Salinas, CA, September 08, 2020 - Turning a family garage into a state-of-the-art recording studio, Gil Basketball Academy has officially launched its podcast series called “Ganas — Leading from the Heart.”

Designed to inspire today’s youth through unique views and perspectives on life, “Ganas” (which translates to “desire”), will feature guests ranging from CEOs to spiritual leaders and pro athletes. It officially begins on Sept. 14 with the academy’s matriarch and co-founder Eva Silva as the first guest.

Silva and her husband Jose Gil formed the academy in 2009 to promote the sport of basketball in East Salinas through camps, clinics, individual sessions and elite travel teams. But more than that, GBA was designed to build confidence and character in a membership that exceeds 450 local kids ages 4 to 17.

The idea for a podcast grew from Gil’s growing frustration in not being able to completely connect with his kids during the pandemic.

“You have to think outside the box,” said the longtime coach and athletic director at Alisal High School. “I was used to having hundreds of kids together at one time, and now I have to figure out new ways to have an impact.”

While the couple have little experience in media (and none in podcasting), they invested in the technology needed to turn the family garage into a functioning studio.

“Ganas” podcasts (including video with guests appearing via Zoom) span 30 to 45 minutes, and include topics such as sports, health, fitness, leadership, community and more.

Silva will kick off the “Ganas” series by talking about her own inspirational life. Episode 1 is titled ‘Complete the circle’ by empowering young people.

Born in Mexico as the sixth of seven children to migrant worker parents, Silva moved to Salinas at age 7. She graduated from Alisal High School in 1990, later earning a degree in education from Stanford University as a first-generation college graduate. Silva married Gil in 1999, and the couple have three grown children. Silva also works as a college coordinator and mentor for migrant students at CSU-Monterey Bay.

September Podcast Schedule

Ganas: Leading from the Heart

Listen here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ganas-leading-from-the-heart/id1529748465

Episode 1 (Sept. 14, 2020): ‘Completing the circle’ by empowering young people

Guest: Eva Silva, college coordinator/Gil Basketball Academy co-founder

Born in Mexico as the sixth of seven children to migrant worker parents, Eva Silva moved to Salinas, Calif., at age 7. She graduated from Alisal High School in 1990, later earning a degree in Human Biology and a a Master’s in Education from Stanford University as a first-generation college graduate. Silva married Jose Gil in 1999, and the couple have three grown children. In 2010 the couple co-founded Gil Basketball Academy to help empower youth by developing their athletic skills, leadership, work ethic, world view, and enhancing their commitment to the community. Silva also works as a college coordinator and mentor for undergraduate students at CSU-Monterey Bay.

Episode 2 (Sept. 14, 2020): Giving today’s youth opportunities to thrive

Guest: Jerome Williams, former NBA player

Drafted in the first round of the NBA draft in 1996 by the Detroit Pistons, Jerome Williams had a nine-year career with four teams, retiring in 2005 as a member of the Toronto Raptors. Nicknamed The Junkyard Dog by teammates impressed with his work ethic, Williams earned a scholarship to Georgetown University his junior year after not being drafted out of high school. Today, Williams turns that positiveness and energy into helping inspire today’s youth through the game of basketball. He is a global ambassador through the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, and is president of The Young3, which holds 3-on-3 tournaments for young people ages 9–14.

Episode 3 (Sept. 28, 2020): Resistance and faith: Leading in a time of turmoil

Guest: Pastor Artis L. Smith, New Hope Baptist Church

The Rev. Artis Smith joined New Hope Baptist Church in 1999 as Associate Minister, installed as pastor in 2005. He has spent 15 years in that role at the East Salinas church dedicated to servanthood and discipleship. Rev. Smith has helped lead a regional effort toward social justice. During the pandemic, he worked hard to keep the doors open for in-person services, honoring the church’s “always open” designation. He acknowledges that much has been done, but there is a greater work still to do, and by the grace of God, the church will continue to grow and prosper.

Listen here : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ganas-leading-from-the-heart/id1529748465

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://gilbasketballacademy.com/