About

ABOUT US

BASKETBALL TRAINING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN PEORIA, AZ.

OUR STORY

In Game Athletics began in April 2019 after Shanelle and Demitrius finished their first year coaching varsity girls basketball. They envisioned creating a space in the West Valley dedicated to helping young athletes develop the skills to compete in high level basketball. Our first In Game Athletics event was a Junior High Girls' Basketball Clinic. We worked with nine young athletes and helped them develop their dribbling, shooting, passing, and footwork skills. Since then, we've been blessed enough to take on more clients and continue to grow IGA. We hope to continue to create a safe and engaging space for all athletes to grow and develop in their athletic journey.

FOUNDER & HEAD TRAINER

COACH MEECH

Demitrius, better known as "Coach Meech" has been playing basketball for over 20+ years. He attended Raymond S. Kellis High School, leading the boy's team to two back-to-back Final Four appearances. After graduation, Coach Meech attended Cochise Community College to play basketball for two years, before transferring to Eastern New Mexico University and finishing his collegiate career at Montana Western. Coach Meech has dedicated the last 5 years to perfecting his craft in coaching basketball and personal training. He holds a Strength and Conditioning Certificate with International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). Coach Meech specializes in sports performance & basketball skills training (13+ and older)

FOUNDER

SHANELLE BALARK

Shanelle, or as her players call her "Coach Balark" has been playing basketball for 15+ years. She attended Raymond S. Kellis and played varsity basketball before ending her career to a knee injury. After attending Kellis High School, Shanelle attended Grand Canyon University (GCU) and earned her degree in Health Care Administration. Upon graduating from GCU, Shanelle began coaching varsity girls basketball at Kellis High School, assisting her former coach Andrew Hogg. She assisted for two years before becoming the head varsity coach in spring of 2018. Shanelle believes that sports help to build young athletes into better individuals on and off the court. She aims to inspire her athletes to never give up and work hard at the things they want in life. Shanelle leads all of the events that IGA runs and brings our community together!