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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.
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."
Coach
Caleb
Caleb is passionate about basketball, bringing over a decade of experience and a sharp basketball mind to every session. His journey began in high school, where he played point guard, and continued as a walk-on tryout at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, focusing on developing his skills as a 3-point shooter. His dedication to the game led to an NBA draft scouting role and an analytics internship with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Women’s Basketball team. Caleb has coached youth basketball across Wisconsin and Los Angeles, including running the travel program at Royal Basketball School. His detail-oriented, high-energy coaching style inspires young athletes and adds value to the competitive and developmental culture at Valley Stars.
Coach
Tessa
Tessa brings passion, positivity, and a lifelong love of basketball to Valley Stars. As a former high school player who still hits the court for fun, Tessa thrives on helping young athletes grow in skill and confidence. Since joining Valley Stars in 2023, Tessa has focused on finding each player’s unique strengths and pushing them to reach their potential. Off the court, she’s a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who believes in the powerful mental health benefits of sports. Her message to new players is simple and inspiring: Trust yourself!