BORN2GRIND BASKETBALL
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About Us
Founder/Coach
Tomas Oljaca’s journey began at a young age with a deep passion for the game of basketball.
As a player, he quickly made his mark as the leading scorer at the Fraser Valley Regionals and BC Summer Games Championships, where his team finished 2nd in the province.
Playing for Terry Fox Secondary as a junior guard in Grade 8, Tomas became the team’s leading scorer under the guidance of legendary coaches Rich Chambers and Don Vanos. He continued as a dominant SR guard at Terry Fox Secondary in Grade 11.
After suffering an ACL injury before his senior year, Tomas dedicated his focus to a career in athletics. He earned a degree in Sports Science while serving as both Head Coach and Assistant Coach, coaching multiple teams to Provincial Championship appearances at the Grade 9 and Junior levels.
Following his BPEC Bachelor's degree and MBA, Tomas built a career in Athletics, guiding numerous ISA schools to winning the South Fraser and Fraser North Basketball Regional Championship Banners.
Most recently, Tomas coached Southpointe Academy to its first-ever South Fraser Championship Banner and a Top 4 finish at the BC Provincial Championships.
BORN2GRIND Manager/Coach:
Christian is a knowledgeable basketball player that has tons of on court experience. He first picked up the basketball when he was in grade 2, and hasn’t lost the love for the sport ever. Attending Terry Fox Secondary, he was a key part in leading each team he was on to the success they obtained as a group. In the 3 years he played, the team made provincials all 3 years, winning the Fraser North banner twice.
Accomplishments:
2019-2020 Junior boys Fraser North MVP as a grade nine.
2019-2020 character in action and rookie of the year awards.
2021 BC Diamond League MVP
2021-2022 Senior boys basketball MVP
2022-2023 Senior boys top offensive player of the Year
2023 Outstanding service to the Poco Sports community award.
BORN2GRIND Coach:
Yusuf is an extremely passionate and experienced Basketball player and coach. He has played Basketball his entire life and is regarded as one of the best basketball shooting Coaches. His coaching experience includes two years as an Assistant Grade 8 Basketball Coach and two years as the junior boys Basketball Head Coach at Princess Margaret Secondary High School from 2012-2016.
Yusuf specializes in Youth Basketball and Fundamental training for our Grade 3-7 programs. He has a wealth of knowledge and ensures our members learn the game the right way from an early age.
Accomplishments:
Senior Boys Tradition Award
Junior Boys 6th Man Award
BORN2GRIND Coach:
Alex Popa is an accomplished basketball player whose journey began in the fourth grade. He attended Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary, where he quickly developed into a standout athlete and emerged as team captain in his senior year. During his final seasons, Alex led his team in rebounds, points, and blocks, establishing himself as a dominant presence on both ends of the court.
Beyond school competition, Alex has played at an elite level with both the LEAD U18 Elite Travel Team and SNB, gaining high-level experience against some of the strongest competition in Western Canada.
Accomplishments
2024 SRT Elite Basketball Excellence Award
2024 Senior Boys MVP
2023 Jokers Classic All-Star
2021–2022 MRPMSSAA District Champion
Four-time Carney Classic All-Star
2021 Carney Classic Player of the Game (POG)
2020 Carney Classic Player of the Game (POG)
BORN2GRIND Coach:
Tyler has been involved in basketball his entire life, playing for Walnut Grove Secondary from Grade 8–12. His playing career includes a 2nd place finish at BC Provincials in Grade 8, a Provincial All-Star award in Grade 9, multiple top-four provincial finishes at the junior level as well at 4A Senior boys level, and a 2x Fraser/Eastern Valley championship.
After graduating, Tyler became Walnut Grove’s youngest coach, helping coach the Junior Boys for two seasons before moving into his current role as Senior Boys Assistant Coach. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching at Douglas College, with ambitions to become a PE teacher and coach at the Provincial and high school level.
BORN2GRIND Coach:
Henry is a seasoned Basketball player with extensive on-court experience. In the early 2000s, he led his squad at Tamanawis and Sullivan Heights School (receiving multiple MVPs) and played Point Guard at Kwantlen College.
With several decades of experience coaching basketball at various levels, he has dedicated his time outside of work to developing young athletes on and off the court. His coaching philosophy centers around fostering teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic, while also emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship, fundamentals and personal growth.
BORN2GRIND Coach:
Coach Ehi is a dedicated basketball coach and certified fitness professional with a strong background in both competitive play and athlete development. He began his basketball journey at BC Christian Prep, competing with and against top talent from around the world.
After high school, Coach Ehi played two seasons at Douglas College, then continued his collegiate career at Langara College, gaining valuable experience in high-level competition at the College level.
Alongside his playing career, Coach Ehi earned his ACE Personal Trainer Certification and brings years of hands-on training experience helping athletes improve strength, conditioning, and overall performance. He is currently finishing his degree in Kinesiology at Langara College.
BORN2GRIND Coach:
David is a seasoned Basketball player who has a ton of on-court experience leading his squad at Terry Fox Secondary School.
Accomplishments:
2016 Provincial All-star
2019 SD43 All-star Game MVP
2018,2019 Fraser Valley All-star
2018, 2019 Legal Beagle All-star
David started playing basketball at the age of 12, played for new west secondary and Terry fox secondary, and made provincials 3 out of the 4 high school years, finishing 4th at the 2019 BC provincials.