FAMILY AFFAIR … All members of the Jimenez family play a part in JBA. (Front) Thad, age 9, Elise, age 7 and Theo, age 11. (Back) Jesse and Katie Jimenez. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Amy Wendt
Jimenez Basketball Academy (JBA), based out of Pettisville, aims to create a positive space where athletes can enjoy themselves while honing their skills that will prove advantageous not only in their game but also in their everyday lives.
Whether an athlete is just starting to learn or is an above-average player looking to improve on specific aspects of their game, JBA is dedicated to helping them achieve success.
The program was founded by a husband and wife team, Jesse and Katie (Linehan) Jimenez. Their shared passion for the game of basketball was evident from the very beginning, with Katie joking that their relationship was built around the sport. The duo met while both were coaching girls’ basketball at Stryker.
Both Jesse and Katie played high school basketball, with Jesse graduating from Stryker High School in 1995 and Katie from Pettisville High School in 1999.
Katie shared that over 25 years later, many who followed high school basketball still remember her husband as a tremendously skilled player during his high school career with Stryker. “Jesse just understands the game of basketball in a way that very few people do.”
JBA’s origins started when Jesse came to the aid of his struggling four-year-old daughter during her first park and rec basketball experience.
When asked to dribble a basketball, their daughter, Elise, burst into tears not knowing how. Katie jumped in and tried to teach her daughter, but she couldn’t find the right words to explain to her pre-school-age daughter how to continuously bounce the ball on the court.
Jesse then took his turn trying to help his little one with the challenge. Using his unique ability to break down dribbling into smaller, more manageable parts, he patiently helped Elise master the skill.
Katie and her dad, who witnessed the interaction from the sidelines, were struck by Jesse’s patience and the kid-centered nature of his coaching.
On the way home that very night, Katie encouraged her husband to pursue a career in basketball training.
After putting out a few feelers on social media with an overwhelmingly positive response, Katie applied for an LLC and JBA was born.
Scheduled to open their doors in March of 2020, the COVID-19 shutdown halted their plans.
In May 2020, JBA was finally able to open to small groups. JBA’s spacious facility made it easy to accommodate social distancing protocols.
Jesse’s desire to work closely with his students and assist in their skill development prompted him to maintain the small group format for most of their offerings even after the COVID-19 pandemic.
JBA offers basketball training for children of all ages and skill levels, from those just starting out on their basketball journey to older kids who are graduating soon and planning to play basketball in college.
The program at JBA has a strong emphasis on fundamentals and skills development. Jesse possesses a deep understanding of the game and has a talent for breaking it down for his players.
He takes the time to build relationships with each player and their families, which has helped him create a supportive and positive learning environment.
With an average of 50-60 students each month, Jesse is known for his hands-on approach, jumping right in and doing drills alongside players if he sees a player struggling.
He recognizes that each player learns differently and tailors his approach to meet the needs of each individual, ensuring they receive the attention and guidance necessary to reach their full potential.
While basketball is at the heart of what they do, JBA is not just about developing players’ basketball skills.
Jesse and Katie understand that their role is to teach young athletes important life skills and instill confidence in them that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Family involvement is at the heart of JBA. Jesse serves as a trainer, coach, and social media manager for the business.
Meanwhile, Katie takes on the role of office, website, and marketing manager and is often referred to as the “Mayor of JBA” by her husband and some of the players.
In addition to her JBA duties, Katie is also the Director of Student Services at Liberty Center Schools and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education degree.
Theo, age 11, Thad, age 9, and Elise, age 7, the couple’s three children, have been involved in many of the coaching sessions since the beginning of JBA.
According to Katie, their involvement has been a blessing for their kids, who have made friends with the students and gained valuable skills by helping their dad during sessions.
The JBA team extends beyond their immediate household as well. Their adult daughter, Jacquelyn Kelley, along with Katie’s mother, father, and stepfather, have also been instrumental in supporting the Jimenez family dream.
By building a strong foundation, teaching the game, and preparing athletes for the next steps in their playing careers, JBA is committed to producing basketball players who will not only be assets to their schools and teams but also gain confidence and skills that they can use beyond the basketball court.
If you are interested in scheduling a session with Jesse Jimenez, you can contact him directly through his cell phone at 419-551-8105 or through his business email at jimenezbasketballacademy@gmail.com.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com
