The Miami Lakes Optimist Club’s basketball program completed its 40th season this summer with 22 teams and 200 players. The Club used the gym’s of two local high schools, Barbara Goleman and Hialeah Gardens High schools, during the summer months of June and July and have thanked the principals of both schools for their continued support.
At Barbara Goleman, principal Joaquin Hernandez who has been highly supportive of the Optimist sports activities, retired in July after dedicating his educational career to improving the students in Miami Dade county.
The coaches who volunteer their time and completed the coaches training and certification were awarded team picture plaques as a thank you for their time spent teaching the basketball skills necessary to compete in this summer league.
They are in the 8U division, coaches Emily Acosta, Van Waiters, Junior Garcia, and Lisha Hinson.
In the 10U division, coaches Jzweel Gutierrez and Christian Hernandez whose team the Warriors won this division, and Justin Montenegro, and Michael Parra.
In the 12U division, coaches Emily Acosta, a scholarship women’s basketball player at Ava Maria College coached two teams as a summer volunteer, Joel Acosta, William Garcia and George Lazo, and the winning coaching combo of Anthony and Stephanne. Rugama.
In the 14U division, Robert Cedeno was the winning coach for the Celtics, coaches Erik Munoz, Fredy Lopez, Brian and Jorge Vivo.
In the 18U and most competitive division, coaches Javier Serrano, Dave Gomont, Stuart Bodin, Oscar Ferreira the winning coach of the Cav’s, Manuel Perez and Walter Dubon, and Chris Zapata.
A special thank you was extended to the club’s sponsors who without their financial support this basketball program for the youth of the community would not be possible.
They include Value Store It; Fence Masters Inc.; State Farm of Miami Lakes-Tom Ledwidge Agency; The Graham Companies; Ocean Bank; Trattoria Pampered Chief, Miami Lakes Barbershop; Domenico’s Italian restaurant; Moran and Mauri Eye Care Center; and Miami Lakes Auto Mall.