WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Under bright gym lights, a team forms a perfect circle, arms outstretched like spokes in a wheel. The coach crouches low. “Your effort matters more than the scoreboard,” she says, locking eyes with each player. “Play hard, play fair, and have fun.”
With a resounding cheer, the huddle breaks, and the players take their positions. The whistle cuts through the buzz of the crowd, the ref tosses the ball skyward and with the squeak of sneakers, G League’s heart begins to beat.
Founded in 2019 by Gianna Vastola, G League Hoops started with two teams and has grown into a thriving community hub. It averages over 450 children each season across Sarasota and Parrish—and that’s just for the rec league. With its motto, “More than a League,” G League’s mission is clear: basketball is the vehicle, but life skills, friendships, and confidence are the true destinations.
A culture of fun
The moment you step into a G League gym, you’ll hear those squeaking shoes, the bounce of basketballs – and the echo of a deeper mission. Coaches emphasize respect and resilience over winning, while referees work hard to create a positive environment. The league’s slogan perfectly captures this spirit: Player’s play, coaches coach, refs make the calls, parents cheer for everyone.
“Our culture is what sets us apart,” Gianna says. “Youth sports can tend to bring out competitiveness in unproductive ways. But here, there’s no pressure—just a focus on helping kids develop as athletes and as people. Every practice and game, we remind kids that teamwork, sportsmanship, and supporting each other matters more than points.”
Whether your child dreams of slam dunks in the NBA or is just learning to dribble, the program has a place for them. Recreational leagues welcome players of all skill levels. For more advanced players, travel ball offers competitive play and elevated training. The league also holds summer camps and after-school programs designed to introduce kids to basketball in a low-pressure, engaging way.
In addition to the girl’s middle school division, one standout feature is the league’s all-girls elementary division. Starting with four teams in Sarasota, it has since expanded to six teams, grades third to fifth.
“Youth sports don’t always offer an all-girls opportunity at the rec level,” Gianna explains, “which can make it hard for some girls to feel comfortable or thrive. That’s what makes this division special.”
But like any organization, a sports league is only as good as its leaders. G League’s success is driven by a passionate team of basketball enthusiasts whose love for the game began in their own childhoods.
The team behind the league
A Sarasota native and former Riverview High School basketball standout, founder Gianna continued her playing career at the College of Coastal Georgia before transferring to Florida Southern College to complete her education. Her background in business administration gave her the tools to turn her vision of a youth basketball league into reality.
One of Gianna’s favorite things about running the league is working with close friends and former college teammates Janele Tucker and Brittany Clark, who both share deep ties to the game.
“I started volunteering for G League on weekends while teaching full-time,” Janele says, “and I quickly realized how much I loved this program. Making the leap to work here was one of the best decisions. It’s amazing to see the kids grow, not just as athletes, but as people.”
Brittany’s background includes an impressive coaching career, serving as the head coach of her alma mater by age 25 and later coaching at Virginia Tech. When the pandemic brought Brittany back to Florida, Janele encouraged her to join G League, where she’s now an integral part of its growth and mission.
“G League lets me focus on the grassroots level of basketball,” Brittany says. “It’s so rewarding to see kids discovering their potential and finding confidence through the game. And working alongside people who share that passion makes it even better.”
Rounding out the leadership team is Brent Odom, the Parrish league’s Program Coordinator. Basketball runs in his family—his father is a top-50 Purdue player, and his uncle was the first Black sports agent in the U.S. Brent got involved with G League when his daughter joined as a player, and his role quickly grew from referee to coach to program coordinator.
“Coaching doesn’t feel like work – it’s something I love,” Brent says. “My heart is in this, and I hope the kids see that passion. Being part of G League is a blessing, both for the community and for me.”
Growing in life skills
For Gianna and her team, success isn’t measured by the scoreboard but by the growth they witness in their players. Stories abound of kids who found their voice and confidence through basketball here.
One new player in the Parrish league was too nervous to participate during his first practice. Discouraged, his mother decided they would leave. But when Brent offered to work with him one-on-one on the sidelines, the boy gained confidence and eventually joined in the scrimmages. Today, he’s not only a confident player but a proud contributor to his team’s championship season.
“This is bigger than basketball,” Brent says. “It’s about helping kids take that first step out of their comfort zone, face their fears, and realize what they’re capable of. I often go home with tears in my eyes after witnessing these transformations—it’s priceless.”
