REI Sports Network

What does it really take to build a youth basketball program that develops more than just basketball players?In Episode 11 of the REI Sports Network, Debrina Wright sits down with Kenneth Sanders, co-founder of East Valley Basketball, for a conversation about coaching, player development, community, and what youth basketball can—and should—look like.Kenneth shares his journey from getting started as a young coach to helping build East Valley Basketball into a community-centered program. The conversation explores why foundational skill development still matters, how youth sports changed after COVID, the importance of creating opportunities for beginners and girls, and why coaches have a responsibility to develop the person as much as the player.They also get into the growth of 3v3 basketball, parent engagement, mental health and sportsmanship, the challenges of finding facilities and building sustainable leagues, and how technology and modern training are changing the game.And because you can't put two basketball people together without eventually debating basketball, Debrina and Kenneth have a little fun with the legends, the GOAT conversation, and some rapid-fire basketball questions.This episode is for parents, coaches, athletes, program directors, and anyone who believes youth sports should be about development, opportunity, community, and preparing young people for more than the next game.Episode 11 | Built From the Ground UpFeaturing Kenneth Sanders, Co-Founder of East Valley Basketball🎙️ REI Sports Network — Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.

What happens when the traditional school model doesn’t fit the life, goals, or opportunities of a student-athlete?In Episode 10 of the REI Sports Network, the questions get turned around as Debrina Wright, Co-Founder of REI Prep, steps into the guest seat for 21 Questions and shares the vision, purpose, and thinking behind building a different kind of educational experience for young people in sports.REI Prep was created around a simple reality: students shouldn’t have to choose between pursuing their education and pursuing the opportunities that can shape their future.Debrina breaks down what REI Prep actually is, who it serves, and why the program was designed to support more than traditional student-athletes. From basketball and competitive sports to esports, digital athletes, and students interested in careers throughout the sports industry, REI Prep is building an environment where education works alongside a student’s goals—not against them.The conversation explores the flexibility of online education combined with real-world experiences, NCAA-approved coursework, college preparation, athletic development, travel and competition, and the importance of creating community even when students aren't sitting inside a traditional classroom five days a week.Debrina also talks about the bigger picture: helping students understand that the sports industry extends far beyond playing the game. Media, business, coaching, operations, technology, esports, events, and countless other career pathways can all become part of how young people begin imagining their futures.And because supporting a student means supporting the family around them, the conversation also touches on parents, siblings, logistics, community, and why REI Prep continues to evolve around what families actually need.In this episode:Why REI Prep was createdWhat makes the REI Prep model differentSupporting student-athletes without sacrificing academicsNCAA-approved coursework and college readinessEsports and the Digital Athlete pathwayExploring careers throughout the sports industryCreating flexibility for training, travel, tournaments, and competitionBuilding community within an online educational modelSupporting families and siblingsPreparing students for life beyond the gameThe long-term vision for REI PrepThis episode is for student-athletes, parents, coaches, educators, and anyone interested in what education can look like when we stop asking young people to fit into one system—and start building systems that recognize where they’re trying to go.REI Sports NetworkWhere Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.

Sports medicine is about a whole lot more than what happens after an athlete gets hurt.In Episode 9 of the REI Sports Network, Colin Markgraf joins us for a look inside the world of sports medicine and athletic training—from injury prevention and recovery to communication, trust, education, and the career opportunities available to students interested in this growing field.Colin shares the personal experiences that led him into sports medicine and breaks down what the profession actually looks like beyond the sidelines. We talk about recovery and nutrition, advancements in sports medicine, working with athletes and families, and why knowing basic skills like CPR and first aid can literally save a life.For students considering sports medicine as a career, Colin also shares practical ways to start exploring the industry now, including certifications, shadowing, internships, hands-on experience, and the skills that make a great athletic trainer.We also get into something every athlete needs to hear: sometimes getting back in the game isn't the most important thing. Knowing when to stop, recover, get treatment, and protect your long-term health matters too.In this episode:What sports medicine really encompassesInjury prevention, recovery and nutritionAthletic training beyond game dayCPR, first aid and hands-on skills students can learn nowSports psychology and understanding the athleteBuilding trust with athletes and parentsShadowing, internships and career pathwaysThe importance of humility and continuous learningHelping athletes safely return to the sport they loveWhether you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, or young person wondering if there's a future for you in sports beyond playing, this conversation introduces another side of the sports industry worth exploring.REI Sports NetworkWhere Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.

