About Elevate Basketball Academy 
Elevate Your Game. Empower Your Future.

At Elevate Basketball Academy, we are committed to developing young athletes through elite training, competitive play, and character-building mentorship. Our program provides athletes with the tools, coaching, and support they need to succeed—on and off the court.

Meet the Coaching and Support Staff 
At Elevate Basketball Academy, our coaching and support staff is made up of passionate, dedicated individuals who bring unique experience, energy, and heart to the program. From coaching and mentoring to media and marketing, our team is united in one mission: helping young athletes grow on and off the court.

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Jonathan Salazar - Head Coach
With a lifelong passion for the game, Coach Salazar leads Elevate Basketball Academy with expertise, dedication, and a deep commitment to player development. He began his coaching journey over 25 years ago. Off the court, his 20+ years of professional experience working with youth and families has shaped his coaching philosophy—focusing on skill development, teamwork, and personal growth.
Coach Salazar has held multiple Varsity Head Coach positions, including:
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• Desert Academy Boys – Varsity Head Coach

• Capital High School Girls – Varsity Head Coach

• Pojoaque Valley High School Girls – Varsity Head Coach

• Capital High School Boys – Assistant Head Coach

Through Elevate Basketball Academy, Coach Salazar continues to work with the next generation of athletes, helping them reach their full potential both in basketball and in life.

Derrick Grasmick (Coach G.) - Assistant Head Coach
Coach G brings a wealth of high school coaching experience and athletic insight to Elevate. He has served on the coaching staffs at Rio Grande High School and Pojoaque High School, and is currently also on the volleyball coaching staff at Pojoaque. A former varsity basketball player and state champion cross country runner at Pojoaque, Coach G knows what it takes to compete at a high level—and he brings that same competitive spirit and mentorship to our athletes. He’s currently finishing his student teaching at Capital High School, continuing his dedication to education and youth development.
 
Gavin Sanchez - Bench Coach
Gavin is a multi-sport athlete and student at St. Michael’s, competing in both wrestling and baseball. He’s a standout on the wrestling mat and a reliable pitcher for the St. Mike’s baseball team. Though this is his first coaching role, Gavin brings fresh energy, relatability, and leadership to our program. As a current student-athlete, he connects easily with our players and is a valuable presence on the bench and in practice.
 
Violet Salazar - Media Coordinator
Violet is the creative force behind our content. A student at Santa Fe High School, she’s a lifelong performer and artist who currently dances with the Aspen Santa Fe School and has performed with Pandemonium Theatre Company and NDI. Violet has a passion for photography, visual storytelling, and marketing, following in the footsteps of her parents, who ran the local firm Ultra Violet Marketing—named after her. Her work keeps our community connected, inspired, and proud to be part of Elevate.

Together, this team brings a mix of experience, talent, and heart that fuels the mission of Elevate Basketball Academy.

Mission Statement
At Elevate Basketball Academy, our mission is to empower young athletes by providing elite basketball training, academic support, and essential life resources. We believe that sports are more than just a game—they are a pathway to personal growth, education, and community impact. Through our custom digital platform, scholarships, mentorship programs, and community partnerships, we strive to create opportunities for every athlete, regardless of their background. Our goal is to develop leaders on and off the court, ensuring that each player has the tools to succeed in basketball and in life.

​Vision Statement
At Elevate Basketball Academy, we believe that sports are for everyone—every athlete, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to train, compete, and grow. Our vision is to create a transformative, inclusive program that provides high-level coaching, academic support, and essential life resources to ensure no athlete is left behind. We aim to remove barriers to success while fostering a culture of hard work, teamwork, and resilience. By building a strong foundation on and off the court, we strive to change lives through basketball—one player at a time. 🚀🏀