Parent Information Night
Our first meeting for 2013 was a success. The room was full of excited families. The meeting opened up with a movie which showcased our activities, events and tournaments of last season. The movie charged the audience leaving an impressive and lasting impression. The movie was a launching pad for the new season promising more for 2013.
The tryout schedule for basketball is confirmed. All tryout grades are based on current 2012-2013 school year grade.
4th and 5th grade boys: 3/3 and 3/10 (Sundays) 5:00-6:30
6th grade boys: 3/3 and 3/10 (Sundays) 6:30-8:00
7th grade boys: 3/4 and 3/11 (Mondays) 7:30-9:00
8th grade boys: 3/6 and 3/13 (Wednesdays) 8:30-10:00
5th and 6th grade girls: 3/3 and 3/10 (Sundays) 2:00-3:30
8th grade girls (includes 7th): 3/3 and 3/10 (Sundays) 3:00-5:00
* Bring your favorite ball and plenty of water
** Bring a completed liability form found at:
http://www.uptempohoops.com/documents
The liability forms are the ticket to tryout. All tryouts are held at Conley Caraballo High School off Mission Blvd.
We are so excited to see all the players tryout!! For more information: info@uptempohoops.com
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Launching 2013 Season!!
Spread the word!!!
Parent Information Night
February 6, 2013
Alvarado Elementary School
Union City, CA
6:30pm - 7:30pm
WE ARE EXCITED TO LAUNCH
THE 2013 SEASON!!!
Monday, September 17, 2012
September Basketball Camp
Fun, fun, fun!!
That sums up our basketball camp. The kids had so much fun, more than half didn't want to leave. We pride our camps on small coach to player ratios and with this camp, we lived up to it. We had a hard cap of 40 attendees to keep the groups small. Even with last minute (and welcomed) add on's we were able to maintain a proper ratio. In this camp, UH made above expected money. The money earned in our camps help scholarship players as well as keep the operating costs down. This helps us bring basketball to many families without them feeling the crunch. This is one reason our camps are important. With money aside, we love running our camps. All the volunteers are excited and enthusiastic.
It was a cool and cloudy morning at staff members arrived and set up outside. Players started lining up early to get their new gold UH camp shirts and names put on their backs. Excited faces and bright eyes entered the gym with balls and water bottles in hand. Most didn't hesitate to use the few minutes before camp to shoot around and socialize. While players got situated, Coach Greg used the opportunity to brief the coaching staff. Camp was underway with the coaches addressing all the young players who sat in quiet anticipation.
The camp ran smooth. There were a series of group activities, both as one large group and smaller groups with rotations. The coaches opened up camp with the normal drills going from one end of the court to the other. They covered all the basics including passing, dribbling and rebounding exercises. There was even conditioning including sit ups and push ups and running. The camp had 2 games where 2 players won Jamba Juice gift cards and Uptempo Hoops car decals. All this was before lunchtime. With parents watching, I'm sure they were impressed with how much was covered in a short amount of time. Many of the coaches helping out players one on one during all the activities.
Lunch was held outside the gym in the food area of Conley Caraballo. It is an enclosed area offering the freshness of the outdoors in a safe environment. It was a beautiful day. Kids ate in groups at the blue picnic tables. You can hear laughter and discussions ranging from today's activities to the latest on Minecraft. Parents are always welcome to stay the whole camp or just for lunch. This time, there were a few parents out there having lunch with their child and friends. Once lunch was done, it was popsicle time. Yummy cold popsicles were passed out to all the children at the camp including the young siblings, who are too young for our camp. Yes, parents were welcome to popsicles too. Next, picture time! By lunch time, some campers and volunteers left for other Saturday activities. We try to grab them for picture time around the lunch hour. Luckily most stayed and were able to be in the group picture. Our pictures always end with a "show us your funny face" picture where the kids' personalities come out.
