Journalist: Can you share a moment in your basketball journey that truly shaped who you are as an athlete today?

I was cut from my high‑school team, which forced me to confront failure and rebuild. That summer I attended an unsigned‑seniors camp in Memphis (2008) and earned a partial scholarship to Lambuth University that same summer. Years later I played a season with Team London in the Euroleague (2020). Those setbacks and opportunities — plus the work ethic I developed — drove me to found Inspired Athletes, a skills‑development company built on relentless preparation and service to players.

Journalist: Every player has a signature mindset — what’s yours when stepping onto the court?

I stay calm and present. When the game gets chaotic I let missed shots and bad calls go immediately so I can focus on the next play. As a coach I bring a quiet confidence: we balance enjoyment with pushing limits, outwork and outthink opponents, and keep God first.

Journalist: What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?

Finding consistent gym space early on was a major obstacle. I overcame it by building relationships with facility owners and partners — for example, St. Paul Christian Academy and West Nashville Church provided reliable access for years. That persistence required personal sacrifice (less family and social time) but ultimately created stability for my programs.

Journalist: Who has influenced your game the most, and what lessons did they teach you?

My grandmother, Ann Marie Jones (a Memphis educator for 35+ years), was my greatest influence. She emphasized education, character, and discipline; after she passed on May 30, 2023 I’ve continued to live by those principles. Her encouragement helped launch Inspired Athletes (founded October 5, 2022) and inspired me to major in Education in college.

Journalist:  How do you balance physical training, mental preparation, and personal life during the season?

I keep a strict schedule: up at 5:45 a.m. for long workouts (typically 3 hours), then handling business tasks — emails, calls and bookings. Coaching at the school level helps me stay grounded. I give myself Saturday evenings off to rest and prevent burnout, and I take holidays to spend time with family and friends.

Journalist: What part of your game are you focusing on improving right now, and why?

I’m expanding my coaching credentials and exposure: I accepted a role with Vanderbilt’s youth summer program with intent to join their staff full time. I’ve received multiple offers (25 total from different programs) and will decide this fall after summer evaluations. I’m focused on relationship building, learning from collegiate/overseas/NBA staff, and sharpening player development techniques to prepare athletes for scholarship opportunities. While also working with AAU and school  programs

Journalist: Fans see the wins, but not always the grind — what does a “day in the life” look like for you during peak training?

Typical training days start 5:45–8:30 a.m. (season and off‑season), with workouts 5–6 days per week depending on schedule. I’m in the gym nearly every day and assist an adult league on Thursdays. After training I handle administration — emails, bookings, coaching prep — and take Zoom courses (e.g., Get In The Game 101) to advance my coaching knowledge. Scheduling is often booked months in advance.

Journalist: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave on the sport and the next generation of players?

I want athletes to use sport as a pathway to education and character development. As assistant coach at Montgomery Bell Academy I’ve helped many players secure academic and athletic scholarships; I aim to scale that impact — coaching at the collegiate or NBA level, expanding Inspired Athletes internationally, and eventually owning a gym to serve underprivileged communities. Since founding Inspired Athletes I’ve trained over 650 athletes and aspire to grow into a CEO who creates opportunities beyond basketball.

(LOE Always) Love On Earth Always

Founded in 2019 and officially established as an LLC in 2020, Love On Earth Always (LOE Always) was created with a powerful vision: to bridge the gaps between communities and uplift individuals navigating life’s most challenging transitions. More than just a clothing brand, LOE Always stands as a movement, one rooted in mental health awareness, healing from grief, and overcoming everyday struggles.

Led by founder and CEO, Ceo Roc, what began as a vision has grown into a purpose-driven legacy. After the heartbreaking loss of his son, Colin, in 2022, the brand took on even deeper meaning. In 2023, Ceo Roc expanded into manufacturing, transforming LOE Always into a fully realized enterprise. Today, Colin’s spirit lives through the brand, his presence felt in every design, every message, and every person who wears it.

LOE Always has actively collaborated with impactful movements and organizations, including TTSP, SCRILLA GUERILLAZ WEST, the MONSTA YO Movement, and Put The Guns Down, alongside leaders like Terry C. Carney and a period after Terry C. Carney Sr. Each partnership reflects a shared mission: to unite communities through love, purpose, and collective growth. The foundation is simple yet powerful, we strive, we build, we protect, and above all, we love.

Through dynamic community events such as Thursday Night Vibes and high-energy weekend showcases, LOE Always has created platforms that bring people together. Featuring appearances from artists like Pookie F.N. Rude and Nocturnal, these events celebrate culture, talent, and unity.

Ceo Roc continues to make a lasting impact by not only elevating himself but also empowering others who are already excelling in their fields. LOE Always is committed to creating opportunities for individuals with passion, authenticity, and talent.

Now, in collaboration with MONSTA YO and WeOverMe242, LOE Always proudly introduces its newest initiative: The Blue Flame Treatment, featuring the one and only DW Flame. This groundbreaking event is designed to bridge generational divides, bringing together elders and youth in a shared space of healing, expression, and cultural connection.

The Blue Flame Treatment represents more than an event, it is a release. A release from stress, from pain, from depression. It is not defined by color, but by compassion, for every aching heart seeking peace. Above all, it stands as a living tribute to Colin, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire and uplift.

#LongLiveColinA

CENTENNIAL, CO/March 27, 2026 – Real America’s Voice en Español (RAV en Español) today announced that Julio Gonzalez has been named President of the network, bringing extensive experience in business, policy, and media to lead its continued growth. Gonzalez is a nationally recognized business leader, tax expert, and longtime advocate for minority business owners, with decades of experience helping entrepreneurs grow and succeed.

“Julio brings a unique combination of leadership and real-world experience that will be critical as we continue to grow RAV en Español,” said Parker Sigg, Vice President of Real America’s Voice at Performance One Media. “He understands the issues that matter to our audience and has a clear vision for how to expand our reach and strengthen our programming. We’re excited to have him leading this next phase.”

“I’m honored to step into this role at such an important time for RAV en Español,” said Gonzalez. “There is a growing demand for content that speaks directly to Spanish-speaking audiences and reflects their values, priorities, and interests. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and continuing to expand the network’s reach and impact.”

As the founder and CEO of Engineered Tax Services, a firm known for helping businesses maximize tax incentives and improve cash flow through strategic tax planning, Gonzalez has worked extensively with small and mid-sized companies to navigate the tax code with the same level of expertise as large corporations. He is also known for his advocacy of pro-growth economic policies that support business expansion and job creation. His background provides a strong foundation for leading a network focused on delivering news and content that resonates with Spanish-speaking audiences across the country.

As a former member of the Donald J. Trump for President Advisory Board and the Private Economic Council, chaired by economist Stephen Moore, Gonzalez brings extensive experience and relationships in both business and politics to his role.

“Julio understands both the business landscape and the cultural conversation happening across Spanish-speaking communities,” said Javier Negre, President of Programming for RAV en Español. “As we continue building out our programming, his leadership will be key to delivering content that connects with viewers and reflects the values that matter most to them.”

RAV en Español continues to grow its programming and reach across the country, offering news, analysis, and commentary for Spanish-speaking audiences.

RAV en Español is available on YouTube, Rumble, and at americasvoice.news/rav-espanol/

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