By: Marcus Young
"I’m just a kid in a candy store right now, trying to have fun. I’m getting a chance to show my ability and my talent." Dwyane Wade, NBA Hall of Famer
I began playing basketball later than most athletes. My interest started while watching the Miami Heat dominate the NBA, winning back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. Seeing a team succeed at the highest level sparked my curiosity and made me want to try the sport myself.
I officially started playing in sixth grade, practicing every lunchtime at school and bringing my own ball to get extra time on the court. Eventually, I got a hoop at home, which allowed me to practice even more. The more I played, the more I fell in love with the game.
I joined a team at my local YMCA for several seasons and played briefly for my middle school in eighth grade. Those experiences strengthened my skills and love for teamwork. My journey expanded in high school when I joined Showcase Basketball, where I learned from dedicated coaches, traveled for games, and developed leadership skills. While still a player, I began volunteering at camps, assisting and eventually coaching younger players. Over time, Showcase became more than a team—it became a place where I grew as a leader while helping others improve on and off the court. Each summer after college, I returned to guide players, building both my leadership and coaching skills while helping them grow on and off the court.
Soon after graduating college, I had the opportunity to become the head coach for middle school basketball—the same age when I first fell in love with the game. A calling is often described as the place where your passions meet the world’s needs, and in that moment, mine had come full circle.
A calling starts with what you love and grows through serving others.
Being able to pour into the next generation and teach them what I learned as a player is incredibly meaningful. I enjoy helping young athletes develop confidence, discipline, and a love for the game. What began as a simple interest, sparked by watching champions on television, has grown into something much bigger. Basketball has ultimately become my pathway to mentoring others.
What passions in your life might be pointing you toward a calling?
How can your experiences help guide the next generation forward?
