ABOUT   US

MIB is a community-oriented basketball program dedicated to the growth and well-being of our youth.

THE ORGANIZATION

Established in 2014, MyIsland Ballers (MIB) was born from the legacy of the MyIsland Ballers “Travel Team” which catered to adult males seeking advanced basketball experiences outside the Virgin Islands. The goal was simple: to bring athletes with the same desire, dedication, and talent together to play at a high level of competition. Witnessing the profound positive impact on the community, MIB emerged with a mission centered on nurturing young athletes through education, athletics, and personal development.

Driven by the motto “Passion Driven Purpose Bound! Winning starts at the center” MIB is committed to fostering an environment conducive to active learning and development. The organization is dedicated to molding future leaders, professionals, CEOs, and responsible societal contributors.
Central to the program is emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership, essential qualities for navigating real-life scenarios. Athletes are guided in mastering crucial time management skills, enabling them to balance academic pursuits and extracurricular activities effectively. The ultimate vision is to pave the way for athletes to secure scholarships for higher education or pursue careers in professional sports.

With abundant talent in the Virgin Islands, MIB strives to offer opportunities that empower individuals with long-term commitment and dedication. This commitment to growth and development equips athletes to confront life’s challenges while excelling on and off the court.
MIB’s inclusive approach ensures everyone benefits from all opportunities throughout the year. Allowing broader participation in events such as forums, training camps, clinics, combines, and tournaments extends the organization’s impact on the community.
Through these initiatives, MIB aspires to produce champions on the courts and winners in life, building a legacy of success and resilience in the Virgin Islands athletes.

Meet The team

President

Maurice Wells

“We remain hopeful that by taking them under our wings, it will assist in detouring them from traveling along those paths into a life of drugs, violence, crime.”

About me

A 2002 graduate of the University of Tampa where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Everest University. In 2009 a team of passionate individuals and I formed the MyIsland Ballers Travel Team, a non-profit organization offering coaching and development in basketball to young males in the Virgin Islands. Organizing such a program within the small-knit community with robust role models and developing a fellowship between young males was essential. The young males in our community are constantly fighting an uphill battle against peer pressure and harmful stereotype. MyIsland Ballers Inc. strivings to build extraordinary gentlemen who work hard, defy the odds, and compete to their fullest potential. It is not just about sports; however, sports are being used as a catalyst to promote positive men in the community. Although basketball is utilized as the foundation, the ultimate objectives are to teach life lessons and discipline. They are Passion Driven and Purpose Bound – Winning Starts at the Center!


Vice President

Jeffrey Jones

“This organization allows me to do two things that I love, teaching basketball while helping kids get ready for the real world.”

About me

Born on St. Thomas, USVI to Ervin Jones and Bernadine Hendrickson and raised on St. John. He has a desire to give back to the place he calls home though leaving at the age of 16 to attend high school in the Orlando area. Attending school in the states was not easy. He had an immediate culture shock, but basketball saved him. He felt out of place until basketball season and that is when he began to thrive. He graduated from Seminole High School with Honors and continued to do the same at the University of Central Florida. He currently resides in the Tampa Bay area and have worked at the United States Post Office for 12 years. Though his job is not bad, it will never be as fulfilling as presenting opportunities for kids back home that he never had for himself. He has been away from St John for 17 years and have been searching for a way to give back to the islands. MyIsland Ballers presented that opportunity. This organization allows him to do two things that he loves: teaching basketball and helping kids get ready for the real world. He is grateful for the opportunity to help kids have a smooth and positive transition into life beyond the Virgin Islands.

Director of Sports Activities

Ricky Mabry, Jr.

About me

Ricky Mabry, Jr. was born in New York City, where his love for basketball began. His love for the game made him decide to use it as a tool to change his narrative and to transition from urban living. Upon graduation from high school, he was offered multiple scholarships, but he decided to attend Iowa Western College, the number two junior college in the nation, at that time.  

Ricky moved on to attend the University of the Virgin Islands, where he was the starting point guard on the basketball team. During his time on St. Thomas, Ricky was able to foster relationships with the locals through a shared love for basketball. He has been an active participant in molding young ballers and assisting with their transition from high school to college. To date, Ricky has coached for “The Migos” basketball Team Huncho and serves as an assistant coach for the Berkmar High School basketball team. His ultimate goal is to continue sharing his gift and love of basketball, to as many boys as possible to extend and provide options to a sustainable future.

Director of Marketing

Kareem Harrigan

“Getting an organization like this established is just the beginning of what the potential of our community holds, but I am glad to be a part of this huge opportunity to make a big impact on these kids lives.”

