About Us
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to empower youth in Brevard County, Florida to achieve a successful transition to their social, academic and career goals. We achieve this by providing mentoring, career and college readiness, and life skills training to approximately 60 youth and 100 family members each year.
Our vision is to provide the largest platform for our youth, allowing them to dream big and for those dreams to come to fruition and for every participant to in turn give back to the next generation.
About Us
Who We Serve
We serve low-income youth, ages 11-19, of all backgrounds who live in Brevard County, Florida and who aspire to pursue post-secondary education or a career.
More About Us
At Next Generation Athletes, we are more than just a sports organization; we are on a mission to transform lives through the incredible power of sports. Our primary goal is to empower youth to reach their full potential, fostering responsible, caring, and productive citizens in the process.
We are a basketball training and educational non-profit designed specifically for student-athletes who aspire to unlock their ultimate potential, harness their unique strengths, and achieve their dreams.
Sports serve as a critical platform for youth to develop character and essential life skills, including teamwork, self-confidence, and resiliency. Extensive research demonstrates that active kids perform better in life, and throughout history, sports have offered every child the opportunity to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Families now spend an average of over $900 per child athlete each year. This soaring cost has created a barrier for low-income families, leaving them largely excluded from the many benefits of youth sports.
Next Generation Athletes was established to address these challenges head-on.
Our program is designed for coaches, parents, and athletes and focuses on effective motivation techniques to sustain engagement. It imparts essential life skills, career and college readiness and highlights the benefits of engaging in sport activities.
Join us in our mission to make youth sports and post-secondary education and careers accessible, affordable, and enriching for all. Together, we can empower the next generation to lead healthier, happier, and more successful lives through the world of sports.
Leadership Team
President/CEO - Darren Cox
With a mission-driven focus, Mr. Cox has over 20 years of experience in non-profit and higher education leadership with a focus on workforce/economic and youth development. A graduate of Penn State and Howard University, Mr. Cox also enjoys coaching basketball and mentoring youth.
Advisory Board
Dr. Tasheka Cox
Dr. Tasheka Cox
Dr. Tasheka Cox
A dedicated professional, Dr. Cox has over 15 years of experience in schools and private practice with a focus on the social and emotional well-being of individuals, families, and groups. A graduate from NC Central, UConn and Argosy University, Dr. Cox also enjoys sporting activities and mentoring youth.
Matt Wagy
Dr. Tasheka Cox
Dr. Tasheka Cox
Matt, President and CEO of H&W Concrete and Ken & Carrie's Beach Plumbing, a dedicated basketball dad and New Level Hoops coach, graciously serves on the Next Generation Athletes board in a number of capacities. Matt manages the relationships of donors and is instrumental in spearheading the Career and Business Readiness Program.
Gail Thuraphan
Dr. Tasheka Cox
Gail Thuraphan
Gail, owner of a Healthcare company in Brevard County graciously serves on the Next Generation Athletes board and has a background in Marketing. Gail manages all marketing initiatives.