Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon D’alessandro
Hi Jon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My sons were playing in a local recreational basketball league in Celebration, and I noticed that the program wasn’t truly helping the kids develop. The hoops were lowered, the kids were traveling without it being addressed, and there wasn’t any real instruction. It was mostly well-meaning dads coaching with little background in the sport.
As a former college and high school coach, as well as an elementary physical education teacher, I saw an opportunity to help. Some parents approached me to train their children, and we started with just five kids. Word quickly spread around the town of Celebration, and the program grew rapidly.
I realized that while training was important, the kids also needed opportunities to play in a more competitive environment. So, I created two AAU teams—one for each of my sons’ age groups. Over time, we’ve built the program to include AAU teams for grades 2 through 8. It’s been incredible to see how much the kids have grown both in skills and confidence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Financially, it’s always been a challenge. I’m not a businessman, so my goal has always been to keep costs as low as possible. However, tournament fees and gym rentals are very expensive. One of the biggest struggles is helping parents understand these costs, especially when they compare us to church leagues that charge $100 per season while we charge $150 per month.
Another challenge is getting parents to fully commit to the importance of their kids showing up for tournaments. On tournament days, teams often play three or more games, and the kids can get exhausted. When players don’t show up, it lets the entire team down because we may not have enough players to be competitive.
Lastly, families need to understand that AAU basketball isn’t a recreational league—it’s highly competitive. Teams will play hard and won’t hold back, which can sometimes be a shock for newcomers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been a physical education teacher in Osceola County for 25 years,21 at the Celebration School , and before that, I was a college basketball coach. One of the things I’m most proud of is having had the privilege of teaching my sons in elementary school and coaching them in high school, despite all the changes life brings. My eldest son, Petey, led the state in steals during his high school career, and my younger son, Brock, is on track to do the same in assists as a senior this season.
I also have the unique benefit of teaching many of my AAU players in school, which allows me to build special relationships with them. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of attending weddings of former players, watching some of them become coaches, and even having one officiate a game I coached. These moments are truly an honor and a testament to the lasting bonds I’ve formed through teaching and coaching.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
:My favorite childhood memory is the day I met my wife, 31 years ago. I’ll never forget that moment—it was like everything in my life changed in the best way possible. We’ve now been married for 25 years, and that memory is still as special to me as it was back then.
Pricing:
- 150 per month
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrationsharks/
