Animo Ellen Ochoa Charter Middle School

Animo Ellen Ochoa (AEO) Charter Middle School in East Los Angeles serves a student body that is 99% minority and 90% economically disadvantaged. Until 2023, the school had never had a basketball team — and didn’t even have a court on campus.

That changed during AEO’s inaugural 2023 season, when Lace Up partnered with assistant principal Michael Vaughn to outfit the school’s first-ever co-ed basketball team. Fifteen 6th–8th grade athletes received brand-new basketball shoes — for some, their very first pair — making their debut season one to remember.

Without a court to practice on, the team rented outdoor park space with no hoop, running drills around cones. To help, Lace Up donated a movable basketball hoop, giving the team a real target to shoot for in their outdoor space.

In 2024, AEO expanded to both boys’ and girls’ teams. Lace Up was proud to return, donating 20 pairs of shoes and 5 basketballs to keep the program growing and the kids playing.

Most importantly, students who participated on the team showed increased school attendance and improved grades — demonstrating the powerful connection between involvement in sports and academic success.

Because every player deserves the chance to step onto the court with confidence — no matter where that court is.