What It’s Like to Volunteer as a Basketball Coach in NYC

Coaching Beyond the Court: Chris Jackson’s Journey as an Apex Volunteer

On Saturday mornings in Brooklyn, before most people have had their first cup of coffee, Chris Jackson is already on the basketball court surrounded by a group of energetic elementary school students. For the past three years, Chris has been a dedicated volunteer with Apex for Youth’s athletics program, coaching youth basketball and showing up week after week, not just to teach basketball skills, but to model consistency, encouragement, and care.

What began as a casual invitation from a friend soon turned into a core part of Chris’s life and community. Today, as he prepares for a new chapter on the West Coast, he reflects on his time with Apex, the lessons he’s learned, and the deep connections that keep him motivated.

Stephen, Apex for Youth’s Brooklyn Athletics Program Manager, shares: 

“He’s someone who is always thinking about how we can improve our program. He arrives early, bringing his own materials and equipment to provide a better learning experience for his youth.” 

Chris’s dedication has been noticed by parents, players, and staff alike, and his energy and commitment earned him Apex’s Volunteer of the Year award.

Finding Apex Through Community

“I joined the program because one of my coworkers, Ken Bomba, was an Apex kid who later became a volunteer himself,” Chris recalls. “We were playing basketball together, and the next thing I knew, I was coaching every Saturday.”

Three years later, that introduction has blossomed into something much bigger than weekend games. For Chris, volunteering with Apex’s athletics program has been a way to merge two passions, basketball and working with kids, while also becoming part of a community that shares his values.

“Apex gave me the opportunity to share my love of basketball with the next generation,” he says. “I love teaching them new skills, new drills, new games, and just being part of this amazing community of staff and volunteers.”

Why Coaching Matters

Chris isn’t shy about what motivates him: a love of the game and a love for kids. Long before Apex, he coached his younger brother’s recreational league team and discovered how fulfilling it was to guide young athletes.

“Basketball is more than just plays and drills,” Chris explains. “It’s about helping kids understand body mechanics, getting them more comfortable with movement, and building confidence.”

This approach is essential in the coed elementary school teams he coaches. Some kids come in already enthusiastic, while others aren’t as motivated or may feel less skilled compared to their peers. Chris sees his role as creating an environment where growth, no matter how small, is celebrated.

“Winning looks like each kid making progress,” he says. “If one child gets better at a drill than they did the week before, that’s a victory.”

While coaching fundamentals is part of the job, Chris quickly realized his presence mattered far beyond the court.

“One moment that really struck me was when I went on a two-week ski trip to Switzerland,” he shares. “The kids were so sad I was leaving, and when I came back, they were all so excited. That made me realize how important it was for them that I show up consistently.”

This lesson became even more powerful when he announced his upcoming move to San Francisco. Many of his players told him how much they would miss him, a bittersweet reminder of the bonds built through trust and consistency.

Coaching elementary-aged youth has also shown Chris how much kids thrive on encouragement. “It’s not just about competition,” he says. “It’s about teaching them that it’s okay to fail, to try again, and to celebrate the small wins.”

Memories That Last

During Summer League, he invited his elementary school players to arrive an hour early for extra practice before a playoff game. One student, Owen, came with his mother. Chris taught him a “rip-through” move, a fundamental basketball drive from the wing to the basket.

“The first two possessions of the game, Owen caught the ball on the wing, ripped through, and made two layups in a row,” Chris remembers with pride. “We ended up losing the game by a lot, but starting that way was incredible. Seeing him take something we practiced and use it in real time, that’s the kind of moment that sticks with you.”

Why Mentorship Matters

Chris believes mentorship is especially critical for the youth Apex serves, many of whom are low-income Asian American students.

“It’s important for kids to see role models who show consistency, hard work, and positive energy, even when things are tough,” he says. “Some weeks, kids are tired or stressed from school, but if we as volunteers bring energy and commitment every time, it shows them what it looks like to keep going.”

As Chris transitions out of New York, he leaves behind words of encouragement for future Apex volunteers.

“If you’re going to do it, commit 100%,” he advises. “The more you put into it, the more rewarding it becomes. Half-hearted effort won’t build the consistency kids need, but when you show up fully, you’ll see the impact, not just in them, but in yourself too.”

Want to make a difference like Chris? Volunteer with our athletics program and help youth build skills, confidence, and teamwork. You can also explore our other 프로그램 to find the perfect way to get involved!