Hidden Gems: Meet Vanessa Zavala of Elite Valley Aces

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Zavala.

Hi Vanessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Basketball has been a part of my life since I was 7 years old, growing up in Chicago, IL. I quickly fell in love with the game, and it became a foundation for who I am today. I was a four-year varsity starter and MVP at Maria High School, competed on the AAU circuit with Windy City, Chicago Flames, and ChicagoHoops Express, and continued my playing career at Moraine Valley Community College.

My coaching journey began early—during high school off-seasons, I’d return to help out at my elementary school. That passion only grew stronger over the years. I went on to volunteer at Chicago Park District leagues, youth summer clinics, and college open gyms. It was always more than just basketball for me—I loved seeing young athletes grow not just in skill, but in confidence, discipline, and character.

Five years ago, I made a life-changing move to Arizona with a clear goal: to pursue coaching on a deeper level. Since relocating, I’ve coached the boys and girls teams at Estrella Mountain Elementary for three years and most recently served as an assistant coach for the varsity Desert Edge High School girls basketball team during the 2024–2025 season. I started up my own youth basketball training and club program, Elite Valley Aces in 2023. Building this program from the ground up has been a dream come true—watching these athletes develop on and off the court is what keeps me motivated every single day.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. But I believe the hard roads are the ones that build the strongest foundations.

Relocating from Chicago to Arizona was a major life shift. I left behind family, familiarity, and comfort to chase something I believed in. Starting fresh in a new state while trying to build credibility as a coach wasn’t easy. I had to prove myself all over again and be willing to take small steps before big ones.

There were times I questioned if I was doing the right thing—especially when resources were low or gym access was limited. Starting my own club program from scratch meant facing financial pressure, logistical challenges, and the constant hustle of building trust with families. And as a woman in a male-dominated space, there were moments where I felt overlooked or underestimated.

But every obstacle reminded me why I started. I’m passionate about giving kids a place to grow, to feel seen, and to learn life through basketball. Those early struggles taught me patience, humility, and the power of staying true to your purpose—even when the path gets tough.

We’ve been impressed with Elite Valley Aces, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Elite Valley Aces is more than just a youth basketball program—it’s a movement rooted in growth, discipline, and community. We’re based in Arizona and offer year-round training, competitive club teams, and mentorship for athletes ranging from 5th grade through high school. What sets us apart is our commitment to player development both on and off the court.

We specialize in building complete athletes—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Our focus goes beyond winning games. We teach confidence, leadership, teamwork, and accountability through every drill, practice, and team talk. Whether it’s sharpening fundamentals, developing basketball IQ, or preparing for the next level, we meet each athlete where they are and push them to grow.

What we’re most proud of as a brand is the culture we’ve created. Aces athletes and families know this is a safe, competitive, and empowering environment. Our athletes show up for each other, push themselves, and leave the gym better than they came in. And that energy is contagious.

From our MVP chains to our “More Than Basketball” mindset, we’ve built something that feels like family.

Whether you’re looking for elite training, a competitive team, or a program that truly pours into your athlete’s future, Elite Valley Aces is here to deliver.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people who know me through basketball see the coach, the competitor, the one who’s always pushing athletes to be their best. But something they might not know is how much work I put in behind the scenes to grow personally and emotionally.

I’m very pro-therapy, and I’m proud to be in therapy. It’s been a huge part of my journey—not just for my own healing, but so I can show up better for those around me. I believe in doing the inner work, especially as a leader.

Behind the scenes, I’m constantly working on myself so I can better serve others—whether it’s through journaling, connecting to my faith, or leaning into meditation and reflection. I’ve learned that being a strong leader isn’t just about calling plays or running drills—it’s about showing up with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

I also have a soft side that might catch people off guard. I coach hard, but I care even harder. I carry my athletes’ wins, losses, and personal struggles with me because their growth, on and off the court, matters to me more than anything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Elite_valley_aces_llc