A People over profit 501c3
San francisco • Bay Area
Our Mission
OUR CULTURE IS THE STANDARD
We are the place we all wish we had when we were younger. We exists to create a safe, fun, challenging and supportive environment.
BUILT ⚡︎ DIFFERENT
LISTENING
ELEVATING
ACCOUNTABILITY
DETERMINATION
EXECUTION
RESILIENCE
SELFLESSNESS
BUILT ⚡︎ DIFFERENT LISTENING ELEVATING ACCOUNTABILITY DETERMINATION EXECUTION RESILIENCE SELFLESSNESS
We build your children up, instead of burning them out. Our elite competitive teams are for 6th–10th Grade athletes who are serious about self-improvement – both on and off the court. Boys and girls train side by side, and everyone is held to the same standard: respect, hard work, and showing up for each other.
Clinics & Programming
UPCOMING EVENTS
Culture Combine
August 17th–21st at USF War Memorial Gymnasium will be your change to compete, connect and show us the LEADER you are.
This isn’t just a tryout, it’s an opportunity to join a culture built on heart, hustle and doing things the right way. Learn more about our development teams here or sign up for the multi-day experience below. Excited to see you there!
When you step into the gym, you feel the energy. The Academy has not only helped me as a basketball player, but also as a leader and person. I feel as if I’m a completely different person than who I was when I started.
“
Nisha Zemlin, Student
“
Every tuition award is an investment in a young person’s future – not just as an athlete, but as a leader, teammate, and member of their community.
Nelson Mandela
70%
of children drop out of organized sports by age 13 due to excessive pressure and loss of enjoyment
EMA is here to change that.
Our Values
THE PLACE WE ALL WISH WE HAD
POSITIVITY
We see the best in everyone. We choose encouragement, optimism, and belief – at all levels of the organization.
PASSION
This isn’t just what we do, it’s why we get up in the morning. We believe in lifelong connections, not transactions.
COURAGE
Growth begins outside our comfort zone. We embrace challenges and keep moving forward.
MINDFULNESS
We create a safe space to think, and to be present – to build resilience, self-awareness, and mental agility.
Founder
CEO
Executive Director
Meet Coach
Jerome Gumbs
Even at the age of 9, I knew my deepest passion would be to inspire others.
I was raised by my hero – my mom, Ann Gumbs. I watched her empower others, create confidence, and motivate change. Adversity showed up at a young age, and it pushed me to mature faster. Basketball became my escape, outlet, and focus.
My professional basketball career overseas was full of amazing experiences, lasted eight successful years, and was highlighted by winning a European Championship. Exceeding Expectations became my life’s motto.
Today, I use basketball as a vehicle to develop and empower young adults. I’m a motivator and teacher of life lessons first, and a coach second.
When my students walk away with lessons about perseverance, respect for teammates, parents, and community, the nine-year-old in me is smiling.
– Coach Jerome Gumbs
Contact us
BE A PART
OF OUR VILLAGE
Every young leader’s journey is different. Whether you’re exploring seasonal clinics, development programs, or tuition assistance, we’re here to talk and happy to help.
SUPPORT YOUR FUTURE LEADERS
Dreams shouldn’t have a price tag. 30% of our students receive tuition assistance thanks to supporters like you. Every gift fuels access, equity, and future leaders.
STAY CONNECTED
Lessons, updates & happenings from Coach Gumbs and the EMA team, delivered monthly.