This article was written by Alexis Adams
Gabe McNeal was living in Virginia with a mother addicted to drugs and hanging with the wrong crowd – stealing, doing poorly in school and not thinking of his future.
After he repeatedly found himself in trouble with the law or school, he asked his father if he could move in with him.
If he did, his father told McNeal he would have to read a book and take a vocabulary test every week and had to maintain a C average or above in school.
Almost tens years later, McNeal was not only completing his degree in Communications at Point Park University where he was a basketball star, but has begun to set up his own non-profit charity to bring the same things his father brought him to underprivileged children across the country and it is all based on learning to read.
“Reading saved my life,” says McNeal.
McNeal’s foundation is called the “Go Pro in the Game of Life Foundation.” He hopes to be an advocate for literacy and education for individuals like him, who could have been swallowed up by the streets, had his dad not intervened. The Go Pro in the Game of Life Foundation, is the physical manifestation of the change McNeal made in his life. Not just any change, but the change that derived from the inspiration of written words.
“Spreading knowledge and sending a message to the youth – it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you are going through, you too can achieve success in life. Especially with the “game plan for life” method,” McNeal says, and that is what his foundation plans to do.
When he was living with his mother, who was mired in narcotics, McNeal was being exposed to drugs, and the lifestyle of those who used and distributed them.
Playing basketball and being with his friends was the only concern he had. When he was threatened with being kicked out of his middle school and not being on the basketball team, he realized it was time for a change and that is what prompted him to call his father.
Once he struck the deal with his dad, his grades began to improve, he was learning and valuing his education along with his athletics: Reading daily, building his vocabulary, and perfecting his grammar. He was receiving guidance and adopting a set of morals and ethics that would help shape his life.
“The first book my father had me read was “The Hungry Caterpillar,” He says.
McNeal carried the standards his father set his grades stayed above a C average and he played basketball, where he also shined. He kept it up all through high school, and on to Cecil Community College. His grades and acumen were so excellent that McNeal was once asked to read a prepared statement in front of the President of the school and faculty members. Boggled as to why he was asked, he called his father, who reassured him it was because he knew how to speak and communicate effectively. This also served as the moment McNeal decided he wanted to be more than just a basketball player, driving him to major in Communications with the goal of becoming a radio and or television host.
After transferring to Point Park University, McNeal began to expand in his major and in his athletic career. He was ranked number one on KIAC’s individual stats leader list and received a host of other awards, when he had an epiphany.
Feeling the need to do more and give back to the community, McNeal began to think deeper and realize that life is so much bigger than him and the basketball court. Walking away from multiple offers to continue his career overseas, he began seeking a way of converging the two.
“My whole life has always been about basketball, ”says McNeal.
McNeal once read a book entitled “Make it Happen” by Kevin Liles in which Liles shares his ten rules to success. This book was just the inspiration McNeal needed, serving as the kick start to the development of his foundation. The title also serves as McNeals personal motto.
“As a friend I’m glad he figured out what was more important in life and decided to incorporate his love for basketball and reading, bringing them together to deliver a positive message for the youth. It’s a great foundation because we never had anything like this in our generation when we were growing up,” says Romel Powell, former teammate to McNeal.
McNeal’s process to develop the foundation was not easy, requiring a lot of time, reading, research and networking.
“Patience, persistence and investing! The most important part is building relationships with important people,” McNeal says of his process. “I have my own non-profit,” he says in excitement and astonishment of how far he has come.
“Its not everyday you find someone who has a passion to help and teach others,” says Elise McKenna Wiley, a fan of McNeal.
“I am trying to teach young kids and student athletes you have to have a back-up plan besides sports. That is why the foundation is called ‘Go Pro in the Game of Life.'” McNeal has traveled to multiple schools, churches and youth programs. His foundation has several programs to promote literacy: T.E.A.M.H.O.O.P. (Together Everyone Achieves More Helping Others Overcome Pressure), Get Off The Bench and Get Into The Game Of Life Ball-Handling Clinic, and the Kool Kat in the Hat, just to name a few.
“I first noticed the ‘Go Pro In the Game of Life Foundation’ on Facebook as it continued to flow down my timeline. Gabe has done an excellent job marketing and getting the word out about how he is out to make a change in the community. The foundation is having a great impact in communities, school systems, churches, children camps, etc. Teaching children to stay focused on life goals, reading and positive attitudes will be something a child will be able to carry with them for life.“ Says Stacy Smith, whom invited McNeal into her church to speak to the youth. “Gabe is one hard worker with dreams!! No matter how hard things get, he always seem to push through the challenges. His determination will be the success of his foundation!”
As McNeal continues to network and travel, he aspires to take his foundation international. He is currently working on a documentary to show his audience a deeper look into his life and the foundation.
“Gabe is one hard worker with dreams!! No matter how hard things get, he always seem to push through the challenges. His determination will be the success of his foundation!” Stacy Smith.
The foundation was founded August 6, 2014 and has reached out to different states, influenced a wide variety of children, impressed a host of adults and continues to grow.
“I had a kid come up to me and tell me he cannot wait to go home and read, and that made me realize what I was doing was right,” McNeal stated.
For more information on Gabe McNeal and the Go Pro in the Game of Life Foundation, you can visit this website.