What happens when the game is no longer the only thing defining you?In this episode of REI Sports Network, Sydni Michelle joins us for a powerful conversation about building a career, a brand, and an identity that extends far beyond the court.Sydni’s journey didn’t follow a traditional sports-industry roadmap. With a background in psychology, she found her way into sports branding and marketing, helped build the culture and digital presence surrounding Unrivaled, and has continued creating opportunities at the intersection of women’s sports, athlete branding, community, and entrepreneurship.But this conversation goes much deeper than social media.We talk about why young athletes need to start thinking about who they are before the ball stops bouncing, how authenticity creates stronger personal brands, why adaptability may be one of the most valuable skills sports teaches us, and just how many careers exist in sports for students who may never play professionally.Sydni also shares insight into sports psychology, identity beyond athletics, building genuine community around athletes, creating sustainable content, navigating career pivots, and turning your own interests and “superpowers” into opportunities.And one question sits at the center of it all:“When the ball stops dribbling, what do you want to be known for?”For student-athletes, parents, coaches, aspiring sports professionals, creators, marketers, and anyone trying to find their lane in the sports industry—this episode is for you.In this episode:Sydni’s transition from psychology into sports brandingBehind the scenes of building culture and community around UnrivaledWhy athlete branding should begin long before a playing career endsNIL, social media, and diversifying athlete incomeAuthenticity vs. performing for the algorithmCareers in sports beyond becoming a professional athleteSports psychology and separating identity from performanceFinding your personal “superpower”Adaptability, problem-solving, and navigating career pivotsSydni’s next chapter, including community experiences and pop-up eventsOne of our biggest takeaways: Your sport may open the door—but who you become, what you build, and how you impact people can take you places the game never could.🎙️ REI Sports NetworkWhere Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.No Shortcuts. Just Miles.

What happens when a professional athlete and a community leader use their passions to create something bigger than themselves?In Episode 7 of REI Sports Network, we sit down with NBA veteran Ish Wainright and C. Renée, the founders of Carz N Kickz, to discuss how a shared love for cars, sneakers, sports, and community has grown into a movement that inspires and serves others.From Ish's basketball journey through college, overseas, and the NBA to Renée's passion for creating meaningful community experiences, this conversation highlights the power of purpose, entrepreneurship, and giving back.We also explore Winter Circle Weekend, their commitment to creating opportunities for youth, and why building community will always be bigger than the event itself.Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, coach, or someone looking to make an impact, this episode is a reminder that your platform can become your purpose.In This EpisodeIsh Wainright's basketball journey from overseas to the NBAThe story behind Carz N KickzWhy community is at the center of everything they buildWinter Circle Weekend and giving back to Kansas CityEntrepreneurship beyond sportsREI Arena and the future of gaming in community eventsAdvice for aspiring entrepreneurs, athletes, and young leaders💬 Favorite Quotes"Follow your dreams, whatever they are.""Be open, be flexible, and have fun in the journey.""We really do run the world."Connect with Our Guests📱 Ish WainrightInstagram📱 C. RenéeInstagramFollow Carz N Kickz and Winter Circle Weekend to stay connected with upcoming events and community initiatives.About REI Sports NetworkREI Sports Network is the official media platform of REI Prep (Roadrunners Elite Institute), where sports, education, business, and opportunity come together through meaningful conversations with athletes, coaches, founders, educators, and industry leaders.Our mission is simple:Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.🌐 REIPrep.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue highlighting the people making a difference in sports and their communities.#REISportsNetwork #CarzNKickz #IshWainright #CommunityLeadership #YouthSports