Onto the second half of camp. For most kids, this is the best part of camp. Here, more elevated skills are introduced. These skills include more problem solving and team dynamics. They are taught to work together because afterall, basketball is a team sport. The coaches promote the "team" mentality and work on defense. It's very good lessons for young kids, which will carry them through life whichever sport they choose. The camp ends with forming small teams for 3 on 3 competition. In these scrimmages, all they learned in today's camp is tested. All the players passed the test. They applied everything they learned in this short amount of time. The scrimmages are challenging, but fun. Many players are laughing and cheering as the coaches make competition fun.
The day ends with more games for the players. More prizes are handed out. At the beginning of the camp players are encouraged to meet new kids. At the end of camp, they are asked who new did they meet and what is their name. Each player asked was able to name 5 new names. That was wonderful. Two prizes handed out are for the players (one girl and one boy) who showed enthusiasm during the camp and team play, some one who really represented the spirit of the Uptempo Hoops camp. This is always a hard one because there are so many to choose from. We would love to give a GC to each camper. They all deserve the recognition. Returning players the best reward for us. The coaches' last words of encouragement include thanking the families and telling the children to continue what they've learned today. One coach even mentioned "when you see each other, say hi". We wrap up with one last picture moment of coaches and players.
A special thanks to Muriel Irwin and Kat Otico for their help with the registration table. They kept everyone moving along and helped get camp started on time. Also, they helped with providing some supplies. Thank you to Cecille Santos for helping with the lunch run for our volunteers. More thanks goes to the UH players and teens who volunteered their Saturday to help out. Also, the coaches, who always do a great job making this a positive experience for the young kids. It's because of our volunteers we are able to make this happen and have return players. UH does a great job of having enough people work our camps. Lastly, thanks to the families and players. Their support help make this possible and fun. As I mentioned, we love running our camps. We are already looking forward to the next one.
In one email sent to me a parent stated: "...really enjoyed the camp last Saturday. He didn't want to leave because he had fun learning and making new friends. I really liked how your coaches preach defense. " ~~ W. Bembo. This sums up the spirit of Uptempo Hoops and why we love running our camps.
That sums up our basketball camp. The kids had so much fun, more than half didn't want to leave. We pride our camps on small coach to player ratios and with this camp, we lived up to it. We had a hard cap of 40 attendees to keep the groups small. Even with last minute (and welcomed) add on's we were able to maintain a proper ratio. In this camp, UH made above expected money. The money earned in our camps help scholarship players as well as keep the operating costs down. This helps us bring basketball to many families without them feeling the crunch. This is one reason our camps are important. With money aside, we love running our camps. All the volunteers are excited and enthusiastic.
 |
| Coach Fitz working with the older kids |
It was a cool and cloudy morning at staff members arrived and set up outside. Players started lining up early to get their new gold UH camp shirts and names put on their backs. Excited faces and bright eyes entered the gym with balls and water bottles in hand. Most didn't hesitate to use the few minutes before camp to shoot around and socialize. While players got situated, Coach Greg used the opportunity to brief the coaching staff. Camp was underway with the coaches addressing all the young players who sat in quiet anticipation.
 |
| Our younger players waiting for a pass |
The camp ran smooth. There were a series of group activities, both as one large group and smaller groups with rotations. The coaches opened up camp with the normal drills going from one end of the court to the other. They covered all the basics including passing, dribbling and rebounding exercises. There was even conditioning including sit ups and push ups and running. The camp had 2 games where 2 players won Jamba Juice gift cards and Uptempo Hoops car decals. All this was before lunchtime. With parents watching, I'm sure they were impressed with how much was covered in a short amount of time. Many of the coaches helping out players one on one during all the activities.
Lunch was held outside the gym in the food area of Conley Caraballo. It is an enclosed area offering the freshness of the outdoors in a safe environment. It was a beautiful day. Kids ate in groups at the blue picnic tables. You can hear laughter and discussions ranging from today's activities to the latest on Minecraft. Parents are always welcome to stay the whole camp or just for lunch. This time, there were a few parents out there having lunch with their child and friends. Once lunch was done, it was popsicle time. Yummy cold popsicles were passed out to all the children at the camp including the young siblings, who are too young for our camp. Yes, parents were welcome to popsicles too. Next, picture time! By lunch time, some campers and volunteers left for other Saturday activities. We try to grab them for picture time around the lunch hour. Luckily most stayed and were able to be in the group picture. Our pictures always end with a "show us your funny face" picture where the kids' personalities come out.
