GCU graduate Gabe McGlothan returned to his alma mater on Friday to host a youth basketball clinic and shoe donation event in Antelope Gymnasium. McGlothan, who plays for the Denver Nuggets G League, was inspired by a similar initiative he participated in called “It’s Gotta Be the Shoes.” His goal was to bring the event to Arizona with the help of Grand Canyon University (GCU) and GCU CityServe.
“This resonated a lot with my story in the past,” McGlothan said. “There was a time where my shoes had holes at the bottom, they weren’t fitting, were all scuffed and my feet were literally getting burnt because of the ground.”
The event featured basketball drills and games for youth participants. Almost 30 pairs of Nike Dunk Low shoes and socks were distributed during the event, each addressed with children’s names.
McGlothan shared his vision with GCU Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs and University President Brian Mueller, who connected him with GCU CityServe Director Nathan Cooper. The initiative gained support from partners Reborn Church and Callahan Care.
“It was great timing because we had just gotten a Nike truck,” Cooper said. “When we didn’t have all the needed pairs, we reached out to our partner, Reborn Church, and they were able to help also.”
In addition to leading basketball activities, McGlothan shared his personal story with participants about overcoming challenges through community support. His mother Janelle Danley expressed gratitude for those who helped her son along his journey.
“Where he is at today really took a community,” Danley said.
McGlothan has been involved in volunteer opportunities since his time at GCU. He partnered with Victory Collegiate Academy (VCA) for this event due to his previous volunteer work there.
VCA Chief Administrator Ray Blossom praised McGlothan’s efforts: “Before he graduated, Gabe did a lot of volunteer work with us at our school… For him to think about us in that aspect is really cool.”
The clinic concluded with young participants writing thank you cards for those involved in organizing it. Parents appreciated the opportunity provided by McGlothan and GCU.
“A lot of us are unfortunate,” said Deanna Shivers, whose sons received new shoes. “This kind of stuff doesn’t come around a lot.”
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected].
