Our Organization

 

The Yellow Jackets Organization is a 501C (3) Non-Profit Organization that has been operating for 16 years.  We are governed by a board of individuals that are active in the local community and have lived in the Sacramento Area for over 30+ years. 

 

We are comprised of a diverse group of young athletes from all around the Sacramento Metropolitan area. These individuals receive the fundamental training, preparation, and conditioning for the game of basketball.  We tailor each individuals training based upon their strengths and areas needing improvements.  By providing an understanding of the sport and team dynamics, enables our players to get prepared to pursue their goals in High School and College play.  We recognize, support, and emphasize academic growth and performance as this goes hand-in-hand with athletics. 

 

Our volunteer coaching staff has at least 20+ years previous coaching experience with various age levels.  They all instruct on a foundation of promoting growth of the individual athlete as well as strong team building experiences.  They recognize the team synergy is promoted by a cohesive understanding of the game of basketball and the philosophy that every person on the team contributes.

 

 

 

 

 

Lead Staff Contacts

 

               Mickey Hope                President , Tournament & Staff Director               

                          

               Tiffany Hope                Director of Operations             

 

              

 

 

 

Our Mission

 

The mission of the Yellow Jackets Organization is:

 

‘To promote the growth of a core group of basketball athletes to better themselves as team players and individuals with the purpose of developing leadership skills, sportsmanship, self discipline, academic excellence, and athletic conditioning both on and off of the court’

 

 

 

Our Motto

 

Recognizing that we all have a responsibility to our home, community, and self, our motto defines:

 “EVERY DAY, IN EVERY WAY, WE WILL GET BETTER”

 

It may be straightforward; however, we encompass the development of the full character of our young athletes.  The motto is resounded in the huddle before every game, reminding our young players of the commitment they have made to themselves and their community.  It is also the Organization’s direction in every aspect of every area of life we touch.

 

 

 

 

Our Philosophy

 

The Yellow Jackets Philosophy has allowed our players, parents and/or guardians, and volunteers to maintain an open line of communication that enforces the significance of academic achievement and good character.  Simply put, our Philosophy is:

 

“No Player Left Behind”

 

Our athletes are expected to maintain a ‘B’ grade point average or higher throughout the academic school year.  In support of this, our staff has constructed a program that not only enhances their athletic talents, but propels them to a higher level of individual academic accountability.

 

We accomplish this by monitoring monthly progress reports, making personal tutoring available, assisting with learning sessions with teammates, and provide staff support and cooperation. The success of our program has been acknowledged by peers within youth sports, teachers, counselors, and principals. However, the most rewarding acknowledgement has been from the players who’ve pushed themselves to attain the required GPA’s needed to participate in our events.

 

 

 

 

 

Our Community Commitment

 

The Yellow Jackets Organization believes that volunteering in our community teaches our players and parents the value of kinship and further molds character.  By reinvesting in our community we are reinvesting in ourselves. 

 

Our Organization has become notorious for volunteering for various events.  Our latest has been:

• St. John’s Shelter
• AAU Can & Food Drive
• Neighborhood Clean Up Drive ( done monthly in Spring & Summer)

 

Our athletes have learned the value of making and keeping commitments, and how we can be accountable for making a difference in another’s life. It also demonstrates that even one person can make a difference, which is such an empowering message for our young athletes.

 

Most importantly, they learn the benefit of sacrifice. Whether it’s sacrificing time to play with neighborhood friends or missing out on Saturday morning cartoons, they visually see the impact they can have on someone or something else by simply donating a little extra time.

 

 

 

 

 

Testimonials

 

“During the 2007-2012 AAU Basketball seasons, Sacramento Area Sports (SAS) became very familiar with the Yellow Jackets Basketball Club. As a leading host of AAU youth basketball tournaments in the greater Sacramento Area, SAS was privileged to have the Yellow Jacket teams participating in over 20 of our AAU sanctioned events.  AAU basketball is an extremely competitive youth sport. The competitive nature of this sport brings out the intense emotions in all people. Strong and positive leadership is needed to set the right example for our youth; our future leaders.  Over the last year, the staff of SAS and I, have witnessed first hand the overwhelming positive attitude of the entire Yellow Jackets Organization.  I am proud to say that the Yellow Jackets Organization represents what our youth need in a basketball club.”

~ Charles Baldwin, Executive Director, Sac Area Sports

www.sacareasports.net

 

 

 

 

“The Yellow Jacket organization has been the ultimate basketball TEAM experience. ‘Team’ is the key word starting with the Yellow Jacket philosophy.  What makes these teams thrive are the people who believe in the philosophy of the team spirit. The Yellow Jacket's set of beliefs are held in high regard from the directors, coaches, team moms and parents; including relatives of the parents. Yellow Jackets coaches really love our players, which encourages excellent basketball on the court...and we love our hardworking, dedicated coaches.  Yellow Jackets have made a difference to us, the Williams family. Celebrating a national championship was remarkable....being a part of the Yellow Jackets Family...is truly priceless!”

                                                                                              “Go YELLLOOWWW Jackets! “

~ Denise Williams, Active Yellow Jackets parent

 

 

 

 

 “Our coaches motivate, encourage, provide the tools and resources, listen, and enforce the proper way of acting as a student athlete. Most important, these coaches care about each player. My son’s coach takes the time to stop by schools, daycares, recitals, award ceremonies, or other athletic events. They really show these kids that there’s more to life than sports, and that as their coach they support all areas of special interest for a player.  The amount of time and energy that is dedicated is beyond measures. They stress the importance of friendship and loyalty, respect and pride, good and bad decisions, and overall character building that is essential to these children. I can tell you personally that I spent 5 years toting my family around to basketball games, football practice, baseball games, and yet coming to a Yellow Jackets Event is like coming home. No matter how tired we may be, it’s motivation enough to go just to watch the growth and fun our kids are having.”

~ Erika Terrell, Active Yellow Jackets Volunteer Member