 |
| Female athletes recharging |
 |
| It's popsicle time! |
 |
| Some of our own UH players coming in for more training. This is the love of the game. |
The day ends with more games for the players. More prizes are handed out. At the beginning of the camp players are encouraged to meet new kids. At the end of camp, they are asked who new did they meet and what is their name. Each player asked was able to name 5 new names. That was wonderful. Two prizes handed out are for the players (one girl and one boy) who showed enthusiasm during the camp and team play, some one who really represented the spirit of the Uptempo Hoops camp. This is always a hard one because there are so many to choose from. We would love to give a GC to each camper. They all deserve the recognition. Returning players the best reward for us. The coaches' last words of encouragement include thanking the families and telling the children to continue what they've learned today. One coach even mentioned "when you see each other, say hi". We wrap up with one last picture moment of coaches and players.
 |
| A happy group of coaches and athletes! |
In one email sent to me a parent stated: "...really enjoyed the camp last Saturday. He didn't want to leave because he had fun learning and making new friends. I really liked how your coaches preach defense. " ~~ W. Bembo. This sums up the spirit of Uptempo Hoops and why we love running our camps.
Monday, September 10, 2012
End of Season Picnic
End Of Season, But Definitely Not Over
What a beautiful day for a picnic in the park. September was the perfect time to celebrate the end of an AAU season. The morning was brisk, but opened up to a much more warmer afternoon. Board members showed up around 11:00 am to set up and arrange the tables. It was a cool morning, you can definitely feel that fall is here. But this cooler than expected morning weather wasn't about to disrupt our picnic. We were expecting a wonderful turnout and very excited. The first to arrive was the Singh family, ready with warm KFC waiting to be eaten. Soon after families started arriving, with food in hand and smiles on their faces. Kids headed straight for the Spiderman basketball/slide combo jumper. Parents greeted eachother and enjoyed the company. The Yabut family fired up the BBQ and grilled delicious chicken wings. There was so much food and too many to describe, but there was good variety.
The park has a very large open grass area next to the two sectioned picnic area. It's ideal for jumpers and outdoor sporting activities. The open area allowed a cool breeze to blow through the party. As the cool air drifted over the food table, it brought with it the smell of fresh tantilizing aromas. There were enough pop up tents shading several white table cloth covered picnic tables. Modern lively music played from an iPod and there were coolers of drinks surrounding the food table.
Everyone enjoyed an array of games. The jumper was never without kids jumping and sliding. There was an exciting football game going on next to a fast paced volley ball game. Boys engaged in a water fight with water guns. Younger kids enjoyed the short walk to the playground and warm sand. Many kids stopped long enough to grab a quick bite to eat or drink, but went right back to playing. All ages, mixed together played and socialized. It was as if the basketball season was still on and we were waiting for a tournament game; just killing time. Many haven't seen each other in weeks. Most have started basketball in other leagues or CYO. However, coming together once again, it was as if no time has passed.
They were all friends again.
Time flew today. We presented our Gold Sponors with plaques: Dr. Salins, Balentine Dental and RT Western. Dr. Salins was present today to receive his plaque and provide Uptempo Hoops with a ice cream. Kids cannot get enough ice cream as they all dove in digging through the ice to find their favorite flavor. One of our Silver Sponsory, Maryann Rensch of Bianca's Boutique attended bringing chocolate chip cookies and a face painter. Children lined up to get tatoos on their limbs or masks on their faces. Our sponsors were very much welcome and appreciated. They enjoyed the atmosphere and good food. We are very fortunate to have the sponsors we have and look forward to long term relationships. Thank you to Yvette Cruz and Alpine Awards for the beautiful sponsor plaques.