What does it take to build a basketball program from the ground up?In this episode of REI Sports Network, we sit down with Coach Devin, the inaugural Middle School Head Coach at REI Prep, to discuss what it means to develop student-athletes beyond the game.As one of the very first coaches to join REI Prep, Coach Devin shares his journey, coaching philosophy, and vision for building a culture centered around accountability, leadership, discipline, and character.Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable insight into what separates great programs from good ones—and why developing great people will always come before developing great basketball players.In this episode:🏀 Coach Devin's basketball journey🏀 Why he joined REI Prep from the beginning🏀 Building the inaugural middle school program🏀 Developing leaders on and off the court🏀 The importance of culture and accountability🏀 Advice for parents and young athletes🏀 What makes REI Prep different🏀 His vision for the future of Roadrunner BasketballAbout REI PrepREI Prep (Roadrunners Elite Institute) is redefining education through three innovative pathways:🏀 Student Athlete🎮 Digital Athlete💼 Sports Industry & LeadershipOur mission is to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life—because sports isn't just a game...it's an industry.🌐 REIPrep.orgSubscribe for more conversations with athletes, coaches, executives, educators, and innovators who are shaping the future of sports.#REIPrep #REISportsNetwork #YouthBasketball #BasketballCoach #StudentAthlete

🏀 Episode 5 | Inside The Grind Session: Building Elite Players Beyond the GameWhat does it really take to develop elite basketball players in today's game?In this episode of REI Sports Network, host Debrina Wright sits down with Justin Peterson, founder of Just Hoopin' and a leader with The Grind Session, to discuss the future of player development, recruiting, and what separates good athletes from great ones.From building championship habits to navigating NIL, analytics, social media, and college recruiting, this conversation is packed with practical advice for players, parents, coaches, and anyone passionate about the game.Whether your goal is to play at the next level or build a career in basketball, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the sport's most respected voices.In this episode, we cover:🏀 What makes an elite basketball player📈 The evolution of recruiting, NIL & analytics🎯 How The Grind Session creates opportunities for athletes💪 Habits that separate good players from great ones📱 Social media mistakes that can cost opportunities🍎 Nutrition, recovery & long-term development🚀 The future of basketball and player exposureGuest: Justin PetersonFounder, Just Hoopin' • The Grind Session🎙️ Subscribe to REI Sports Network for weekly conversations where sports, education, and opportunity meet.No Shortcuts. Just Miles.#REISportsNetwork #GrindSession #Basketball #PlayerDevelopment #NIL #YouthBasketball #SportsEducation #Recruiting #JustHoopin #StudentAthletes

🎮 Gaming is no longer just a hobby—it's a career.In Episode 4 of REI Sports Network, Debrina Wright sits down with Quentin Hennig, esports educator, cybersecurity expert, and gaming strategist, to explore the rapidly growing world of competitive gaming.From college scholarships and professional gaming to AI, streaming, content creation, and career opportunities, this conversation breaks down why today's gamers are the next generation of digital athletes.Whether you're a student, parent, coach, educator, or gamer, this episode will change how you think about esports.🎙️ Topics include:• Esports career pathways• College scholarships for gamers• AI and the future of gaming• Communication and teamwork• Player development & competitive strategy• Health, nutrition & recovery for gamers🚀 Subscribe to REI Sports Network for more conversations where sports, education, and opportunity meet.#Esports #Gaming #DigitalAthlete #EsportsCareers #GamingEducation #REISportsNetwork

