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To start off, what is Hi-Five?
Hi-Five Sports provides youth sports programming throughout the city of Chicago. Our year-round programs include Hi-Five Hoops Jr. NBA Basketball, holiday break camps, birthday parties and, most notably, an 8-week summer day camp. We emphasize the importance of fun, skill development, and positive experiences in sports. We believe that while learning and growing, children should feel good about themselves and enjoy every moment of their athletic journey.
How did your family start Hi-Five? What inspired you to create it?
Hi-Five is a family-owned and operated small business. The story of Hi-Five Sports Club began in the North Shore of Chicago with a deep-rooted passion for sports and a desire to create a positive impact on the lives of children. My dad began the downtown Chicago location in 1999. Our family has always believed in the power of sports to teach valuable life skills, foster personal growth, and bring joy to our athletes. This belief, coupled with our experiences in youth sports, inspired us to create an organization that prioritizes fun, fair play, and personal development.
In your mission statement, there is a lot about the importance of teamwork. Can you talk more about that?
Teamwork is integral to personal and social development, building critical life skills, forming strong relationships, and achieving goals collectively. It teaches children effective communication, cooperation, and problem-solving abilities, while also promoting leadership and responsibility.
Through teamwork, kids learn to trust and rely on each other, fostering mutual trust and dependability. Being part of a team offers emotional support, teaches respect and empathy, and enhances both individual and collective motivation. It encourages healthy competition, balancing personal bests with team success. Furthermore, teamwork prepares children for future challenges in academics, careers, and various life contexts. At Hi-Five Sports, fostering teamwork is a cornerstone of our philosophy, ensuring that children not only enjoy their sports experiences but also grow into well-rounded individuals.
Your dad was a huge pillar of this organization. After his passing, how have you kept his legacy within the company?
My dad was the heart and soul of Hi-Five Sports Club, and his passion for youth sports and commitment to fostering a positive environment for children have shaped our organization’s foundation. After his passing, we have honored his legacy by upholding the core values he instilled—fun, fair play, personal development, and a supportive community. We celebrate his contributions through special events, memorial tournaments, and recognition ceremonies, while continuing the traditions he started, such as emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship. By sharing stories about his life and principles with new staff and participants, we keep his influence alive.
Our leadership team embodies his integrity, compassion, and enthusiasm, inspiring others to carry forward his vision. Maintaining strong community connections and prioritizing mentorship and development opportunities, like our Coach-in-Training program, reflect his dedication to fostering growth and leadership in young athletes. Committed to excellence in all aspects of our programs, from coaching quality to creating an inclusive environment, we ensure that my dad's spirit remains at the heart of Hi-Five, allowing future generations to benefit from the positive, fun, and supportive environment he created