Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘Whether you recognize what it is, there’s something in you that makes you great.’

Bay Shore

“I’ve played basketball all my life, I played college basketball. I’m an assistant coach for boys varsity basketball and head JV coach at Half Hollow Hills High School East. I started about 10 years ago, and it’s a true passion of mine. I love working with the kids and helping them develop. The other coaches and myself really help teach these kids about life and lessons through basketball.

“I’m also a paraprofessional for Half Hollow Hills High School West. I work with special needs kids. I stay with one student, make sure he does his work, stays on track, any behaviors I try to help de-escalate. You work one-on-one but you get to work with all the kids. You become someone they look forward to seeing when they come to school.

Some people never figure out what they actually love — and when you do, it’s a beautiful thing.

“Some people never figure out what they actually love — and when you do, it’s a beautiful thing. Clothing and basketball are two things I’ve been passionate about my whole life. I started a clothing line called Natural Born. It represents knowledge of self, self-elevation and understanding that everyone is born with certain talent. Whether you recognize what it is, there’s something in you that makes you great. Before the pandemic, I met a manufacturer who made sporting apparel for high school teams. I sent them my logo, to put it on shorts and other clothes, and that’s how it kicked off.

“Some people never figure out what they actually love — and when you do, it’s a beautiful thing. Clothing and basketball are two things I’ve been passionate about my whole life. I started a clothing line called Natural Born. It represents knowledge of self, self-elevation and understanding that everyone is born with certain talent. Whether you recognize what it is, there’s something in you that makes you great. Before the pandemic, I met a manufacturer who made sporting apparel for high school teams. I sent them my logo, to put it on shorts and other clothes, and that’s how it kicked off.

Interviewed by Rachel O’Brien – Morano

Copyright ©2021 Newsday. All rights reserved.

Faces of Long Island is produced by Newsday Consumer Marketing. This content does not involve the reporting and editing staff of Newsday’s Editorial Department.