Board members were thanked with a gracious speech by our President, Rene Noriega. I thanked the hard working coaches, the backbone of our organization. They are the reason we've grown to be the success we are. Muriel Irwin dedicated her time to find the right coach's gift. She purchased personalized game boards where they can write up their plays during AAU games in UH style. They glistened with the coach's name and "Uptempo Hoops" shining brightly. It was the perfect gift. Mrs. Irwin wasn't done. She even spent time to make the players' certificates. They also came out perfect in our team colors of blue and gold. Players' names were written in black caligraphy and they looked very professional and sharp. The teams broke up into their 4 groups and the coaches presented the players with their certificates. Every speech more enduring than the previous. Players gleemed with smiles as teammates clapped and cheered. Families watched with love and pride as they see the success of their player.
After the speeches were done, it was back to playing and clean up time. Food was divided among families. Most didn't wait til home, we just kept eating while we were there. Everyone pitched in to clean up the picnic area. Once the jumper was ready and deflated, the kids found other things to do. The boys split up and played either basketball or baseball. The girls found the sidewalk chalk and added their own inspiration to the pavement.
This picnic was a time to show appreciation. It was a time to reminice over the season. Moreover, it was a time to strengthen the bonds of our families. We could picnic anytime. However, to have a picnic with this much emotion means so much more. The families remember why they are part of Uptempo Hoops and the coaches are reminded why they coach these wonderful kids. As stated earlier in the day, UH is expected to grow and we look forward to the talent which awaits UH.
 |
| The first to grab grub and chow down |
 |
| Football with the 7th grade and 4th grade teams |
Everyone enjoyed an array of games. The jumper was never without kids jumping and sliding. There was an exciting football game going on next to a fast paced volley ball game. Boys engaged in a water fight with water guns. Younger kids enjoyed the short walk to the playground and warm sand. Many kids stopped long enough to grab a quick bite to eat or drink, but went right back to playing. All ages, mixed together played and socialized. It was as if the basketball season was still on and we were waiting for a tournament game; just killing time. Many haven't seen each other in weeks. Most have started basketball in other leagues or CYO. However, coming together once again, it was as if no time has passed.
They were all friends again.
 |
| Thank you Dr. Salins for all your support |
Board members were thanked with a gracious speech by our President, Rene Noriega. I thanked the hard working coaches, the backbone of our organization. They are the reason we've grown to be the success we are. Muriel Irwin dedicated her time to find the right coach's gift. She purchased personalized game boards where they can write up their plays during AAU games in UH style. They glistened with the coach's name and "Uptempo Hoops" shining brightly. It was the perfect gift. Mrs. Irwin wasn't done. She even spent time to make the players' certificates. They also came out perfect in our team colors of blue and gold. Players' names were written in black caligraphy and they looked very professional and sharp. The teams broke up into their 4 groups and the coaches presented the players with their certificates. Every speech more enduring than the previous. Players gleemed with smiles as teammates clapped and cheered. Families watched with love and pride as they see the success of their player.
 |
| Mrs. Irwin's hard work. Great Coach's gift. |
 |
| Sidewalk art by siblings of the 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade teams. |
This picnic was a time to show appreciation. It was a time to reminice over the season. Moreover, it was a time to strengthen the bonds of our families. We could picnic anytime. However, to have a picnic with this much emotion means so much more. The families remember why they are part of Uptempo Hoops and the coaches are reminded why they coach these wonderful kids. As stated earlier in the day, UH is expected to grow and we look forward to the talent which awaits UH.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
What's Next for Uptempo Hoops?
The 2012 season comes to a close
What is next for the Uptempo Hoops Family? The players split up in different directions. Some focus on CYO while others continue AAU with a different organization until next February. Still others will play for their schools and some players will continue to train on their own. Whatever they decide to do, they know that off season can be just as fun. They will continue to grow together.
The season flew by. Maybe because we doubled in size and entered more tournaments. Maybe because our focus was on Reno and we spent our time prepping for that event. Maybe...we just didn't want it to end. I remember information night and meeting new families. With no time to waste, we launched into UH exclusive conditioning training. Before we knew it, Reno was upon us and then Rocklin...and then August.
