There are moments in life that don’t feel real until you pause and reflect on them later. Traveling with an NBA Hall of Famer to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Massachusetts was one of those moments. From walking through the airport and watching people’s jaws drop, to team dinners, bus rides, and conversations, there’s so much that left an impact on me. It was a powerful reminder of what true impact, legacy, and greatness look like up close.
When I was training Ray Allen’s basketball team, we traveled to Massachusetts because the team was playing in a tournament. We left the warm, sunny weather behind and stepped into the freezing New England winter. I remember walking from one of the restaurants back to our hotel, battling the wind with every step. It instantly brought back memories of my college days, fighting the same winds as I walked to my dorm along the Charles River in Boston. Sometimes I had to use all my strength just to open the door against the wind.
Even before we got through to Massachusetts, at the airport, the energy around us shifted. People stared in awe, eyes widening and mouths opening wide with a gasp as they recognized Ray Allen. That was one of the most surreal parts for me, just watching people’s reactions and then turning to their friends or family and say “oh my god that’s Ray Allen.” Their whole demeanor changed in his presence. Imagine having that kind of impact on people, just by walking into a room.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Basketball Hall of Fame. Being at the Hall of Fame with someone who’s actually in the Hall of Fame was beyond anything I could’ve imagined. The team even got to hold a practice on the Hall of Fame court the night before the tournament, and because of who we were with, we received an incredible level of hospitality and respect.
It was just so inspiring to walk through that building and see so many pictures, videos, and pieces of memorabilia dedicated to him. It gave me chills to witness him being interviewed right there surrounded by everything he had achieved. That is what real impact and achievement looks like and I realized that’s where discipline, hard work, dedication, belief in yourself, and most importantly, hard work can lead you if you never give up.
One of my favorite moments from the trip happened while we were sitting at an UNO Pizzeria & Grill right near the Basketball Hall of Fame. We were all gathered around one big table in the back of the restaurant when he started playing a game with us. The rules were simple and we would go around the table and name a country. If someone repeated a country or couldn’t come up with one in time, they were out. It was so fascinating to see how he always looked for ways to challenge his kids. Instead of everyone zoning out on their phones, he brought everyone together through something fun and engaging. And in case you’re wondering, I did not win this game!
But what made this trip truly special wasn’t just the Hall of Fame, it was the people. We all got closer through shared dinners, long bus rides, and conversations. It was so much fun being surrounded by an energetic, inspired group of young athletes who genuinely loved the game. Their passion was contagious, and being part of their journey made everything more meaningful.
The biggest lesson I took away from this trip was what it means to leave a legacy. I saw firsthand what it looks like when you achieve greatness. People stopped him for hours asking for interviews, sharing stories, or just wanting a moment with him. It was overwhelming in the best way.
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I still can’t believe I lived it. It reminded me what this journey is all about, achieving your dreams, impacting lives, and doing something that lasts long after you’re gone. I’m forever grateful and I’ll never forget it this experience.
