About Us
Empowering Youth Through Basketball, Character, and Community
About Us
Empowering Youth Through Basketball, Character, and Community
A Letter from Our Head Coach & Founder of 4 J’s Sports: Fred Spencer
Dear Community Members, Parents, and Athletes,
It is with immense pride and a deep sense of purpose that I introduce you to the Tampa Youth Basketball Association, 4 J’s Sports, and our Save a Mind, Save a Life anti-bullying campaign. As the Program Director, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports—not just in developing athletic prowess, but in shaping character and instilling vital life skills.
Our commitment goes beyond teaching dribbling and shooting; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who understand the importance of respect, teamwork, and resilience.
In today’s complex world, the challenges our youth face are significant. Bullying, in particular, can cast a long and dark shadow over a child’s formative years. That’s why our integrated approach—combining competitive basketball with comprehensive anti-bullying education—is so crucial.
We believe that by creating a safe and encouraging environment, grounded in our R.E.A.C.H. framework, we can empower our young athletes to not only excel in the game, but also become confident, compassionate, and courageous leaders who stand up for what is right and understand how to use their R.E.A.C.H. to uplift others.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, to feel a sense of belonging, and to pursue their passions without fear. Our dedicated coaches, mentors, and volunteers are committed to fostering an atmosphere where every player feels seen, heard, and valued. We are building a community where integrity and kindness are as celebrated as a game-winning shot.
I invite you to join us in this vital mission. Whether as a participant, a volunteer (please contact us), a donor, or simply an advocate, your involvement can help us change lives—one dribble, one assist, and one act of kindness at a time.
Thank you for considering supporting the Tampa Youth Basketball Association, 4 J’s Sports, and our Save a Mind, Save a Life campaign. Together, we can build a brighter, bully-free future for our youth in Tampa Bay and beyond.
Sincerely,
Fred Spencer
A Letter from Our Head Coach & Founder of 4 J’s Sports: Fred Spencer
Dear Community Members, Parents, and Athletes,
It is with immense pride and a deep sense of purpose that I introduce you to the Tampa Youth Basketball Association, 4 J’s Sports, and our Save a Mind, Save a Life anti-bullying campaign. As the Program Director, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports—not just in developing athletic prowess, but in shaping character and instilling vital life skills.
Our commitment goes beyond teaching dribbling and shooting; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who understand the importance of respect, teamwork, and resilience.
In today’s complex world, the challenges our youth face are significant. Bullying, in particular, can cast a long and dark shadow over a child’s formative years. That’s why our integrated approach—combining competitive basketball with comprehensive anti-bullying education—is so crucial.
We believe that by creating a safe and encouraging environment, grounded in our R.E.A.C.H. framework, we can empower our young athletes to not only excel in the game, but also become confident, compassionate, and courageous leaders who stand up for what is right and understand how to use their R.E.A.C.H. to uplift others.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, to feel a sense of belonging, and to pursue their passions without fear. Our dedicated coaches, mentors, and volunteers are committed to fostering an atmosphere where every player feels seen, heard, and valued. We are building a community where integrity and kindness are as celebrated as a game-winning shot.
I invite you to join us in this vital mission. Whether as a participant, a volunteer (please contact us), a donor, or simply an advocate, your involvement can help us change lives—one dribble, one assist, and one act of kindness at a time.
Thank you for considering supporting the Tampa Youth Basketball Association, 4 J’s Sports, and our Save a Mind, Save a Life campaign. Together, we can build a brighter, bully-free future for our youth in Tampa Bay and beyond.
Sincerely,
Fred Spencer
A Letter from Our Head Coach & Founder of 4 J’s Sports: Fred Spencer
Dear Community Members, Parents, and Athletes,
It is with immense pride and a deep sense of purpose that I introduce you to the Tampa Youth Basketball Association, 4 J’s Sports, and our Save a Mind, Save a Life anti-bullying campaign. As the Program Director, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports—not just in developing athletic prowess, but in shaping character and instilling vital life skills.
Our commitment goes beyond teaching dribbling and shooting; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who understand the importance of respect, teamwork, and resilience.
In today’s complex world, the challenges our youth face are significant. Bullying, in particular, can cast a long and dark shadow over a child’s formative years. That’s why our integrated approach—combining competitive basketball with comprehensive anti-bullying education—is so crucial.
We believe that by creating a safe and encouraging environment, grounded in our R.E.A.C.H. framework, we can empower our young athletes to not only excel in the game, but also become confident, compassionate, and courageous leaders who stand up for what is right and understand how to use their R.E.A.C.H. to uplift others.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, to feel a sense of belonging, and to pursue their passions without fear. Our dedicated coaches, mentors, and volunteers are committed to fostering an atmosphere where every player feels seen, heard, and valued. We are building a community where integrity and kindness are as celebrated as a game-winning shot.
I invite you to join us in this vital mission. Whether as a participant, a volunteer (please contact us), a donor, or simply an advocate, your involvement can help us change lives—one dribble, one assist, and one act of kindness at a time.
Thank you for considering supporting the Tampa Youth Basketball Association, 4 J’s Sports, and our Save a Mind, Save a Life campaign. Together, we can build a brighter, bully-free future for our youth in Tampa Bay and beyond.
