CEN CAL DRIVE BASKETBALL CLUB
How It All Started
At Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports, we believe that basketball is more than just a sport; it's a journey of growth, passion, and the promise of fulfilling dreams. Our story began in 2022 with a heartfelt promise made by our founder, Greg Williams, to his beloved mother just before she passed away. Fueled by love and determination, Greg embarked on a mission to create a basketball club that would leave a lasting impact on young lives in our community.
The inspiration behind our name, 'Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports,' represents the heart and soul of our basketball club. 'Cen' symbolizes the dual essence of our values – the central core of our principles, emphasizing the importance of unity, respect, and teamwork, and also paying homage to the Central Valley, where it all started. 'Cal' stands for California, where we proudly call home, and where we strive to make a significant positive impact on the lives of our young athletes and within the community. The term 'Drive' not only embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence and the dedication we have to honing our basketball skills but also pays tribute to the driveways – those humble beginnings where most kids take their first steps onto the basketball court. We recognize that a driveway is not just a patch of pavement; it's a starting point for dreams, where the love for the game is nurtured, and future basketball stars begin their incredible journeys.
At the heart of Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports lies the story of Greg's son, Cash. A spirited and passionate young athlete, Cash's love for basketball inspired his father to take action and build this club from the ground up. Greg made a promise to his mother, Cash's grandmother, that he would create a space where Cash and other kids from the Merced community could flourish, learn, and thrive through basketball.
Driven by the desire to keep his promise alive, Greg turned Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports into a business, not merely for financial gain but to be able to personally coach and mentor young athletes from the very community he cherishes. This dedication to giving back and shaping young lives makes Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports a place like no other.
Here at Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports, we foster an inclusive and supportive environment, welcoming young athletes of all skill levels to join our basketball family. Our coaching staff, led by Greg Williams himself, brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a genuine passion for the game. We strive to instill not just basketball skills but life skills—teaching discipline, perseverance, and self-belief—to empower our players both on and off the court.
Every dribble, every shot, and every victory at Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports echoes the love, commitment, and promise that started it all. We are more than just a basketball club; we are a family bound together by the promise to make a difference in the lives of young athletes, just as Greg did for his son, Cash.
Join us on this heartwarming journey of growth, community, and basketball excellence. Let's drive together towards a brighter future, one bounce at a time.
Welcome to Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports - Where Promises Become Legends.
