Changing Lives One Pass At A Time
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Changing Lives
One Pass at a Time
Valley Stars Basketball Academy's elite coaches bring unmatched talent and dedication to developing young athletes. With years of experience, they create a fun, inclusive environment where teamwork and community-building are at the forefront. Our coaches prioritize integrity, teaching life skills alongside basketball fundamentals, and fostering a love for the game.
Coach
“D” Dimitri
Dmitri is a seasoned basketball coach with a rich player and coaching background. He was a standout at El Cajon Valley High School, earning All-League honors and averaging 20 points per game as a senior. After leading Grossmont College in 3-point percentage, Dmitri played professionally in Norway, where he won a championship and was named team MVP. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Dmitri emphasizes player development, focusing on building positive relationships, and creating a fun, fast-paced style of play. Coach D joined Valley Stars to stay connected to the local community and believes in the spirit and culture of Valley Stars.
Coach
Adam
Aside from coaching with Valley Stars, Adam is also the head basketball coach at Palisades High School. With a decade of experience as a varsity head coach, Adam has led his teams to three CIF championships, earning three CIF Coach of the Year awards, and recognition as LA Times Coach of the Year. His coaching philosophy centers on providing players with a memorable experience while teaching them the fundamentals of the game. Adam’s dedication to both player development and the sport itself drives his commitment to excellence on and off the court.
Coach
“G-Unit” Gabe
Gabe started his coaching journey with Valley Stars after playing three seasons of high school basketball. There, he developed a passion and love for the game that led him to coaching. His philosophy emphasizes being tough but fair, pushing players to improve while maintaining balance. Gabe encourages new players to stay motivated and remember to not get discouraged and you can only get better. Gabe enjoys fostering the growth of each player and building a strong Valley Stars culture full of fun on and off the court.
Coach
“Kaboom” Natalia
Basketball has been central to Natalia’s life since childhood, beginning at Balboa Park, where she won three city section titles. She played Varsity Basketball at Granada Hills Charter High, winning league championships and competing in city and state finals. At Santa Monica College, she was a starter and top scorer before a knee injury ended her career. Drawn back to the game, Natalia began coaching at Valley Stars with Coach Kiki, aiming to give back to the community, especially girls’ basketball. Her coaching philosophy focuses on fostering a love for the game while teaching skills that translate beyond the court.
Keith "Kiki" Esparza
Founder & Executive Director
Keith “Kiki” Esparza is the Founder and Executive Director of Valley Stars Basketball Academy, a nonprofit organization he founded in 2016 to provide young athletes with opportunities to develop their basketball skills and personal growth. Coach Kiki’s journey into coaching began in 1987 when he attended a basketball camp at Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC), where he met influential mentors Virgil Watson, Reggie Reed, and Billy Reed. Their coaching philosophies and guidance left a lasting impact on Coach Kiki, inspiring him to pursue a career in sports mentorship.
Coach Kiki’s experience spans over 20 years of officiating high school and recreational basketball games, a role he began in 1996 after working as a summer counselor at LAVC in 1989. His dedication to the game, both on and off the court, reflects his belief in discipline, teamwork, and personal development.
In addition to his coaching career, Coach Kiki also worked in his family’s restaurant, which instilled in him the importance of education. Motivated to expand his skills, he attended California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he earned a B.A. in Communications. His passion for learning didn’t stop there—he later graduated from culinary school, finding parallels between coaching and cooking. Both require mastery of fundamentals, quick thinking, creativity, and adaptability, while teaching and refining one’s approach are essential to success in both fields. When not coaching or refereeing, Coach Kiki enjoys cheering on the Lakers, Rams, and Dodgers, ushering at his local church, and spending time with his beloved dog, Betty Boop.
Coach
“Soph” Sophia
Sophia brings nearly 15 years of basketball experience. She began playing at Woodland Hills Parks and Rec with friends, later competing for five years with Homenetmen Massis. At Taft High School, Sophia played as a point guard and off-guard, and in her senior year, she started coaching for Hoop Farm and Valley Stars. After an ACL injury while playing as starting point guard and team captain at Pierce College, she returned to coaching, eager to inspire players with her love for the game. Sophia’s philosophy: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
