About

Alex Anaya

Coach Anaya is Founder and Executive Director of ABC Pilsen. His coaching philosophy is the embodiment of the entire program. He teaches basketball skills, life skills, team building and respect for others and community through his passion for basketball.

Alex began his basketball career at his local public school in Pilsen, Benito Juarez Community Academy, where he played from 1989–1992. He later received a financial aid package to continue his basketball career at Harry S. Truman College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago.

After playing for Truman, Coach Anaya competed in Latino basketball tournaments throughout the United States for more than 15 years. During that time, he won several championships, including the highly competitive San Antonio, Texas tournament, and earned multiple MVP awards.

After becoming a father, Coach Anaya shifted his focus toward raising his two children while remaining connected to the sport he loves. From 2007–2009, he served as the varsity basketball coach at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. As his children grew older, he dedicated his time to creating and growing ABC Pilsen and teaching basketball fundamentals and life skills to young athletes and community members.

Coach Anaya was selected as a member of the Chicago Bulls Coaching Girls Cohort for the 2022–23 season. He was also nominated by the Chicago Bulls for the 2023 Coach of the Year and was honored nationally as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Community Coach of the Year.

Meghan Harte

Meghan Harte is a dedicated basketball coach and community leader committed to using sports as a vehicle for youth development, leadership, and opportunity. In her work throughout Chicago, Meghan brings a passion for mentorship and community impact to her coaching, focusing on creating environments where young athletes can grow both on and off the court.

Meghan has decades of coaching experience working in youth programs focused on skill development for girls and boys, ages 5-18 years old. Meghan has coached 3^rd through 12^th grade teams for almost 3 decades. Meghan has coached middle schools girls basketball teams at Children of Peace grade school from 2007-2012 and freshman and JV teams at St. Ignatius College Prep from 1993-2001, and again from 2017 – 2022.

In addition to coaching, Meghan works closely with community organizations, schools, and partners to expand access to sports, wellness, and leadership opportunities for youth and families across Chicago. She is committed to strengthening communities through inclusive programming that connects athletics, education, and personal development.

Jesse Garcia

Coach Jesse Garcia developed his love for basketball playing in the parks and playgrounds of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, where the game became both a passion and a foundation for community connection. He continued his basketball journey at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, playing under legendary coach George Stanton, an experience that helped shape his approach to leadership, discipline, and teamwork.

Before formally entering high school coaching, Coach Garcia spent years coaching his three children in basketball, baseball/softball, and soccer, reinforcing his belief in youth sports as a powerful tool for personal growth and character development. In 2019, he joined ABC as a basketball coach, continuing his commitment to mentoring young athletes and supporting community-based programs.

Coach Garcia is currently in his fifth season coaching basketball at William Howard Taft High School on Chicago’s North Side. His coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that success does not require extraordinary talent, but rather consistency, determination, and a strong work ethic. He teaches athletes that greatness is not built under the spotlight—it is earned through the daily work done when no one is watching.

Olivia Vick

Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side, Olivia Vick has been passionate about basketball since the age of eight. Her connection to the game quickly expanded beyond playing, as she began coaching and mentoring younger athletes while still a sophomore in high school through youth camps and skills training programs. The summer before her senior year, she joined ABC Pilsen as a coach, continuing her commitment to developing young players both on and off the court.

A graduate of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Olivia was a four-year varsity starter, demonstrating leadership, consistency, and dedication throughout her high school career. She is currently a junior collegiate basketball player pursuing a double major in Psychology and Philosophy, with an intended focus on social work and community impact.

As a coach, Olivia emphasizes helping young athletes develop not only a love for basketball, but also an appreciation for the process of growth and improvement. Her coaching philosophy centers on building discipline, resilience, and commitment to hard work—values she believes extend far beyond the game and empower young people to thrive in all areas of life.

Lily Montalvo