Today we’d like to introduce you to Reese Wood.
Hi Reese, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I originally began the Reese Wood Foundation and my basketball training journey in Phila, PA in 2015. I had a program called Books and Basketball where I provided free basketball skills training to inner-city youth and I also incorporated reading books during water breaks. I wanted to increase academic literacy as well as participants’ basketball skills to teach them the true meaning of a Student-Athlete. In 2018, I decided to move to Miami and transition the Reese Wood Foundation to the area. I utilized the same programs I did in Phila, PA.
Along the journey here in Miami, I was able to show the city and community my basketball training abilities which have allowed me to train hundreds of youth players males and females, meet and train several NBA players currently, and lastly the journey has allowed me to open the Reese Wood Foundation basketball gym in 2021.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has had its ups and downs but I view it as when you’re passionate about something you’re supposed to go through every emotion behind it but you just can’t quit. I’ve prided myself on living by this standard to continue to build the Reese Wood Foundation to where it is today.
Some of the challenges I’ve faced to date it wanting to service every player/family in the city of Miami but I’m aware that’s impossible. Lastly, a big challenge I face to this day is always wondering about the new chapter of the brand. Being optimistic is a great thing but on certain days I’ve learned too many rushed thoughts can add unnecessary pressure to you!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The best thing about me is that I am extremely diverse. I look at myself as a jack of many trades or a Renaissance man. My reputation in Miami is being known as one of the best basketball skills trainers in the city for all levels. This is a great accomplishment but most people are unaware that I serve as a Psychology professor as well as and Mental Health therapist.
I’m proud of myself for being able to the community in various ways and being diverse enough to do so. The biggest thing I feel that separates me from others is the fact that I am truly a people person and I love to maintain relationships with various types of families and basketball players.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Being a risk taker is such a significant topic. Speaking from experience, I’ve taken a risk on a dream and it all worked out and it’s continuing to work itself out now. In October 2017, I came to Miami to visit on my birthday and I convinced myself I wanted to move here. Upon returning home, I had a conversation with myself to ensure I meant what I said about relocating to Miami.
I answered myself by saying yes I meant it and I relocated to Miami in March 2018. With no family or friends, I took a risk to follow my dream of bringing the Reese Wood Foundation to Miami and it all worked out and is still working out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reesewoodfoundation.com
- Instagram: @reesewoodfoundation
- Facebook: Reese Wood
- Youtube: Reese Wood Foundation Basketball
Image Credits
@photos.by.giovanna and @lefthandedshots
