About
Valley Stars Basketball Academy offers basketball training programs that include basketball training, enrichment activities, player events, and trainings. The program provides comprehensive basketball training programs for youth and includes year-round basketball training alongside enrichment activities that support both athletic growth and personal development.
• Ages: 6–17 years old
Valley Stars Basketball Academy was established in 2016 as a nonprofit organization. The program’s mission is to redefine success on and off the basketball court by instilling fundamental life skills and building resilient communities where at-risk youth can thrive. It welcomes players of all skill levels and socio-economic backgrounds and focuses on basic basketball skills, self-esteem, confidence, camaraderie, and fostering a love of basketball together.
The leadership team includes Keith “Kiki” Esparza (Founder, Executive Director, Coach), Coach “D” Dimitri (basketball coach), Coach “Soph” Sophia (basketball coach), Coach Caleb (basketball coach), and Coach Tessa (basketball coach). Keith “Kiki” Esparza attended California State University, Northridge (CSUN), earned a B.A. in Communications, later graduated from culinary school, and has over 20 years of officiating high school and recreational basketball games. Coach “D” Dimitri was a standout at El Cajon Valley High School, earned All-League honors, averaged 20 points per game as a senior, led Grossmont College in 3-point percentage, played professionally in Norway where he won a championship and was named team MVP, and has over 20 years of coaching experience. Coach “Soph” Sophia has nearly 15 years of basketball experience, played for five years with Homenetmen Massis, played at Taft High School as a point guard and off-guard, and was starting point guard and team captain at Pierce College. Coach Caleb has over a decade of basketball experience, played point guard in high school, was a walk-on tryout at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, held an NBA draft scouting role, completed an analytics internship with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Women’s Basketball team, and has coached youth basketball across Wisconsin and Los Angeles, including running the travel program at Royal Basketball School. Coach Tessa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Valley Stars Basketball Academy emphasizes mastering fundamental skills and proper techniques as core principles of basketball. The coaches prioritize integrity, teach life skills alongside basketball fundamentals, and create a positive and encouraging environment where every player can grow and enjoy the game. The program is dedicated to building resilient and healthy youth by fostering a love of basketball together and focuses on at-risk youth.
Community involvement is part of the program, with kids helping with scoring, working the concession stand, and setting up for games, and Coach D joined Valley Stars to stay connected to the local community. Players can also volunteer in these roles and are taught to take pride and ownership of Valley Stars.
Parent testimonials describe Coach Kiki and his staff as a wonderful group of people and say that Valley Stars has created a family where kids love playing and volunteering to help the organization. Parents report that Coach Kiki’s energy and love of basketball are contagious and that Valley Stars pushes players to do their best and have fun being part of a team, with a focus on lifting each other up and making each other better. Another parent notes that the coaches hold kids accountable by telling them what they are doing well and how to be better, and that their children are proud to be part of the program.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
• Ages: 6–17 years old
Valley Stars Basketball Academy was established in 2016 as a nonprofit organization. The program’s mission is to redefine success on and off the basketball court by instilling fundamental life skills and building resilient communities where at-risk youth can thrive. It welcomes players of all skill levels and socio-economic backgrounds and focuses on basic basketball skills, self-esteem, confidence, camaraderie, and fostering a love of basketball together.
The leadership team includes Keith “Kiki” Esparza (Founder, Executive Director, Coach), Coach “D” Dimitri (basketball coach), Coach “Soph” Sophia (basketball coach), Coach Caleb (basketball coach), and Coach Tessa (basketball coach). Keith “Kiki” Esparza attended California State University, Northridge (CSUN), earned a B.A. in Communications, later graduated from culinary school, and has over 20 years of officiating high school and recreational basketball games. Coach “D” Dimitri was a standout at El Cajon Valley High School, earned All-League honors, averaged 20 points per game as a senior, led Grossmont College in 3-point percentage, played professionally in Norway where he won a championship and was named team MVP, and has over 20 years of coaching experience. Coach “Soph” Sophia has nearly 15 years of basketball experience, played for five years with Homenetmen Massis, played at Taft High School as a point guard and off-guard, and was starting point guard and team captain at Pierce College. Coach Caleb has over a decade of basketball experience, played point guard in high school, was a walk-on tryout at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, held an NBA draft scouting role, completed an analytics internship with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Women’s Basketball team, and has coached youth basketball across Wisconsin and Los Angeles, including running the travel program at Royal Basketball School. Coach Tessa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Valley Stars Basketball Academy emphasizes mastering fundamental skills and proper techniques as core principles of basketball. The coaches prioritize integrity, teach life skills alongside basketball fundamentals, and create a positive and encouraging environment where every player can grow and enjoy the game. The program is dedicated to building resilient and healthy youth by fostering a love of basketball together and focuses on at-risk youth.
Community involvement is part of the program, with kids helping with scoring, working the concession stand, and setting up for games, and Coach D joined Valley Stars to stay connected to the local community. Players can also volunteer in these roles and are taught to take pride and ownership of Valley Stars.
Parent testimonials describe Coach Kiki and his staff as a wonderful group of people and say that Valley Stars has created a family where kids love playing and volunteering to help the organization. Parents report that Coach Kiki’s energy and love of basketball are contagious and that Valley Stars pushes players to do their best and have fun being part of a team, with a focus on lifting each other up and making each other better. Another parent notes that the coaches hold kids accountable by telling them what they are doing well and how to be better, and that their children are proud to be part of the program.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.