Sincerely,
Fred Spencer
Meet Our Team
Our Coaches
Josiah Spencer
Josiah Spencer, a pivotal figure in our organization, brings a unique blend of passion for basketball, a deep understanding of youth development, and invaluable lessons learned from his military service. As a former athlete himself and an original Riverview Hurricanes player, Josiah intimately understands the pressures and triumphs that young players experience. His background in the military instilled in him a profound appreciation for discipline and the critical importance of teamwork, principles he seamlessly integrates into his coaching philosophy. In his role, Josiah is dedicated to coaching and developing the Tampa Bay Takeover Team and BAB Hurricanes. He incorporates the latest basketball techniques for both skill-building and character formation, ensuring that every drill and every game reinforces core values. Josiah is a living testament to the positive impact that sports, when coupled with strong values, military-honed discipline, and a collaborative spirit of teamwork, can have on a young person's life. He is wholeheartedly committed to extending this transformative opportunity to every athlete in our program.
Contact Coach Josiah for Skill Development Opportunities:
Lance Small Jr. is a dedicated athlete, mentor, and family man with a remarkable
career in both basketball and football. He achieved significant success in high
school football, including two State Championships and MVP honors, leading to a
full athletic scholarship to the University of Rhode Island.
At URI, Lance continued to excel as a defensive starter, setting program records.
After a professional arena football career, he transitioned to personal training in
Tampa, mentoring youth and serving as the strength and conditioning coach for
the Buccaneers Cheerleaders, earning multiple Personal Trainer of the Year
awards.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lance adapted his training approach,
emphasizing inner strength and creativity by training clients outdoors. This
period reinforced his commitment to holistic well-being and personal growth.
Now, Lance brings his extensive experience as the Strength and Conditioning
Director for the TYBA Hurricanes and Takeover basketball teams, aiming to foster
both athletic and character development in players.
Contact Coach Lance for Personal Training Opportunities:
Lance Small Jr.
Lance Small Jr. is a dedicated athlete, mentor, and family man with a remarkable career in both basketball and football. He achieved significant success in high
school football, including two State Championships and MVP honors, leading to a full athletic scholarship to the University of Rhode Island. At URI, Lance continued to excel as a defensive starter, setting program records.
After a professional arena football career, he transitioned to personal training in Tampa, mentoring youth and serving as the strength and conditioning coach for
the Buccaneers Cheerleaders, earning multiple Personal Trainer of the Year awards. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lance adapted his training approach, emphasizing inner strength and creativity by training clients outdoors. This
period reinforced his commitment to holistic well-being and personal growth. Now, Lance brings his extensive experience as the Strength and Conditioning
Director for the TYBA Hurricanes and Takeover basketball teams, aiming to foster both athletic and character development in players.
Contact Coach Lance for Personal Training Opportunities
Lance Small Jr.
Founder
Bryan Butler, MD
Bryan is passionate about basketball and strongly believes that the
principles learned on the court such as sportsmanship, teamwork, effort,
and attitude are even more valuable in everyday life. His goal is to grow the TYBA program in the Tampa Bay area further and impact as many young athletes as possible.
Board Member
Danette Capitano
Danette Capitano is passionate about basketball, youth development, and the Tampa Bay community. As a board member, she brings business insight and a love for sports to help TYBA grow and thrive. Best known for Cappy’s Pizza, she aims to foster positive experiences for both players and families through creative ideas and community outreach.
Board Member/Accountant
Teah Mehri
Teah Mehri is a tax advisor and dedicated mom who brings her expertise and heart for service to TYBA. With a focus on youth development and community growth, she supports our mission to expand basketball programs in South Tampa and beyond, helping young athletes thrive both on and off the court.
Our Board Members
The dedicated Board of Directors at the Tampa Youth Basketball Association is crucial to our success. Their collective expertise strengthens our mission by providing guidance, ensuring financial integrity, and expanding our reach throughout the Tampa Bay community. We're incredibly grateful for their unwavering commitment to our program.
A Unified Vision: The Six Pillars Guiding Our Game and Our Team
At the heart of the Tampa Youth Basketball Association and 4J’s Sports lies a deeply held philosophy that extends beyond the scoreboard. We believe that youth sports serve as a powerful microcosm of life, offering invaluable lessons that shape individuals for years to come. Our philosophy is built upon these foundational pillars:
Holistic Development
We are committed to work with the individual – physically, mentally, and emotionally. While competitive basketball skills are honed, equal emphasis is placed on developing resilience, critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
Character Before Victory
While winning is a natural aspiration in sports, it is secondary to the development of strong character. We teach our athletes that true success is measured by integrity, effort, sportsmanship, and how they treat their teammates, opponents, and officials.
Inclusivity and Belonging
Every athlete, regardless of their skill level, background, or identity, deserves a place where they feel safe, accepted, and empowered to participate. We actively cultivate an environment free from discrimination and judgment, where diverse perspectives are celebrated.
Empowering “Upstanders”
We actively educate our athletes on the power of being an “Upstander” – someone who intervenes safely and constructively when they witness bullying or unfair behavior. We use Sports as our platform to do better. We provide them with the tools and confidence to speak up, report, and support those in need.
Resilience & Perseverance
Life, like sports, is full of challenges and setbacks. We teach our athletes to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, to persevere through adversity, and to understand that grit and determination are essential for overcoming obstacles and building your future.
Community and Teamwork
Basketball is a team sport, and we believe success comes through collective effort. Our programs build strong bonds, mutual respect, and a commitment to working together—on the court and in the community.
Tampa Youth Basketball Association (TYBA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering young athletes through competitive basketball, mentorship, and anti-bullying advocacy. Together, we’re building stronger players and even stronger people.
Copyright © 2025 TYBA Inc. All rights reserved.