Just as fast as the season went, the off season will go even faster. We will have our annual picnic on September 8. This event is sure to be fun full of eating, playing and socializing. September 15 we will have another basketball camp where many of our younger players attend while the older players volunteer their time coaching. We will have Uptempo Nights at college basketball games. One will be at San Jose State University supporting one of our family members, who will play for Sacramento State, Mikhael McKinney. More Uptempo Nights are planned to support our Coach JP Peterson, head coach for Ohlone College, Fremont. There are many more activities planned for the Uptempo Hoops Family. The UH Board will continue to meet and plan off season activities, as well as activities already in work for 2013. We are excited. The next few months hold so much for UH. The next year, even more events are planned for the UH Family.
 |
| UH Family in Reno coming together |
The season flew by. Maybe because we doubled in size and entered more tournaments. Maybe because our focus was on Reno and we spent our time prepping for that event. Maybe...we just didn't want it to end. I remember information night and meeting new families. With no time to waste, we launched into UH exclusive conditioning training. Before we knew it, Reno was upon us and then Rocklin...and then August.
 |
| Just a few of our family members |
Just as fast as the season went, the off season will go even faster. We will have our annual picnic on September 8. This event is sure to be fun full of eating, playing and socializing. September 15 we will have another basketball camp where many of our younger players attend while the older players volunteer their time coaching. We will have Uptempo Nights at college basketball games. One will be at San Jose State University supporting one of our family members, who will play for Sacramento State, Mikhael McKinney. More Uptempo Nights are planned to support our Coach JP Peterson, head coach for Ohlone College, Fremont. There are many more activities planned for the Uptempo Hoops Family. The UH Board will continue to meet and plan off season activities, as well as activities already in work for 2013. We are excited. The next few months hold so much for UH. The next year, even more events are planned for the UH Family.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Hardwood Palace Organization Tournament
Uptempo Hoops hits the road
"The Hardwood Palace - where families & friends cheer on dedicated young men who represent the wisdom and teachings of their coaches. On this hard wood battlefield, every young man wears their team colors. We wear Blue & Gold. WE ARE Uptempo." ~~ A. Gloria (father of N. Gloria, grade 5).
The whole organization travels to Rocklin, CA for another organization tournament. From Union City, the location is about 2.5 hours drive northeast. Many of the families hit the road early, some even spending Friday night in the Sacramento area. Those who left the Bay early, head out in the early morning Saturday chill. The 7th and 5th grade teams start off the event. Their first games begin about ~10:00 am in the morning. It was a great start to the day and for those of us who arrived early, it was fun to cheer them on. Both teams won their first games.
The Hardwood Palace, for those of us who have never been there, is an impressive place. It's not as big as Reno. It's what you can call "just big enough". The place is spacious and opens up to a complete snack bar offering smoothies, pizza, hot dogs, nachos...all the good sports food. The first floor is filled with side by side courts. Imagine a donut configuration with the snack bar and stairs in the middle. Oh yes, there is a second floor. The second floor is a huge balcony area in which spectators can watch the games below. It was a perfect place to hang out or let the younger UH members run and play in safety.
Upon arriving, we grabbed some stools and watched the 5th grade play to the left of us and the 7th grade to the right of us. The 4th grade moms were in regular form and screaming for Uptempo. We are not afraid to call the ref's on what we think are bad calls. After the 5th and 7th grades won their first games, it was time for the 4th grade to face their first opponents at 11am. They were a bit nervous and tired, but ready. The 9 players took the court and didn't look back as they won their first game.
The day was filled with 3 games per grade level. The 4th grade and 6th grade were able to stay at Hardwood Palace for all three games. The 5th grade and 7th grade had to play at least one game at another location, Roseville. There was some time to kill for all grades between games. The kids know how to have fun. The 6th grade faced their first opponents at 2pm. This was unfortunately late because the other three grades had already played about 2 games each by then.
Maybe if the first game was earlier, and the boys didn't have to wait so long, the turn out of the first game may have been a victory. Unfortunately, the 6th grade did not win their first game against a D1 team. They fought hard and did their best and the loss did not sway their positive attitude. They had a great time hanging out with friends drinking Icee's and hanging out on the balcony.
The weather in Rocklin was well over 100 degrees. Some families chose not to leave the facility at all because of the heat. Some families enjoyed the closeness of Thunder Valley Casino and still some other families enjoyed the nearby eateries. Hardwood Palace seems like it's in the middle of nowhere, but there are actually places nearby...just be sure you have a GPS.