🏀 What makes a great coach?It's more than drawing up plays or calling timeouts. Great coaches build confidence, develop leaders, and prepare young people for success long after the final buzzer.In this episode of REI Sports Network, host Debrina Wright sits down with Coach Jarryd "Coach J" Dent, founder of Score Hoops 3-on-3 Basketball, to discuss why coaching is one of the most powerful influences in a young athlete's life.Together, they explore how 3-on-3 basketball accelerates player development, why small-sided games improve basketball IQ and decision-making, and how Score Hoops' new Coaching Fellowship Program is creating pathways for the next generation of coaches and mentors.Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, educator, or someone passionate about youth development, this conversation offers valuable insights into building better players—and even better people.In this episode, you'll learn:🏀 Why 3-on-3 basketball develops smarter, more confident players🎯 The qualities that separate good coaches from great coaches🧠 How coaching builds leadership, accountability, and life skills📈 Why player development should come before winning🤝 How the Score Hoops Coaching Fellowship prepares future coaches for success🌟 The lasting impact coaches have on athletes both on and off the courtBecause coaching isn't just about the game.It's about changing lives.🎧 Subscribe to REI Sports Network on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube for conversations at the intersection of sports, education, leadership, esports, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.No Shortcuts. Just Miles. 🦅🏀🎙️

What if every student-athlete had the opportunity to build a personal brand, launch merchandise, and earn income through NIL?In Episode 2 of REI Sports Network, host Debrina Wright is joined by Ben and Alek, founders of Signature Drop Shop, to explore how today's athletes can turn their passion into opportunity through Name, Image & Likeness (NIL), branding, entrepreneurship, and social media.The conversation goes beyond the headlines, breaking down what NIL really is, why every athlete—not just Division I stars—should be building a personal brand, and how students can start creating opportunities today.This episode also marks the official partnership between REI Prep and Signature Drop Shop, bringing NIL education, branding resources, and merchandising opportunities to REI Prep student-athletes and digital athletes.In this episode:• What NIL really means (and common misconceptions)• Building your personal brand before college• How athletes can monetize their passion• Social media strategies that attract opportunities• Creating and selling your own merchandise• Using AI to build your brand faster• Why professionalism matters online• The future of NIL, entrepreneurship, and sports careersGuests:Ben & AlekFounders, Signature Drop ShopConnect with Signature Drop Shop🌐 https://signaturedropshop.com🏀 Athlete Marketplace:https://signaturedropshop.com/searchConnect with REI Prep🌐 https://reiprep.org🎙️ REI Sports Network📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reiprep/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REIPrepAZ💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reiprepAbout REI Sports NetworkREI Sports Network is the official media network of REI Prep, featuring conversations with athletes, coaches, educators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders shaping the future of sports.From student-athlete development and sports careers to esports, NIL, leadership, and innovation, every episode is designed to educate, inspire, and create opportunity.No Shortcuts. Just Miles.

What if school didn't force student-athletes to choose between academics and their passion?In the debut episode of REI Sports Network, host Debrina Wright sits down with Sarah Williams, Director of Education at Premier Prep Online Academy, to explore a new approach to education designed for today's student-athletes, future sports professionals, and families seeking greater flexibility.Together, they discuss reclassification, academic flexibility, NCAA pathways, personalized learning, and how online education is creating more opportunities for students to thrive—both in the classroom and beyond.Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or educator, this conversation provides valuable insight into the future of learning and why education should create opportunities, not barriers.In this episode:• What reclassification really means• Academic flexibility for student-athletes• Balancing sports, travel, and education• NCAA eligibility and college preparation• Supporting every student's unique journey• The future of modern educationGuest: Sarah WilliamsDirector of Education, Premier Prep Online Academy https://www.premierpreponline.com/Connect with REI Prep🌐 REIPrep.org🎙️ REI Sports Network📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reiprep/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REIPrepAZ💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reiprepAbout REI Sports NetworkREI Sports Network is the official media network of REI Prep, bringing together conversations that explore student-athlete development, sports careers, digital athletes, leadership, education, entrepreneurship, and the business behind sports.No Shortcuts. Just Miles.