Gil Basketball Academy Student Spotlight Roberto Mendoza A freshman at Alisal High School, Roberto Mendoza has already mapped out his future. Salinas, CA, May 10, 2020 - A freshman at Alisal High School, Roberto Mendoza has already mapped
out his future. He has selected a particular path that requires hard work and discipline — not the easy one that often leads to a deadend.
He’s learned such wisdom on the court as a member of Gil Basketball Academy that provides structure and a sense of belonging. “There are people who don’t believe in me, trying to lure me into problems such as drugs,” he said. “These problems helped me to be myself, and not try to fit in with others. It has taught me to not be scared to be different.” The 5-foot-4 point guard has been a member of GBA for nine years. In both 7th and 8th grade he was part of the Monterey County All Star Team, earning the Hustle Award one season. His first year at AHS he won Most Outstanding Award, as the team finished with a 24-0 record. “Basketball has not only helped me become physically stronger, but also mentally,” he said. “It taught me to be a leader, and to be able to collaborate with others well. Basketball has helped me to stay off the streets, and to motivate myself to become better at everything I do.” Mendoza calls GBA “a safe spot, and a family for me,” with coaches and parents who care about him as a person, not just a player.