Alex Forte, a former Trinity Christian star and current assistant girls' basketball coach at South View, saw a need among young players who felt outmatched on the court. Rather than let that intimidation linger, he created the Forte Basketball Academy, a summer camp that began with modest, open‑gym workouts at the local recreation center.
What started as a handful of drills quickly grew into a full‑scale camp serving dozens of underclassmen each year. The academy now offers structured training, mentorship, and a pathway for participants to showcase their talents.
From Camp to Community Hub
Forte’s vision expanded beyond basketball drills. The academy now runs school‑supply drives, gives away basketball hoops, and partners with local businesses to hand out tickets to Fayetteville Woodpecker games. Food, clothing, and branded merchandise are also distributed to campers and staff, all made possible through community partners.
A centerpiece of the program is the FBA All‑Star game, which pits the region’s top underclassmen against one another. The event not only highlights emerging talent but also gives younger players a concrete example of what they can achieve with dedication and the right support.
Measuring Success in Smiles
Forte gauges the academy’s impact not by trophies or rankings but by the sight of a gym filled with smiling, engaged kids. When children leave the court upbeat, productive, and academically supported, he knows the effort has paid off.
Looking ahead, Forte plans to weave academic tutoring into the curriculum and forge relationships with college coaches, aiming to make the academy a lasting resource for Fayetteville families. By coupling athletic development with educational guidance, he hopes to create a pipeline that prepares youth for both college and community leadership.