Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrell Brown.
1999-2008, Nathan Brown served as a youth basketball coach for underprivileged kids in Southeast Colorado Springs. Growing up, the Hillside Community Center and the game of basketball saved his son, Terrell Brown, from falling victim to the environment he grew up in. After overcoming several obstacles both athletically and personally, Terrell was determined to return home and use sports as a tool to convene and empower youth.
[Please note: Dallas Native & Former NFL Pro JaCorey Shepherd was a Hillside participant for two years when JaCorey’s father was stationed in Colorado for the military. Today, Terrell and JaCorey remain close friends with unique personal/athletic journeys that bridge the gap from Dallas to Colorado Springs, aka “Olympic City USA.”
Hillside Connection Quick Facts: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Established on March 12, 2017, “leverage the game of basketball to create pathways to opportunity for kids in Southern Colorado Springs!
Fived tiered approach towards youth development includes basketball clinics, enrichment activities, community engagement opportunities, summer basketball league at Memorial Park, and academic support. ALL PROGRAMMING IS FREE OF CHARGE!
Three years serving the community; 30k in annual support given to support youth and community through various programming; 350+ youth impacted. Youth boys (Grades 1st – 7th) | Youth girls (Grades 1st – 4th). Colorado Community Sponsors Include El Pomar Foundation; GE Johnson Construction Company, ANB Bank, etc.
Colorado Community Partners: Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, local school districts, “Olympic City USA”, Colorado Springs Parks & Recreation.
Terrell Brown Resume: Former D1 College Basketball Player – Montana State University. Colorado Springs Mayor Young Leader Award Winner – Sports & Innovation (2017). Colorado Springs Business Journal “Rising Star” Class of 2019.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
“Colorado HS Standout Terrell Brown Overcomes Nightmare to live his dream and earn degree.” https://milehighsports.com/colorado-hs-standout-terrell-brown-overcomes-nightmare-live-dream-earn-degree/
From the outside looking in, most people would say I have made my transition from “athlete” to “young professional” look easy, but internally I know it was an uphill battle. Here is a snapshot… I would recommend visiting the link above.
As a kid, I was exposed to the business side of the sport at a young age. At age 12, I was recruited to attend a private school called the Colorado Springs School. 7th – 9th Grade years; helped take their athletic program to new heights; tuition was around 15k – 18k per year, but me and a few friends were provided scholarships. Left the Hillside Community that I grew up in.
10th – 12th Grade year returned back to my community to finish out my high school playing career at Palmer HS. Reggie Jackson (LA Clippers PG) graduated the year before I came. We were a top 10 team in the state my junior and senior years but failed to make a run at a state championship as expected. High major schools (Colorado, UNLV, Stanford, etc.) stopped recruiting me, and a low ACT score caused Lehigh University (Home of Portland Trailblazers guard CJ McCollum) pulled their scholarship, so I rushed into a decision to attend D1 School – University of South Dakota.
Freshman & Sophomore College Years: Redshirted my first season at the University of South Dakota. Transferred to Otero Junior College. As a redshirt freshman in Junior College, I played one season [Runner Up Region IX Player of the Year] but still couldn’t get over the hump after losing in the Region Championship Game to North Platte.
Montana State Years – I finished college out at Montana State University, Played my sophomore and junior seasons before being cut going into my senior year for no legitimate reason. Fought for my scholarship to get reinstated by the NCAA Summer of 2015. Worked as an intern and El Pomar Foundation and then at Armstrong Moving Company for three months before heading back to the NCAA. By the grace of God, I returned back to Montana State to get my degree at no cost. The rest is history.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Hillside Connection is a nonprofit organization that I built from the ground up. We are a young organization that is built off 100% volunteer power and no paid staff right now. Thanks to a long list of foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors, we are able to provide FREE programming for all youth participants.
What sets you apart from others?
Our targeted demographic: We strive to provide opportunities for underprivileged kids in the community. 90% of our youth face numerous challenges outside sport: single parents, housing, food insecurity, etc. The kids who don’t necessarily get a fair shot at life are the kids we have in our program. The cost associated with youth sports across America is a challenge for many… ALL KIDS DESERVE ACCESS TO SPORT!
Community Focused: It’s bigger than sport! Kids and parents continue to develop a newfound sense of community pride through volunteering with local organizations and helping with community projects. For example in Spring 2017, in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs and Colorado Trust we were able to paint the lines and install hoops at a local basketball court – Memorial Park. Today we host a FREE 5 week Summer Basketball League (Late May – June) at Courts for over 80+ elementary and middle school boys in the community!
We have plans to refurbish the courts in years come (post-tension surface, fiberglass backboards, etc.). Stay tuned! #HILLSIDESTRONG
What are you most proud of?
As an organization, we are proud to provide a newfound sense of hope to families in Southeast Colorado Springs. Our actions show that we continue to have the kid’s and families’ best interests at heart!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I always had a remarkable work ethic, focus, and wisdom well beyond my years. The Hillside Community Center (where we host our programming today) was my sanctuary. Outside of sport, I enjoyed going to Skate City with JaCorey and friends from the area. Be sure to ask JaCorey about our Skate City days when he lived in Colorado Springs haha.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hillsideconnection.org
- Email: hillsideconnectionCOS@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillsideconnection/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hillsideconnectionCOS/
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