Many G League parents would agree with Brent and can’t say enough about their positive experience with the league.
“My son Nico has played with G League for four years, and it quickly became like family to us,” says Maria Cristina Rios. “It’s a welcoming, supportive environment where I’ve watched him grow—not just as a player, but as part of the community. He now helps at camps and loves talking about his three championship wins. I’d recommend this league to anyone.”
Another parent, Melissa Majors, loves how Gianna and her team live up to their slogan. “G League teaches resilience, confidence, teamwork, and life skills that kids carry with them beyond the court. Both my children have thrived in the program, and I’m so grateful for Gianna and her team’s impact on our community. She’s a wonderful role model.”
Mike Simas describes how, after moving to Florida in 2022, G League provided an immediate sense of community for his family. “Coach G, Britt, and the entire organization engaged our two boys in basketball and supported their development in a new place—building a social network around sport that continues to have a positive impact on our family to this day.”
Where character matters
G League flourishes through the meaningful relationships and shared values that define its unique community. Another heartfelt example is the story of Cooper, a cherished part of G League’s family.
“Our family friend used to bring his dog, Cooper, to the gym for games,” Gianna explains. “Cooper became a part of the league—trotting around the court during halftime and spreading joy. The kids adored him so much they started calling him ‘Cooper the Hooper.’ He embodied everything we stand for: positivity, encouragement, and connection.”
When Cooper passed, G League wanted to honor his spirit in a meaningful way. They created ‘Cooper’s Champion of Character’ award, given every season to a player on the second-place team.
“Most valuable player doesn’t mean highest scorer,” Gianna says. “Every kid, from the star player to the one on the bench, deserves to know they matter. That’s why we created this special award.”
A few seasons ago, Cooper’s former owner returned to the gym with his wife after years away. In a beautiful, full-circle moment, they presented the very first Cooper’s Champion of Character medal.
“Seeing their beloved dog’s legacy live on through this award meant so much to them,” Gianna adds. “It reminds us all why G League is more than a basketball program. It’s about lifting each other up, just like Cooper did every weekend.”
The G League family
Like most sports leagues, G League welcomes team sponsors. Every jersey features the sponsor’s logo, giving businesses a unique way to connect with local families. But unlike most sport leagues, their uniforms reach beyond gym walls.
“Our kids proudly wear their G League shirts everywhere – they love them,” Gianna says. “One player wore a different G League shirt every day for 19 straight days. His friends were counting to see how far he’d go! And parents tell us all the time, ‘This is the only thing my kid will wear.’ They’ll be like, ‘It’s Picture Day. You need to dress up. You can’t just wear your G League shirt.'”
For small businesses looking to establish themselves as active supporters of the community, sponsoring a G League team could mean an incredible amount of exposure (especially if parents lose that Picture Day battle). The league is especially looking for partnerships within Parrish.
Besides sponsorships, the league perpetuates its family-like atmosphere with volunteer coaches, including parents, grandparents, and even alumni. One high school sophomore recently returned to coach younger players after being part of the league himself.
“We’re in the business of molding kids, but we’re also helping adults grow,” Gianna says. “Watching our volunteer coaches—some confident, others shy—transform into mentors and leaders is just as rewarding as seeing the kids thrive.”
Even if parents don’t coach, their involvement strengthens this already tight-knit community. One bakery-owner parent brought homemade cupcakes for the entire league to a game day. At the end of the season, a coach gifted his team with new basketballs—in the same color as the team’s beloved jersey, of course.
Basketball and beyond
As G League Hoops continues to grow, its mission remains steadfast: to provide every child with an opportunity to succeed, both in basketball and in life. Future goals include expanding middle school boys’ divisions and the all-girls program in Parrish.
“At some point, basketball will end,” Gianna says. “But what really matters is equipping kids to become well-formed, mature adults who have a positive impact on their communities.”
Whether it’s a young boy finding courage, a parent discovering their own tribe, or a high schooler mentoring the next generation, G League Hoops is building a community—and a future—where everyone has a shot.
- For more information about G League Hoops and how to get involved, email info@gleaguehoops.com, call 941-993-9132, or visit gleaguehoops.com. Find them on Facebook and Instagram at @gleaguehoops.
