Born2Grind Athletics
WHO WE
ARE
More than a basketball program. A movement built on standards, relationships, and the development of the whole student-athlete.
Our Mission
BUILT TO DELIVER.
BORN2GRIND is a premium basketball development program built to deliver more than just training — we create a complete athlete experience.
Our mission is to develop disciplined, confident, and accountable young leaders through high-level basketball coaching, intentional skill development, and a culture rooted in unity.
We are committed to building athletes who compete with purpose, lead with character, and carry themselves with professionalism in every environment.
What Drives Us
OUR VALUES
Character
We hold our athletes to the highest standards — on the court and off. Character is the foundation of everything we build.
Culture
A great program is defined by its culture. We intentionally design an environment where athletes feel valued, connected, and part of something bigger.
Leadership
We develop athletes who lead — on the court, in the classroom, and in their communities. Leadership is a skill we coach every single day.
Credentials
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Trinity Western University
Bachelor of Physical Education & Coaching
Douglas College — Specialization in Kinesiology
Certifications
NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
Certified Interscholastic Athletic Administrator (CIAAA)
Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA)
Leadership & Administration
President, Greater Vancouver Interscholastic Sports Athletic Association (GVISAA)
Vice President, Independent School Elementary Athletic Association
BC Senior Boys Basketball Provincial Executive
About the Founder
TOMAS OLJACA
Founder & Coach
Tomas Oljaca is one of British Columbia's premier high school basketball coaches and athletic leaders, recognized for building championship programs, developing high-performing student-athletes, and creating cultures of excellence.
A lifelong competitor, Tomas became the leading scorer at both the Fraser Valley Regionals and the BC Summer Games Championships, helping his team earn a provincial silver medal. He entered Terry Fox Secondary's basketball program as a guard and became the team's leading scorer before an ACL injury redirected his competitive drive toward coaching and athlete development.
His coaching philosophy is rooted in building strong team culture, cultivating leadership, and creating an environment where athletes feel valued, challenged, and supported.
His background in sports science, performance enhancement, corrective exercise, and athletic administration allows him to take a holistic approach — integrating skill development, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, leadership education, and mental performance into every aspect of the program.
Coaching Accomplishments
- Terry Fox Secondary Grade 9 Boys – Fraser North Champions (2016)
- Terry Fox Secondary Junior Boys – Fraser North Champions (2017)
- Meadowridge School BTM Boys – League Champions (2020)
- Meadowridge School Senior Boys – Fraser North Champions (2022)
- Southpointe Academy Senior Boys – South Fraser Champions (2025)
- Southpointe Academy Senior Girls – South Fraser Champions (2026)
- Southpointe Academy Senior Girls – GVISAA Champions (2026)
- Southpointe Academy Senior Boys – South Fraser Champions (2026)
"Basketball is my passion and purpose. I am committed to bringing together the most talented, passionate, and driven coaches in British Columbia to build a basketball experience that is truly unique in the province."
— Tomas Oljaca, Founder
The Team
OUR STAFF
Christian
Communications Manager & Coach
A skilled and knowledgeable player with extensive on-court experience, Christian first picked up a basketball in Grade 2 and never looked back. At Terry Fox Secondary his teams qualified for provincials every season and captured the Fraser North banner twice. Known for his leadership, work ethic, and offensive impact.
Highlights
- Junior Boys Fraser North MVP (2019–20)
- BC Diamond League MVP (2021)
- Senior Boys Basketball MVP (2021–22)
- Senior Boys Top Offensive Player of the Year (2022–23)
- Outstanding Service to the Poco Sports Community Award (2023)
Tyler
Marketing Manager & Coach
Developed through the Walnut Grove Secondary program from Grade 8 to Grade 12, Tyler competed at a high provincial level before transitioning into coaching — becoming one of the youngest coaches in the Walnut Grove program. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching at Douglas College.
Highlights
- 2nd Place – BC Provincial Championships (Grade 8)
- Provincial All-Star Selection (Grade 9)
- Multiple top-four provincial finishes
- Two Fraser/Eastern Valley Championships
Alex Popa
Coach
An accomplished two-way competitor known for his leadership, work ethic, and impact on both ends of the floor. Alex served as team captain in his senior year at Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary and has competed at a high level with the LEAD U18 Elite Travel Team and SNB.
Highlights
- SRT Elite Basketball Excellence Award (2024)
- Senior Boys MVP (2024)
- Jokers Classic All-Star (2023)
- MRPMSSAA District Champion (2021–22)
- Four-time Carney Classic All-Star
Andrei Verchez
Player Development & Coach
Andrei burst onto the scene in 2020, making an immediate impact on Seaquam Secondary's senior boys' basketball team as a Grade 10 student and playing a key role in the program's success. With competitive experience in both the Philippines and Canada, he brings a unique blend of international playing styles that helps athletes elevate their skills, sharpen their basketball IQ, and compete with confidence.
Highlights
- All-Rookie Team — Douglas College (Freshman Season)
- Competitive experience in the Philippines and Canada
- Key contributor — Seaquam Secondary Senior Boys Basketball (Grade 10)
Coach Ehi
Coach
A dedicated basketball coach and certified fitness professional, Coach Ehi began his journey at BC Christian Prep competing alongside top-level international talent. His dual background in competitive basketball and strength & conditioning gives him a uniquely well-rounded, performance-focused approach to athlete development.
Highlights
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- Played at Douglas College & Langara College
- Kinesiology degree candidate – Langara College
Coach Henry
Coach
A seasoned coach and former standout player, Coach Henry brings decades of experience to Born2Grind. His philosophy emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and fundamentals — building habits that translate beyond basketball into academics, personal growth, and future careers.
Highlights
- Multiple MVP honours at Tamanawis & Sullivan Heights Secondary
- Played point guard at Kwantlen College
- Decades of coaching experience across all levels
David
Coach
A seasoned player known for his leadership, competitiveness, and consistent performance at the high school level. David developed his game through New Westminster Secondary and Terry Fox Secondary, helping his teams reach the BC Provincial Championships in three of four seasons.
Highlights
- Provincial All-Star Selection (2016)
- SD43 All-Star Game MVP (2019)
- Fraser Valley All-Star (2018, 2019)
- Legal Beagle All-Star (2018, 2019)
- 4th Place – BC Provincial Championships (2019)
Ready to Start?
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Step into the grind. Be part of a program that builds better athletes, better leaders, and better people.