What began as a way to give one talented student a chance to shine has grown into one of the most meaningful student programs at Romero Elementary School. Fourth grade teacher Peter Gonzalez said the Romero Basketball Program started with a simple idea: creating organized lunchtime games that would eventually crown a school champion. But behind that idea was a deeper purpose rooted in recognizing student potential and wanting to give kids something special.
“I decided to create organized games at lunch time which would ultimately crown a champion,” Gonzalez said. “Inspiration came from my student Jose who was a very talented basketball player but did not have an opportunity to showcase his talents. When I found out there were no organized sports in Santa Nella, I approached the principal at the time, Nicholas Freitas, and he gave me the green light to start organizing games.”
Since then, the program has expanded far beyond lunchtime competition. What once centered on pickup-style games now includes after-school practices, special field trips, community playoff events and a new dinner banquet that will celebrate student achievement. Gonzalez said the biggest growth has come from what the program is able to offer children and families.
“Initially it was just organized games during lunch time,” he said. “It has now expanded to practices after school; field trips, for instance going to Stanford University to take in a game. Last year we opened the Romero 4 tournament up to the community, and parents were able to watch our playoff games. This gave the children in the community another event in the area to look forward to, which can sometimes be scarce.”
This year, the program will grow again with its first-ever dinner banquet. “We as a community will be able to have dinner together, and watch students receive awards they earned for their play,” Gonzalez said. He credited volunteers Megan Beevers, Daniel Wilson, Jessica Moua and Jacquelyn Bejar for helping the program thrive. Their support has allowed the program to keep pace with strong student participation, which this year includes about 42 percent of Romero’s third through fifth graders.
For Gonzalez, the basketball program is about far more than the scoreboard. He said it gives students a chance to exercise, improve physically and emotionally, and learn how to handle correction in a healthy way.
“First, students are getting exercise they probably wouldn’t have gotten for the day,” he said. “Students are also improving their overall strength and conditioning while improving their coordination. Lastly, students get exposure to getting honest feedback and implementing it in real time.”
That lesson, he said, can be just as important as any basketball skill. “You can really pick up on students who have never received any type of critical feedback, even when said gently,” Gonzalez said. “They learn mistakes are a part of learning and overall improvement, not an indictment on who they are as individuals.”
He said growth in confidence, teamwork and leadership is visible every season, and watching students develop is what keeps the program going. One student who stands out in his memory is a former player named Evelyn.
“In her first year she was timid and only scored one basket in eight games, despite having amazing natural talents,” Gonzalez said. “Two years later she scored 31 baskets in seven games, including hitting a last second shot in the playoffs that I will always remember.”
The program’s next major opportunity will be a field trip to see the Sacramento Kings take on the Brooklyn Nets, an outing Gonzalez described as exciting and deeply meaningful. He said the trip would not be possible without the support of school and district leadership.
“First, I must thank Superintendent Bryan Ballenger and Principal Veronica Miranda for opening the doors to this event,” he said. “I appreciate the support the district has given to the program through its entirety. I don’t think I have ever received a no when I have asked to do something, and I really appreciate them.”
Students attending the game will receive more than just a seat in the arena. The Kings organization is providing $15 concession credits, free hats, free tote bags and access to activities around the arena as part of Slamson’s birthday celebration.
“The event is special because I can just have fun with the kids, and they can further develop their love for the game of basketball,” Gonzalez said.
Romero families and community members will also have a chance to celebrate students closer to home on April 1 during the annual Romero 4 tournament, where the top four teams will compete for the school championship. Gonzalez said the event is one of the most important on the program calendar because it brings families directly into the experience while also helping fund future opportunities.
“The event is important mostly because it allows parents to watch their children compete in person, which was not available before,” he said. “Secondly, it is our biggest fundraiser of the year which will help pay for team uniforms, trophies, field trip costs, and for the upcoming dinner banquet.”
As Gonzalez reflected on the journey so far, one memory stood above the rest: taking students to Stanford University for the first time. He said the moment felt especially meaningful because it was once something he thought was out of reach.
“Going to Stanford University for the first time will always stand out because I thought it was out of reach,” he said. “Again, I received full support from the district and the principal at the time, Nicholas Freitas. I will always remember introducing Stanford to students and fellow colleagues, as it holds a special place in my family’s heart.”
Now, with another tournament ahead and more students finding confidence through the game, Gonzalez hopes the community will continue to rally around the program.
“The Romero Basketball Program would surely appreciate it if you could come down to Romero Elementary on April 1 to support our students during the Romero 4 tournament,” he said.
At its core, the Romero Basketball Program is about opening doors. For some students, it is their first chance to compete. For others, it is a place to discover confidence, leadership and belonging. And for Santa Nella families, it has become a growing source of pride, connection and community.
