📣 ATO Academaniac Scholar Spotlight: Coach Tae Shines at Jr. Suns All-City Skills Challenge!

We are thrilled to spotlight one of ATO Academy’s rising stars, Coach Tae, who earned a coveted spot in the Jr. Suns All-City Skills Challenge for the Free Throw Challenge in the 9–10 age division!

Out of over 600 student participants, only a few advanced—and Coach Tae was one of them! Representing both ATO Academy and the Sunnyslope Parks and Recreation Center, Tae showed off his hard work, focus, and commitment to excellence. He joined one fellow teammate from the rec center to proudly represent their local program and compete with Phoenix's best young talent.

🏀 What is the Jr. Suns Skills Challenge?

The NBA Jr. Suns Skills Challenge is a free, citywide competition where youth ages 13 and under get the opportunity to display their skills in five essential areas of the game:

• Shooting

• Lay-ups

• Dribbling

• Passing

• Defense

Participants work through skill stations and receive a cumulative score based on time and performance. Local winners, like Coach Tae, earn the opportunity to advance to city and regional levels for broader competition and recognition.

🌟 Coach Tae’s Journey

Coach Tae qualified during the Sunnyslope Spring Basketball Season Skills Challenge at the Sunnyslope Rec Center and moved on to compete on June 2, 2025, at the Phoenix Suns/Mercury Arena—a major venue filled with energy, lights, and incredible talent!

This exciting event was also part of Phoenix’s annual 602 Day celebration, a citywide event that honors community pride and the rich history of the 602 area code.

🏙️ A Day to Remember

As part of the festivities, Coach Tae:

• Competed among the city’s best young basketball players

• Met the City of Phoenix Mayor, Kate Gallego and several City District Councilwoman

• Enjoyed a halftime performance by the high-flying Phoenix Suns Jumpers

  
  

It was an unforgettable day filled with encouragement, community pride, and celebration. Phoenix was alive with talent and spirit, and Coach Tae stood right at the center of it.

🔁 #HowDoYou602? We do it by showing up, representing our community, and striving for greatness—just like Coach Tae!

🎉 Congratulations, Coach Tae! Your ATO Academy family is proud of you for being a leader, scholar, and athlete. Keep shining!