a new Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team for girls in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Such expansion allows additional children to benefit from hands-on guidance while reinforcing the organization's European-style, team-first philosophy, which prioritizes collaboration, accountability, and life skills alongside athletic development. In doing so, the program widens the pipeline-ensuring that more young hoopers have an early entry point into structured training and a clearer path to continue advancing within the sport for years to come.

For Swisher, the main coach for 3rd- and 4th-graders, that long-term vision has always been clearly reflected in the environment they fostered during practices. "Sports are about more than competition; they promote confidence, discipline, and character. And this is what I strive to create-an environment where every athlete feels supported, challenged, and motivated to grow both on and off the court," she said.

More than simply expanding the game, Smbball also places its nonprofit programs-such as camps, clinics, and other community events-at the forefront, intentionally reaching out to families who might otherwise miss the excitement and invaluable lessons of basketball due to financial constraints. This commitment not only eliminates obstacles to participation but also creates consistent, structured opportunities for young athletes to flourish, regardless of their economic background.

With this, Smbball now invites girls in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades from San Marcos and nearby communities to try out for its new AAU team. Practices are held twice a week at San Elijo Middle School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m., with games on Saturdays and Sundays. The program runs year-round, preparing athletes for middle school basketball, with a three-month season costing $450 plus a one-time equipment fee of $80. But because the team is limited to just eight players, early tryouts are strongly encouraged to secure a spot. For more information or assistance with registration, you may contact the organization at 760-696-7959 or fill out their form.

San Marcos Basketball
Hilda Oltean
San Elijo Middle School, San Marcos, CA
1600 Schoolhouse Way San Marcos, CA 92078
Phone: (760) 696-7959

San Marcos Basketball is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization in San Marcos, California, that offers quality basketball programs pushing for youth development. Among these are training camps, mentorships, and other competitive opportunities made accessible with the help of dedicated coaches and volunteers. To learn more about the organization, visit https://www.smbball.org/

This release was published on openPR.