What does it really take to build a youth basketball program that develops more than just basketball players?

In Episode 11 of the REI Sports Network, Debrina Wright sits down with Kenneth Sanders, co-founder of East Valley Basketball, for a conversation about coaching, player development, community, and what youth basketball can—and should—look like.

Kenneth shares his journey from getting started as a young coach to helping build East Valley Basketball into a community-centered program. The conversation explores why foundational skill development still matters, how youth sports changed after COVID, the importance of creating opportunities for beginners and girls, and why coaches have a responsibility to develop the person as much as the player.

They also get into the growth of 3v3 basketball, parent engagement, mental health and sportsmanship, the challenges of finding facilities and building sustainable leagues, and how technology and modern training are changing the game.

And because you can't put two basketball people together without eventually debating basketball, Debrina and Kenneth have a little fun with the legends, the GOAT conversation, and some rapid-fire basketball questions.

This episode is for parents, coaches, athletes, program directors, and anyone who believes youth sports should be about development, opportunity, community, and preparing young people for more than the next game.

Episode 11 | Built From the Ground Up
Featuring Kenneth Sanders, Co-Founder of East Valley Basketball

🎙️ REI Sports Network — Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.

What happens when the traditional school model doesn’t fit the life, goals, or opportunities of a student-athlete?

In Episode 10 of the REI Sports Network, the questions get turned around as Debrina Wright, Co-Founder of REI Prep, steps into the guest seat for 21 Questions and shares the vision, purpose, and thinking behind building a different kind of educational experience for young people in sports.

REI Prep was created around a simple reality: students shouldn’t have to choose between pursuing their education and pursuing the opportunities that can shape their future.

Debrina breaks down what REI Prep actually is, who it serves, and why the program was designed to support more than traditional student-athletes. From basketball and competitive sports to esports, digital athletes, and students interested in careers throughout the sports industry, REI Prep is building an environment where education works alongside a student’s goals—not against them.

The conversation explores the flexibility of online education combined with real-world experiences, NCAA-approved coursework, college preparation, athletic development, travel and competition, and the importance of creating community even when students aren't sitting inside a traditional classroom five days a week.

Debrina also talks about the bigger picture: helping students understand that the sports industry extends far beyond playing the game. Media, business, coaching, operations, technology, esports, events, and countless other career pathways can all become part of how young people begin imagining their futures.

And because supporting a student means supporting the family around them, the conversation also touches on parents, siblings, logistics, community, and why REI Prep continues to evolve around what families actually need.

In this episode:

• Why REI Prep was created
• What makes the REI Prep model different
• Supporting student-athletes without sacrificing academics
• NCAA-approved coursework and college readiness
• Esports and the Digital Athlete pathway
• Exploring careers throughout the sports industry
• Creating flexibility for training, travel, tournaments, and competition
• Building community within an online educational model
• Supporting families and siblings
• Preparing students for life beyond the game
• The long-term vision for REI Prep

This episode is for student-athletes, parents, coaches, educators, and anyone interested in what education can look like when we stop asking young people to fit into one system—and start building systems that recognize where they’re trying to go.

REI Sports Network
Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.

Sports medicine is about a whole lot more than what happens after an athlete gets hurt.

In Episode 9 of the REI Sports Network, Colin Markgraf joins us for a look inside the world of sports medicine and athletic training—from injury prevention and recovery to communication, trust, education, and the career opportunities available to students interested in this growing field.

Colin shares the personal experiences that led him into sports medicine and breaks down what the profession actually looks like beyond the sidelines. We talk about recovery and nutrition, advancements in sports medicine, working with athletes and families, and why knowing basic skills like CPR and first aid can literally save a life.

For students considering sports medicine as a career, Colin also shares practical ways to start exploring the industry now, including certifications, shadowing, internships, hands-on experience, and the skills that make a great athletic trainer.

We also get into something every athlete needs to hear: sometimes getting back in the game isn't the most important thing. Knowing when to stop, recover, get treatment, and protect your long-term health matters too.

In this episode:

• What sports medicine really encompasses
• Injury prevention, recovery and nutrition
• Athletic training beyond game day
• CPR, first aid and hands-on skills students can learn now
• Sports psychology and understanding the athlete
• Building trust with athletes and parents
• Shadowing, internships and career pathways
• The importance of humility and continuous learning
• Helping athletes safely return to the sport they love

Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, or young person wondering if there's a future for you in sports beyond playing, this conversation introduces another side of the sports industry worth exploring.

REI Sports Network
Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.