Dan has been a member of the GABL Youth Sports Foundation Board of Directors for the past three years. His backround as a small business owner and 30 years of basketball officiating experience made this the perfect fit for volunteer efforts. “This organization is one of the largest and most successful in the country,” says Dan. “It is a perfect venue for me to share my knowledge and give something back to the community.”

Dan commits approximately 10 hours per month to volunteering with GABL. He oversees two committees and attends bi-monthly board meetings. The Board is commited to providing the best experience possible for the boys and girls who participate. “Making sure that GABL is financially sound is one my favorite things about working with the foundation,” says Dan. “The more financially sound we are, the more kids we can serve.

Serving is something that Dan does best. Whether at work giving his best to his clients or “out on the court”, for GABL, his desire is for everyone to succeed. “I have the easiest job of managing the affairs of the foundation,” says Dan. “The real heros are the volunteer coaches who allow so many kids an opportunity to be involved and partcipate.” If your interested in volunteering as a coach or know of a child that would like to be involved with GABL, please contact Dan at 913-599-6363 or dan@groupodell.com

Check out our GABL basketball commercial on YouTube. The video explains the numerous programs that the GABL Youth Sports Foundation Offers.

You can watch the video by clicking this link GABL Commercial

Rich Zvosec (Coach Z), former men’s basketball coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), has been hired as director of instruction for the GABL Basketball Academy. Zvosec will oversee staffing and instruction for camps and individual and group instruction programs. Additionally, he will work with the coaches of the Academy’s Elite Team Program to ensure a consistent approach for teams in all grades.
 
“As the GABL Youth Sports Foundation continues its efforts to expand the scope and quality of programs – and the leadership to guide them – having Rich Zvosec agree to become the director of instruction for our GABL Academy is a tremendous step forward for our Foundation,” said Foundation President Derek Majors.
 
The GABL Basketball Academy is designed to help players of all ages improve their individual skills, attitude and knowledge of the game. The program stresses fundamentals and gives individuals the tools to achieve their full potential.

 
“Coach Z’s knowledge of the game of basketball, experience and enthusiasm will enhance the Academy’s current programs and help to develop new ones,” said GABL Managing Director Brett Hunter.
 
Zvosec ended his tenure at UMKC as the school’s all-time winningest coach. In 2005, his team put together a school record 11-game winning streak. Rich was named Mid-Continent Conference (now The Summit League), CBS Sportsline and College Insider Mid-Major Coach of the Year that season. He became one of only 35 active Division I coaches to be named Coach of the Year in two separate conferences at two different schools.
 
Prior to coming to UMKC, Zvosec started the program at the University of  North Florida. In the 4th season of its existence, the team reached the championship game of the Sunshine State Conference tournament.
 
At the age of 27, Rich was the youngest Division I head coach in the country at St. Francis College in New York. He was named the Northeast Conference Coach of the Year in his third season, when the team recorded its most wins in two decades.
 
Zvosec is a published author (Birds, Dogs and Kangeroos-Life on the Back Roads of College Basketball) and highly-respected speaker. He is also an analyst with ESPN and on the Big 12 Network.

More information can be found at gablacademy.com

Briley Sonic Group has renewed its partnership with GABL at the Champion Level. This is the 6th year of the partnership.

 Sonic is the title sponsor for three programs. The scholarship program provides assistance to families whose children need financial assistance in order to play in the league. The golf tournament has been the primary fundraiser for the scholarship program. This year, the tournament will begin providing funds for additional GABL Foundation programs as well. The Honors Program gives the Foundation the opportunity to recognize volunteers, past and present, as well as others who serve youth in the community.The partnership provides exclusivity to Sonic in the fast food industry. In addition, Sonic receives advertising in various publications, a listing on the website and signage at various events.

Four thousand participants, hundreds of games, thousands of fans attending games each weekend, and millions of memories occurred this past season. Through it all, we noticed a tremendous level of sportsmanship by all of the participants. This, to me, shows that everyone was truly a winner. As president of the GABL Youth Sports Foundation, I would like to say:

To all of the players, parents, fans – and especially the coaches, who so graciously gave of their time and talents – thanks!

Hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed watching the games
and their child’s development from week to week. Their
success is not measured by wins or losses – but by what
they have learned about themselves, teamwork and
sportsmanship during this past season.

Appreciation goes out to the referees and gym supervisors
who work hard each week to create a positive and safe game environment for all of the participants.

Need to acknowledge all of the hard work that happens behind the scenes by the staff of GABL and the Basketball League Management Committee. They work tirelessly to make this league the BEST in the city.

Keep vivid in your mind the face of your son or daughter after they scored a basket or made a great play this past season. I’m guessing they will always remember your smiles of pride.

Sincere thanks for selecting GABL this winter season – we hope that we exceeded your expectations.

Derek Majors
President