About me

Born and raised in one of the roughest areas of St. Thomas USVI, growing up Kareem would sit and sketch for hours until his pencil would become a little snub. These key moments are when he fell in love and discovered his talents, art and design. He would use these talents to sometimes escape reality. It was always his first true love. But eventually, he cheated on his first love (design) and dumped her for a job in retail, conforming to the material things he thought he needed. But he knew that wasn’t his passion and that wasn’t where he belonged. So, after dedicating 12+ years to the retail management world, he finally reconnected with his true love, Design. Not looking back since, Kareem now holds a Master’s Degree in Media Design and is also Co-Founder of his own Design Agency, Taylor Made Branding. Although he moved away from the Islands some time ago, it has always been his passion to help create pathways to give back and create multiple opportunities for the youth that now reside on the islands. Getting an organization like this established is just the beginning of what the potential of our community holds, but I am glad to be a part of this huge opportunity to make a big impact on these kids lives.

Outreach Coordinator

Warren W. Wells, Jr.

About me

WWW Jr., a distinguished aviation professional with an illustrious 25-year career at Delta Air Lines, stands as a beacon of leadership excellence and operational prowess.
WWW’s commitment to youth development is not confined to the aviation industry. His passion for developing young talent through basketball is a testament to his well-rounded leadership. As a member of MYISLAND BALLERS, WWW brings his natural aptitude for harmonious teamwork and embodies the qualities of a true servant leader. His ability to build meaningful connections ensures a win-win outcome for all involved, reflecting his commitment to excellence and collaboration.

In alignment with his core values and dedication to service, WWW enthusiastically embraced the vision presented by MIB, contributing to the organization’s goals and giving back to his beloved seaside home. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with a passion for youth development through basketball, positions WWW Jr. as an invaluable asset in any professional setting.

Treasurer

Clarence Stephenson

“MyIsland Ballers is a dream turned reality where I can continue to use the game of basketball to continue to develop our kids to become respectable and responsible adults.”

About me

Clarence Stephenson was born and raised on the island of St. John where he currently resides on July 12th , 1974. He is a proud father of five and truly dedicated to the community. He entered the VI Fire Service on April 3rd , 2006, and became a National Registered EMT in 2009. Clarence was recently promoted to Fire Chief for the St. Thomas/St. John District in January 2023. He is an American Heart Association BLS Instructor aligned with the St. Croix Rescue Academy. He is also a Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1, Community Emergency Response Team Instructor with VITEMA and former basketball coach at the now closed Guy Benjamin School, Julius Sprauve School, and Gift Hill School. Clarence is most recognized for his work in the community through volunteer work (St. John Cancer Society), church, mentor, and as a basketball coach. As a founder of the St. John Basketball Club, Clarence can provide opportunities to the youths utilizing the game of basketball.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

MIB is dedicated to rewriting the narrative within our community, aiming to elevate our athletes’ skill sets through consistent training, clinics, and exposure to events structured as tournaments and combines. Recognizing the Caribbean region’s potential as a significant market for sporting events, the goal is to establish a robust network for our athletes.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Understanding the importance of balance in navigating life’s challenges, MIB will introduce forums that delve into mental health, physical well-being, financial literacy, and overall holistic wellness. While encouraging further education, MIB acknowledges the evolving landscape where college isn’t the sole path. By equipping young athletes with the necessary resources, they can make informed decisions that positively shape their futures.

Furthermore, MIB has noticed a need for conflict resolution skills among young athletes. Empowering them to express themselves effectively in high-pressure situations is vital to curbing inappropriate behavior, reducing conflicts, and preventing involvement in violent crimes. Educating athletes on civil communication fosters independent thinking, strengthens decision-making abilities, and fortifies them against peer pressure, nurturing them into resilient leaders.

CHALLENGES

MIB understands the pressing issues faced by young people in the Virgin Islands, especially within African American communities, encompassing high dropout rates, teen pregnancies, mental health concerns, and the rise in STDs. These challenges persist within our small community, urging MIB to heighten awareness and intervention efforts, aiming to rescue troubled youth from potentially harmful paths like drugs, violence, or crime. MIB seeks to steer young individuals from these detrimental paths through mental health awareness initiatives, financial literacy programs, and increasing exposure opportunities. Since many athletes come from financially constrained backgrounds, MIB invites businesses to partner in this endeavor, realizing the additional burden on parents who may struggle to provide necessary resources.

Running a successful program hinge on consistency and adequate facilities. However, the territory faces limitations, with about 60% of indoor gymnasiums managed by the Department of Education serving various purposes beyond sports. St. John lacks indoor facilities, relying solely on one outdoor recreational park for public use.

Expanding MIB’s impact necessitates more resources and facilities. Meanwhile, MIB continues to seek alternatives to meet athletes’ needs without compromising other groups or organizations who rely solely on these resources.

Get Involved!

With the fast-paced, continuously moving and growing nature of the My Island Ballers program, we rely on our wonderful volunteers to help create an excellent experience for all of those involved. Our volunteers are from all walks of life with different skill sets. From high school students to grandparents, our volunteers are the heart of the organization, intentionally investing in the children and families of the Virgin Island communities. Contact us today to find more on how you can help make a difference!


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