Cape Coral police athletic league starts new travel basketball program

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—A local program is using sports to create new opportunities for kids across the community.

The Cape Coral Police Athletic League's new travel basketball team, the Coyotes, focuses on mentorship, structure and building relationships that last. WINK Sports reporter Lauren Halpern went to tryouts.

The program is being led by a 15-year Cape Coral police officer who is combining his background in coaching with other local high school coaches to create a team built on more than just basketball.

"Being part of a team is important, because they get to learn the necessary skills to communicate better with others and eventually go into the workforce and become successful," said Coby Palmer, head coach of the Coyotes.

As a longtime officer and former school resource officer, Palmer has seen firsthand the challenges many kids face and how sports can help guide them in the right direction.

"I care about your character and who you are off the court," Palmer said.

A message that's already resonating with other coaches involved in the program.

"We are trying to instill life skills in them, communication skills, how to be a better person, how to work together with each other, and we are teaching them those things intertwined in our drills, not just teaching them the skills of basketball," said Kristen Aley, basketball coach at Oasis Middle and High Schools.

Come May, the team will give back to the community through outreach programs like volunteering at Gigi's Playhouse.

"Not only will they be better basketball players, but maybe they'll be better neighbors and really, that's worth showing up for," said Fran Esquerre, assistant coach of the Coyotes.

For players like Nevaeh Howard, a rising senior at Island Coast High School, it's a chance to build herself on and off the court. Howard said her parents aren't together, so she misses opportunities during summers when she's away.

"I have a lot of social anxiety, so I really don't know how to talk to people," Howard said. "This would also help me meet new people outside of school and stuff."

For Palmer, that character growth is what matters most.

"When I'm old, retired and done, you're going to be the leaders in this community," Palmer said. "I want you to be positive role models."