When you are hanging out with the families and friends of Uptempo, you don't mind hanging out the whole day. The snack bar food was good, the company even better and we had a few victories under our belt. Groups of UH members walked over from one court to the other supporting each other. The only team to win the championship and receive much deserved medals was the 7th grade team. They finished the day undefeated. Watching them was so exciting. They are such a smart group of boys who know how to play basketball. They return to the fundamentals, they listen to their coach and they respect each other. After winning their medals, they went to watch and cheer on the 4th grade team in game 3. At one point, I saw my son turn his head in their direction and nod. Later, I asked him what did they say, what was the advice? His answer...back to basics...they said "next time aim". There can't be any better advice than that.
As one parent so eloquently put it: "what a great example of what "the pyramid of success" teaches. it's not just an ideal or concept. Uptempo team/family practices this on and off the court. confidence, self-control, friendship, and a real love of a hard battle ... to name just a few... we do our best to become the best that we are capable of becoming. we hear the acknowledgment and say "thank you." :)" ~~ L. Mercado (mother of M. Mckinney, grade 7). She made this statement the day after Rocklin and after a successful organization tournament.
Uptempo Hoops is very proud of all the players. They work hard on the court, during games and at practices. As young men, they are great examples of stellar athletes in action and in attitude. With a roster of over 50 players, there isn't one bad thing I can say about any one of our players. Each member is an asset to their team. The championship of one team is the championship of the whole organization.
"The Hardwood Palace - where families & friends cheer on dedicated young men who represent the wisdom and teachings of their coaches. On this hard wood battlefield, every young man wears their team colors. We wear Blue & Gold. WE ARE Uptempo." ~~ A. Gloria (father of N. Gloria, grade 5).
 |
| Noriega's no look pass to Inciong |
The Hardwood Palace, for those of us who have never been there, is an impressive place. It's not as big as Reno. It's what you can call "just big enough". The place is spacious and opens up to a complete snack bar offering smoothies, pizza, hot dogs, nachos...all the good sports food. The first floor is filled with side by side courts. Imagine a donut configuration with the snack bar and stairs in the middle. Oh yes, there is a second floor. The second floor is a huge balcony area in which spectators can watch the games below. It was a perfect place to hang out or let the younger UH members run and play in safety.
 |
| Coach Otico shouts out instructions |
Upon arriving, we grabbed some stools and watched the 5th grade play to the left of us and the 7th grade to the right of us. The 4th grade moms were in regular form and screaming for Uptempo. We are not afraid to call the ref's on what we think are bad calls. After the 5th and 7th grades won their first games, it was time for the 4th grade to face their first opponents at 11am. They were a bit nervous and tired, but ready. The 9 players took the court and didn't look back as they won their first game.
 |
| 5th grade knows how to kill time between games |
 |
| 6th grade enjoying snack time in the balcony |
Maybe if the first game was earlier, and the boys didn't have to wait so long, the turn out of the first game may have been a victory. Unfortunately, the 6th grade did not win their first game against a D1 team. They fought hard and did their best and the loss did not sway their positive attitude. They had a great time hanging out with friends drinking Icee's and hanging out on the balcony.
 |
| UH comes to watch and cheer on 4th grade in game 3 |
The weather in Rocklin was well over 100 degrees. Some families chose not to leave the facility at all because of the heat. Some families enjoyed the closeness of Thunder Valley Casino and still some other families enjoyed the nearby eateries. Hardwood Palace seems like it's in the middle of nowhere, but there are actually places nearby...just be sure you have a GPS.
