Elijah Rodríguez is a 14-year-old teenager who has loved playing basketball since he was a child. Each summer he looks forward to the seasonal league, Hoops in the Hood, put together by New Life Centers in Little Village. This community initiative creates safe spaces for youth to interact and build positive relationships with their friends, teammates, and adults fostering a sense of community. 

 Elijah tells us that he joined the New Life Centers league two years ago, and it has been a valuable experience. “Since I joined the basketball program, I feel like something has changed in my life because I see it as something very special. This sport opens the door to other sports, have healthy fun, have a good time with your friends, and keep yourself busy with something.” 

For Elijah, the opportunity to practice this sport not only allows him to have fun and have a good time with his friends but also helps him set goals for the future, “My goal is to one day play in the NBA because I love basketball, and I enjoy it a lot as if it were a part of me.” 

He admits that promoting these sports leagues brings many benefits to the community. It promotes peace in the community to reduce violence. “All of us who play this sport know that it is a healthy way to have fun and that it brings peace of mind to the community, we are all together and play in peace.” 

He hopes to continue playing to improve his skills as he gains experience. “My family supports my decisions and from my perspective, parents love bringing their children to play and have fun here, so that means it’s a good thing.” 

 Elijah recently graduated from eighth grade and hopes to play basketball in high school when he starts at the Chicago Bulls College Prep in the fall.