2 years agoTo close out Black history month we have to acknowledge and recognize our President, Mark Olivier. Mr. Oliver has contributed countless hours to the basketball world and Bay Area community since beginning his career with AAU in 1996. Starting out as a coach for the Oakland Soldiers, to date he has never had a losing season. From leading St.Mary’s High School to their first state title to his trendsetting AAU recruitment style— Olivier has combined his passion for the game and 'sky’s the limit' mentality to create an empire that is ever growing. Due to his 2001 superstar team that included Lebron James, Leon Powe, Kendrick Perkins , and other notable players, the 100 mile rule was created which changed the game forever. In addition he organized two of the top 10 teams ever assembled. During his time with the soldiers he not only helped it’s athletes receive over $6M in scholarship money but also led the program to two Peach Jam Championships and has expanded the organization throughout the larger West coast.
As Mark always says “I do it for all the Black coaches that were told they could never be more than an AAU coach.”
Happy Black History Month and Belated Birthday to a true trailblazer and Original Soldier. #Salute #OaklandSoldiers #BHM