We had the good fortune of connecting with Coach Sheika-Ann Ambatali and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Coach Sheika-Ann, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Saudi Arabia but my family is from the Philippines. Our family moved to Southern California when I was about 4 years old and I had no idea how to speak, write or understand English. It was tough communicating with others and making friends but I was determined to learn English. In retrospect, that was an obstacle I am grateful for because it showed me that I can accomplish anything. I grew up having the opportunity to learn lots of different activities by taking classes in tennis, golf, cartoon drawing, singing, tap dancing, jazz, swimming, basketball and so much more. I was very involved in school activities, athletics and academics. Overall, my upbringing impacted who I am today because I discovered myself through movement and my curiosities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
All In Basketball is a unique basketball training company and a proud member of the Jr. NBA program. Based in Orange County, California and founded by Coach Sheika-Ann Ambatali in 2016, All In Basketball was created with the strong belief of sharing and teaching our love of one-on-one and small group training throughout Southern California. We aim to provide high quality, innovative, challenging and fun ways to learn and improve your basketball game. Our ultimate goal is to help grow your self-confidence, your basketball knowledge, your skills as a team and your overall game as an individual.

I am most proud of the thousands of athletes that I have trained and coached not only here in California but in India and China for the Jr. NBA. I love seeing them grow up and succeed in life even if they no longer play basketball.

After coaching girls basketball at the high school level for four years, I became fond of focusing my attention in the smallest details with individuals and small groups. I found that I could help guide my athletes one-on-one or in smaller groups to lessen the distractions and really understand their goals as individuals so I went that route and followed my passion to form my basketball training business. I was still getting my name out there when I first started getting clients but as time went on, I was able to build a foundation for my business. With the help of word of mouth, I was getting consistent clients.

My brand is called All In Basketball for a reason–we are all inclusive of everyone with all skills, all levels and all ages who want to get better in basketball. Eventually, my future vision is to grow this brand outside of Southern California and hope to continue to share my love for this game and give back the knowledge I have learned to my community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles and Orange County has so many great activities, sights to see and food to eat!

Favorite restaurants to eat:
-Mo Ran Gak (Korean BBQ)
-MJ’s (Filipino)
-Brodard’s (spring rolls)
-Seafood Cove 2 (dim sum)

Favorite places to eat dessert:
-Tastea (boba)
-Somi Somi (taiyaki with ice cream)
-Cafe 86 (halo halo)
-Manila Sunset (bibingka and pancit palabok)
-Pampangas Bakery (turon)

Favorite sights to see:
-Signal Hill for the sunset/sunrise
-Huntington Beach pier sunset
-Lion’s Field in Fullerton
-Disneyland fireworks

Favorite hangouts
-Outlets of Orange
-LBX
-Rodeo 39
-Steelcraft Garden Grove
-The Source Buena Park

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to the Athletic Director at Oxford Academy, Dave Clifton, who was also my junior high and high school P.E. teacher and later in my adult life, was the one who saw my potential to start coaching the girls basketball team at the school. This was a decision that catapulted me into my journey from a basketball player into a basketball coach then a trainer and now a league commissioner. I gained so many skills and wonderful experiences through the opportunity to coach at the high school level and I’m very thankful for him and the decision to hire me. It became full circle for me having been a student of Oxford Academy so that was a huge highlight for me..

Website: www.allinbasketball.com

Instagram: @allinbball & @allinbballwomensleague

Twitter: @allinbball100

Facebook: @All In Basketball & @All In Basketball Women’s League

Other: https://www.meetup.com/womens-basketball-all-in

Image Credits
Jenar Villareal @jaypeee_villareal

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