Written by Octavio Parral | @octavio_parral
Daniel Belser, a teammate, and Coach Pope during a workout- Dorina Pope |
There are no doubts that inner-city schools have a crisis
when it comes to success. Just above 50% of high school students in the nation’s
largest cities graduated on time. That means half the students are likely to fail.
For Daniel Belser, graduating is very important and basketball is his tool to
stay in the books and succeed.
As a senior, Daniel hopes to graduate at the end of the year
with a college scholarship. His dream is to play for a college team. He
understands that success in an inner-city school is challenging with a low
socio-economic status background, few resources, and a sense of lost hope seen among
others.
Basketball provides a special resource that helps Daniel
with these challenges. Since he was 5, Daniel has used basketball as a tool to
keep himself focused on his studies, and more importantly, his character.
Through the bad times in a low-income neighborhood, Daniel feels a sense of peace
that fills the lost hope.
“Basketball means everything. It’s there when I feel like I
have nobody else.”
Daniel Belser working on his jumpshot- Dorina Pope |
There are a few important elements that Daniel takes from
basketball. There is the responsibility that comes with being a great talent.
It requires work ethic and commitment. Every day Daniel enters the gym with a
determined mindset to become a successful basketball player. He understands that
the same responsibility applies to school as everyday he enters school to
become a successful student.
Basketball requires a sense of maturity that successful
people have. There is the care and teamwork with others that Daniel
understands. There is the professionalism of the sport. Most importantly, there
is the love for the game.
Daniel uses school to support his main love and passion. That
is why Coach Pope and Next Level Skills are essential to his love for
basketball. The basketball and college-readiness training help Daniel focus on
what is necessary for the sport, his academics, and life.
“Coach has helped me mature on all levels. He's helped get me
looks from colleges and putting me in great positions to get a scholarship.”
Coach Pope giving advice to Daniel- Dorina Pope |
You will see Daniel working on his game every day. His training
helps his basketball game and structures his attitude for the academics. The
goal is to graduate high school with a 3.0 gpa and receive a basketball scholarship.
If you want to hear more from Daniel contact Coach Pope at
Next Level Skills.
-Next Level Skills