JOY OF THE GAME EMBARKS ON ITS NEXT PHASE AS IT ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF BASKETBALL OPERATIONS
DEERFIELD, IL (OCTOBER, 2015) - Joy of the Game (JOTG), known as one of the Midwest's largest basketball programs and premier sports establishments since 1993, is proud to be moving forward to its next period of growth. Coming off its recent transaction with North Shore Sports and Wellness, LCC (NSSW), JOTG is excited to announce Jason Okrzesik as its new President and Matt Levy as Director of Basketball Operations, effective immediately.
"Jason and Matt have grown up on the basketball court and are the perfect team to lead JOTG to the next level," says Josh Carl, Owner of JOTG. "They have so much passion for the sport and epitomize all that JOTG stands for and believes in. I know with Jason and Matt at the helm, JOTG will continue to move forward and be a staple in the community for decades to come."
ABOUT JASON OKRZESIK
In his new position as President, Okrzesik's focus will be on growing the business, building the strongest coaching staff, and strengthening relationships with players and their families. "I believe I was successful as a player because I had great coaching which led to a great experience," says Okrzesik. "I could not be more excited about this opportunity and the direction Joy of the Game is headed. I am looking forward to working with every athlete in our program and watching them improve as basketball players and as people."
Okrzesik not only grew up playing basketball at JOTG, but also held previous positions as Director and Coach with the company. His basketball expertise is currently heard on-air as color analyst on WGN Radio (720AM) and ESPN Radio (1000AM) for Northwestern Men's Basketball. Okrzesik previously worked in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and was a head coach in the FIBA European First Division.
Okrzesik's basketball career began at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL, where he was a four-year Varsity starter and three-time All-Chicago Catholic League selection. He was recognized by the Chicago Sun Times as an all-area honoree and nominated for McDonald's High School All-America Team and Illinois' "Mr. Basketball" as the state's top player.
As a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, Okrzesik played in 60 of Northwestern's 61 games during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. He made five career starts, shot .920% from the free-throw line during the 2007-08 season, and scored in double figures in six consecutive games from Nov. 27-Jan. 2, 2007-08 averaging 14.3 points per game, and was an Academic All-Big Ten nominee during the 2007-08 season.
Okrzesik currently resides in Highland Park, IL.
ABOUT MATT LEVY
In his role as Director of Basketball Operations, Matt Levy will focus on 'on-court' activities and have direct contact with players and coaches. Levy will also help oversee the Rising Stars Travel Team program, leagues, tournaments and camps. He currently serves an assistant coach for the freshman teams at Highland Park High School.
While pursuing his master's degree in American Studies from Pepperdine University, Levy served on the Pepperdine men's basketball staff as a graduate assistant/video coordinator for two seasons (2010-11 and 2011-12) and was involved with film exchange, on-court practices and drills, and individual player training. Levy received his undergraduate degree in kinesiology from Indiana University in 2010. While there, he served as an assistant coach for both the varsity and junior varsity teams at Bloomington North High School for three seasons and an assistant coach with the eighth-grade team at Jackson Creek Middle School for one season.
Since the age of 18, Levy has been coaching youth basketball. He has been a coach at Pepperdine, UCLA and Double Pump basketball camps. Levy graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, CA in 2005 and currently resides in Palatine, IL.
MOVING FORWARD WITH THE NEW JOTG TEAM
With its new management team in place, JOTG will continue to focus on its mission of improving players, both on and off the court, expanding program offerings and investing in additional top-notch staff and coaches.
"Our true objective at Joy of the Game has always been to improve our players with an exceptional coaching staff that not only serve as instructors, but mentors and role models as well," continues Carl. "We look forward to having Jason and Matt in their new roles and enhancing the overall experience for our coaches, players and parents."
"We also want to thank Coach Brian Davis for his valued tenure at JOTG," says Carl. "Brian's dedication and professionalism throughout his career at JOTG have been key factors in making JOTG what it is today and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."
For the past 8 years, JOTG Sports Center in Deerfield has been, and will continue to be the home court of the Rising Stars Basketball Club, Deerfield JR Warriors, The League and more!
This new transition at JOTG comes at the perfect time, with the beginning of the Deerfield Jr. Warriors season and the Rising Stars Winter Tryouts on October 26th. For questions about the new JOTG team or programs please visit www.JoyoftheGame.com, or call 847-498-6646.
ABOUT JOY OF THE GAME
Founded in 1993, Joy of the Game has evolved from a small basketball clinic based in the North Shore of Chicago to the premier basketball facility and teaching center in the Chicago area. Joy of the Game offers a full array of programming that lends itself to players of all ages and skill levels and taught by a top-notch staff of expert, caring and qualified coaches. It is also the home to the nationally recognized Rising Stars travel basketball program. Joy of the Game believes that sports are not only about competition, but are an outlet to teach life's valuable lessons. The ultimate goal of Joy of the Game is to give each player the skills to deal with life's challenges in a positive and fun environment while instilling a sense of pride for his or her individual and team accomplishments. To learn more about Joy of the Game, visit http://www.joyofthegame.com/ or call 847-498-6646. Joy of the Game is located at 158 South Waukegan Road in Deerfield, Illinois.
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