William Tarver, basketball director of the Corpus Christi Church Youth Basketball League, was recently chosen as one of the 32 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coaches of the Year for the 2007-08 season. These top youth league coaches were chosen by the NBA/WNBA from 83,000 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA coaches in the U.S. and abroad.

Tarver, who represented the Atlanta Hawks, was nominated for his years of dedicated service, for teaching respect for the game and for his innovation. Since 2005, female enrollment in CCYBL has tripled under his leadership. He also has established a partnership with the Georgia State University basketball program that has benefited the entire league.

In addition, Tarver is part of the team that develops the parish’s year-round community outreach programs, such as Challenge Summer Day Camp Program for children ages 6 to 12, and SUMMER SWARM, a leadership program for teens.

Tarver has been a volunteer coach at Corpus Christi for more than 10 years. CCYBL was established in 1981 and offers recreational and travel basketball playing opportunities to approximately 175 girls and boys from ages 5 to 17.

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coach of the Year program recognizes member coaches who stand out, both on and off the court, exemplify and teach Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA S.T.A.R. qualities, which include sportsmanship, teamwork, positive attitude and respect, while representing the hard work and dedication that make youth sports a rewarding developmental experience for players, parents, officials and other coaches.

“Providing positive examples of sportsmanship and teamwork for youngsters to learn from, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coaches of the Year teach kids how to play the game the right way,” said Bill Laimbeer, WNBA Champion Detroit Shock Coach and Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA advisory council member.

Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA member league directors had the opportunity to nominate up to three coaches, male or female, from their league as a 2007-08 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coach of the Year. The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Selection Committee evaluated the coaches on eight categories including preparation, teaching and ethics. The committee also examined the league directors’ evaluation forms and letters from parents, players or other coaches associated with the nominee.

Completing its seventh season, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA has grown the game of youth basketball through recognition programs such as the Gatorade Championship Series, National Skills Competition, Pledge to be a S.T.A.R Summer Camps, Clinic Series, National Team and Coach of the Year. The program has reached more than 10 million players, parents and coaches globally, providing a support structure that not only encourages participation, but also makes the game fun and rewarding.