WE DON’T CHASE TROPHIES, WE BUILD LEADERS
Our Development Teams
coaching tomorrow’s leaders
We develop more than basketball players. We empower young people to become confident communicators, disciplined decision-makers, and future leaders who are prepared for challenges – on and off the court.
this is a movement, not just a program.
Leaders aren't born, they're built – through discipline, resilience, and courage. Founded by former professional player Coach Jerome Gumbs, EMA Leaders challenges young athletes to overcome setbacks and pursue their greatest ambitions.
WE DON’T JUST SAY
THEM, WE LIVE THEM
LISTENING
ELEVATING
ACCOUNTABILITY
DETERMINATION
EXECUTION
RESILIENCE
SELFLESSNESS
These values are the heartbeat of everything we do, from warm-ups to huddles to how we handle adversity.
Our structure is modeled after collegiate programs, tailored for middle school athletes.
TRAINING FORMAT
2 practices per week
Film Room: 5:30 PM
On-Court Training: 6:00–8:15 PM
1 G365 tournament/month
Monthly scrimmages with elite, values-aligned clubs
DEVELOPMENT COMPONENTS
Strength & Conditioning in USF’s collegiate weight room 2-4 times a month
FREE-Play Weekends: structured skill work and open gym on Saturdays, followed by 2 hours of intense open gym on Sundays
Skills Pods: Small group sessions (4–20 players) for deep, individualized instruction
our TEAMS
If your child is serious about development, hungry to grow and open to being coached the right way – then this is their home! This season we have practice player opportunities available at all levels.
11U GIRLS
12U Boys
13U Boys
White, Blue & Gold
14U Boys
16U BOYS
Blue & Gold
As a parent, you will notice your child:
Walks taller
Speaks with purpose
Treats others with care & confidence
Has a healthier relationship with competition
OUR PLAYERS FEEL:
Belonging
Direction
Growth
Higher IQ
Prepared
“
FIRST-CLASS ORGANIZATION. THE COACHING, THE LEADERSHIP, The Administration, The Philosophy, EVERYTHING.
Jed Katz, EMA Parent
OUR CULTURE IS THE SYSTEM.
IT’S THE STANDARD.
IT’S THE WIN.
DAILY INTENTION
We open every session with a defensive and offensive emphasis
of the day.
ACTIVE LISTENING
No bouncing balls. Eyes up.
This is a non-negotiable.
ACCOUNTABILITY
All players will own their own mistakes. This is the norm.
UNIFIED PRACTICE
6 claps...we create rhythm,
identity while strengthening chemistry.
HELPING HANDS
Lifting each other off the floor makes helping an instinct not a chore.
ALL ARE EQUAL
Practice players are treated as just as vital to the success of the team as our starting five – they train, they grow, they lead.
GET INVOLVED
New teams will launch this fall and recalibrate every six months. Each age group will include a Gold Team (top squad), a Blue Team, and spots for Practice Players. This structure is intentional, it protects our culture, upholds our standards, and provides room for the next generation of leaders to grow.
Unsure if EMA is the right fit for your family?
Come observe a practice. Feel the energy. See the standard. The culture speaks for itself.
At EMA Leaders, we don’t do open tryouts–we hold a Culture Combine. This isn’t about highlights; it’s about testing character, revealing leadership, and ensuring fit matters more than flair.
Reach out to: happytohelp@emaleaders.org
Follow us on Instagram: @empowermeacademy
STAY CONNECTED
Lessons, updates & happenings from Coach Gumbs and the EMA team, delivered monthly.