Hard work, determination, and fun. These are just three of many words that portray youth athletics here in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Here at College of the Canyons, we have some of our very own making a contribution towards our future generations.
The COC’s men’s assistant basketball coaches, Alan Woskanian and Brian Kimble, have made an impact on youth basketball by running their own programs outside their college roles.
Coach Alan is beloved by all his players and has made a significant difference in his community.
Basketball has given these young ballers a way to grow and learn with some of their closest friends and teammates through the experiences and teachings from coach Alan
“Coach really puts pressure on me, and he’s really wanting me to do well, so that really helps,” said Aaron Shaw, a youth basketball player.
“These kids, it’s just all love, they love being in here,” said Woskanian, discussing important mentors who are for future hoopers.
“I could literally start practice and not say a word, and they’ll just keep playing, and they don’t even care if practice starts, they just want to be in a gym and play.”
Brian Kimble has made his mark throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, coaching basketball at COC and Hart High School, and running his own program, called the Playmakers.
Being from right here in the Santa Clarita Valley, Kimble understands how much it means to give back to the place where his career began.
“Personally, it means a lot because I was in their shoes at one point and I needed a mentor or trainer or coach to teach me the way and show me the ropes, so it means a lot to be able to help them,” said Kimble.
Youth basketball has brought kids from all over the Santa Carita Valley together for the last several decades, and these two men have done their part to make the sport a bright spot in these young athletes’ lives.
