“I want to be remembered as a hard worker, as a leader leading by example, and putting in the extra work when no one else does.” –Antoine, Jr.

Antoine, Jr. (aka “AJ”) is a member of the founding generation at Crossover Mission, a cohort that helped establish our organization a decade ago. In just 5th grade, when he began his Crossover journey, AJ and his fellow Crossover pioneers quickly bonded. Having a peer network was something AJ sought as he had struggled making friends at school. “I came out of my shell at Crossover. I had met the guys I could depend on.” Over the next decade, AJ was joined to the hip with his new
brothers during their years training hard on the basketball court, traveling to compete in tournaments, and having all-night sleepovers. “We fought, we cried, and created memories that will last a lifetime,” says AJ.

Crossover is also where he met mentors who would take him to places he had never dreamed of going. It was Ms. Cathy and Ms. Kati who he thanks for helping him gain admission to Saint Edward’s School. His mentors also opened up opportunities for him to visit schools and cities throughout Florida, in North Carolina, and beyond. The chance to play basketball at the college level in Minnesota was too tempting for AJ to pass up after graduating from high school. He missed his parents and his friends from Crossover but quickly forged new bonds with his college classmates and teammates. This fall, AJ has decided to transfer and play college ball at Russell Sage College in Albany, New York, and continue pursuing a four-year degree in Business
Management.

Over the last year, AJ has joined Crossover as a staff member. “I’m doing something I love – teaching basketball, helping the next generation achieve its goals.” Though only a few years younger than him in some cases, AJ, as an alumnus and mentor, wants to guide current Crossover student athletes in developing the skills that transcend the game of basketball. “Crossover is about grit and determination. And it’s about showing gratitude to all those who have helped you along the way.”