How the Hialeah Parks Department launched its “Elite” travel basketball program
By Gian Barzaga
In a landmark development for the local athletic community, the Hialeah Parks and Community Engagement Department proudly introduced Hialeah Elite, the city's first-ever travel basketball program. This is the culmination of visionary leadership, relentless hard work, and countless hours of dedication from all involved.
With a new administration, Hialeah has revived the community's love for recreational basketball; the general program previously hosted about 200 athletes but now accommodates 580 participants. Still, despite the two-year rebuild, there was hunger for more.
A Passion For Hoops
The historic launch of the Hialeah Elite reflects the city’s commitment to nurturing young athletic talent and honoring residents’ passion for basketball.
Known for its vibrant culture and passionate community, Hialeah has long been a hub for local sports, but the new program represents a bold step forward. Hialeah Elite is designed to offer young athletes a higher level of competition and exposure, bridging the gap between recreational play and elite basketball and enabling them to compete at regional and national levels.
Before any program starts, leaders know that carrying out a vision requires meeting financial needs. Mayor Esteban Bovo was a strong supporter of the department and understood the importance of ensuring Hialeah’s youth could access new opportunities. Also critical was the continuous belief of departmental leadership, most notably Director William Sanchez and Deputy Director Michael Festa. With their support, Assistant Park Managers Juan Rebellon and Shawn Schulman were empowered to soar to new heights.
"We envision Hialeah Elite as a catalyst for change in our local sports scene," says Rebellon, the program’s director. "Our goal is to create an environment where young athletes can thrive, not only as players but also as individuals who contribute positively to their communities."
During the inaugural season, all participating players accessed several opportunities, including participation in practices at local high school gyms and elite training from high school coaches. Many participants were invited to join various team practices, and eight of the 10 players joined high school rosters for the fall season. Their success is a testament to the program's Head Coach, Schulman, and his dedication to the teams.
Breaking Down Barriers
Hialeah Elite offers many benefits to local players:
Access To Elite Competition: Before Hialeah Elite, many young athletes from the area had limited access to competitive travel basketball. This program provides a gateway to regional and national tournaments, allowing players to compete against top-tier teams and gain invaluable experience.
Inclusive Opportunities: Hialeah Elite was designed with inclusivity in mind, offering opportunities for players of varying skill levels and backgrounds. By creating a comprehensive program that includes multiple age groups and skill divisions, the initiative ensures that every young athlete has a chance to participate and develop.
Community Empowerment: The program has fostered a sense of unity and pride within the community. Local families and businesses have rallied around Hialeah Elite, supporting the program through sponsorships, volunteerism, and enthusiastic game attendance. The community’s backing has been crucial in establishing the program and demonstrating how local support can drive significant achievements.
Development And Growth: Hialeah Elite is not only about competition; it's also about development. The program emphasizes skill-building, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Coaches and trainers focus on nurturing players' athletic abilities, character, and leadership skills. This holistic approach breaks down barriers to personal development and encourages players to excel on and off the court.
Reducing Economic Barriers: Understanding that financial constraints can be a significant barrier for many families, Hialeah Elite has implemented scholarship opportunities and financial aid to ensure talented players from all socioeconomic backgrounds can participate. This commitment to affordability makes the program more accessible and inclusive.
All of this year’s participants played the game they love for free. How was this possible? The department is committed to ensuring equity in the community, and leadership allocated sufficient funds to open the program at zero cost to participants. "This was a blessing in disguise, and something I wish was available to me when I was a park kid," says Rebellon.
The players recognized the extraordinary opportunity before them and were careful not to waste it. Hialeah Elite registered for three summer tournaments, two of which the players won. This was an impressive feat, but even more noteworthy considering the program included participants who had never experienced travel basketball. There could not have been a better way to start a new travel program.
Now that the initiative has officially been launched, the outlook has only become brighter. The players can't wait to compete again, and the community support has grown immensely. Local park kids talk about the teams and express their hopes of joining the program. The players’ families are happy with the coaches' work and wish for the program to continue. Rebellon recently received the green light to register for more tournaments.
Hialeah Elite stands as a beacon of progress, demonstrating that with vision, dedication, and community support, it is possible to overcome barriers and create opportunities that empower and inspire. The parks department hopes the program’s success motivates other municipal departments to invest in similar programs and to introduce new experiences that help build up communities.
Gian Barzaga is the Parks & Recreational Supervisor for the City of Hialeah’s Parks & Community Engagement Department. He can be reached at gbarzaga@hialeahfl.gov.