For two decades, a Chicago-based basketball initiative has been more than a summer league; it has become a catalyst for community cohesion and youth development across the city.
A program built on more than basketball
Since its inception in 2006, Hoops in the Hood has engaged nearly 40,000 young people, offering neighborhood-based programs that combine daily practices with life‑skill workshops.
A championship that unites neighborhoods
The program’s 20th annual citywide championship gathered over 300 participants from diverse neighborhoods, turning local courts into stages for friendly competition and camaraderie.
Mentors who wear many hats
Longtime coach Vince Carter, who grew up in the Cabrini‑Green area, recalls the cracked courts of his youth and now guides teams with a focus on character building. Alex Anaya, a Pilsen native and founder of ABC Pilsen, was honored as Community Coach of the Year in 2023 for his dedication to mentorship.
Partnerships that power the mission
The effort is sustained by collaborations with nonprofit networks such as LISC Chicago and corporate supporters like State Farm, whose financial backing helps secure safe facilities and qualified coaches.
Local organizations — including Benito Juarez Community Academy, Truman College, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and New Life Centers — provide educational resources and safe spaces that complement the basketball curriculum.
Participants like Edwin Marcial, who found a structured outlet at New Life Centers, speak to the program’s role in keeping youth engaged and away from street pressures.