Vancouver, BC, Canada · by way of Accra, Ghana
Coach
Elete Gbolonyo
Helping Student-Athletes Pursue Excellence On and Off the Court Through Development Tailored to Each Individual.
Who I Am
My name is Elete Gbolonyo, though some people know me as Lucius. I was born and raised in Ghana and moved to Canada at the age of 10. Since then, Canada has become a second home to me. My faith is an important part of my life and shapes the way I lead, serve, and coach. The experiences, lessons, and relationships I've gained through basketball continue to shape who I am today.
What I'm Building
My goal isn't simply to win games. It's to build environments where student-athletes can grow as players, teammates, and leaders.
"My job: build an environment where people can do their best work."
Impact
The programs and communities I'm proud to be a part of.
Testimonials
In Their Words
Perspectives from the people I've had the opportunity to coach, work with, and learn from through basketball.
“Coach Lucius wasn’t simply showing up to practice and teaching the kids for an hour or two. He was paying attention. He was thinking about each child. He remembered their strengths and their weaknesses. He was thinking about what each of them needed to work on next.”
Rita Z.
Parent, Empower Basketball
More Voices
“He pushes her to work hard and challenge herself, while still understanding her individual needs and knowing when to build up her confidence.”
Phillip C.
Parent of Former Empower Player
“Coach Elete has had a huge impact on me as both a basketball player and as a young man. While I played at Uhill he always pushed me to work harder and ‘learn to get comfortable being uncomfortable’.”
Jack G.
Former UHill Player · Current Player at Edge Prep National
“He is very caring and attentive toward his students and always tries his best to give them his full effort. Ever since training with coach, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my game.”
Ariana C.
Former Empower Player
“Coach Elete was my only high school coach from grade 9 through grade 12, and his impact on my life extends beyond the basketball court.”
Clevon H.
Former UHill Player
“His dedication to our athletes and their development, along with the countless hours he invests in the program, has helped shape our basketball program into something our school can be truly proud of.”
Jeff H.
Athletic Director, University Hill Secondary
“He is one of the hardest-working trainers I’ve ever worked with and one of the people I know who genuinely loves basketball.”
Vincent X.
Current Player at University of Alberta Augustana