When you are hanging out with the families and friends of Uptempo, you don't mind hanging out the whole day. The snack bar food was good, the company even better and we had a few victories under our belt. Groups of UH members walked over from one court to the other supporting each other. The only team to win the championship and receive much deserved medals was the 7th grade team. They finished the day undefeated. Watching them was so exciting. They are such a smart group of boys who know how to play basketball. They return to the fundamentals, they listen to their coach and they respect each other. After winning their medals, they went to watch and cheer on the 4th grade team in game 3. At one point, I saw my son turn his head in their direction and nod. Later, I asked him what did they say, what was the advice? His answer...back to basics...they said "next time aim". There can't be any better advice than that.
 |
| Tournament champs. 7th grade wins 3-0!! |
Uptempo Hoops is very proud of all the players. They work hard on the court, during games and at practices. As young men, they are great examples of stellar athletes in action and in attitude. With a roster of over 50 players, there isn't one bad thing I can say about any one of our players. Each member is an asset to their team. The championship of one team is the championship of the whole organization.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Today We Lay To Rest One Of Our Daughters
Ode to Zoe Inciong, an Inspirational Young Lady
Today, hundreds of family and friends laid to rest a beautiful young lady who passed away too early. She was a daughter of the Uptempo Hoops family; from the onset of the organization. She was more of an inspiration than any world leader, inventor or historical figure. She loved sports: water polo and basketball. She loved her share of junk food and chocolate...like those fried chocolate cookie things you talked me into eating in Santa Cruz and I said "gross". She was a straight A student with scholarly potential who wished to attend Columbia University. She was your typical teenager learning to drive with her father, Coach Randy Inciong, as he held his breath with every acceleration. From the passenger seat, he watched admiringly at his growing daughter.
When I met Zoe, I thought she was stunning. She had a bright smile, athletic build and was tall. She was always polite and funny. She was the older sister to the first Uptempo Hoops players and their siblings. At tournaments, she often stepped up and took care of my young girls. She would play with them, make sure they stayed out of harm's way and even fed them. She was a natural with younger children. At the first fundamentals camp, right before UH was created, she assisted in coaching. She encouraged the players. Her magnetic personality could only be matched by her zest for life. As everyone who was close to her, the news of her diagnosis was devastating and unbelievable. This amazing young woman stood strong and fought the battle head on. She never stopped to feel sorry for herself or give in.
It's been a tough year of emotional up's and down's. Her parents were pillars of strength who were surrounded by one of the strongest support groups that I've ever seen. People pulled together to make sure Zoe's brother Teo was taken cared of and continued his extracurricular activities. The Inciong family often had food delivered to them hot and ready to go by willingly helpful families. When it was my turn, mother, Ria said "just KFC"...I started believing "wow this family loves their KFC"...but she just didn't want to be a burden. It was never a burden to be part of this support group, it was an honor and a privilege. UH members attended Zumba, blood drives and other events so that life would not suck for Zoe. It was such an emotional ride for this large group.
The Inciong family helped start UH, when it was just an idea. We all looked forward to seeing Zoe play in a UH uniform on our first female team. This is my ode to Zoe...and her family. From day one, when my son walked onto the black top court during a UH practice, nail biting and nervous, they made us family. Zoe became Ate (Filipino for older sister/cousin). She embraced us, as she learned this from her parents who raised her well. We laid her down today for eternal rest, but she will never be forgotten. One day spent with her, you are effected for life. Thank you Zoe. Thank you for letting me be part of your life. Thank you for teaching me what is valuable. Thank you for how you effected Tia, to the point she still cries for you everyday and you've inspired her to write. Thank you for so much more than I can write about in this blog. Rest in paradise, until we meet again.
 |
| Start of Sophomore year |
 |
| She loved New York!! |
 |
| Coach and Zoe acting silly |
The Inciong family helped start UH, when it was just an idea. We all looked forward to seeing Zoe play in a UH uniform on our first female team. This is my ode to Zoe...and her family. From day one, when my son walked onto the black top court during a UH practice, nail biting and nervous, they made us family. Zoe became Ate (Filipino for older sister/cousin). She embraced us, as she learned this from her parents who raised her well. We laid her down today for eternal rest, but she will never be forgotten. One day spent with her, you are effected for life. Thank you Zoe. Thank you for letting me be part of your life. Thank you for teaching me what is valuable. Thank you for how you effected Tia, to the point she still cries for you everyday and you've inspired her to write. Thank you for so much more than I can write about in this blog. Rest in paradise, until we meet again.
 |
| Zoe's UH Team Bag |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)