Directors
David McGill-Soriano
Project Director
A former Long Beach Cabrillo High School Varsity Basketball Captain, who attended college at Chico State and Long Beach State, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2019 with a Bachelor's of Science in Criminology. David has worked with the largest public-service law firm in the country, ACLU, on Educational Equity. He's been a Coach for several years, working with college, overseas, and NBA players. David wants to support promising youth in Long Beach by offering his assistance in the two things he knows best: basketball and education. David is also a 2023 City of Long Beach Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Peacemaker Awardee
Andy Duong
Media Director
A Long Beach native who played High School basketball at Long Beach Cabrillo and earned an Associates in Biological Science at Long Beach City College. Andy was raised by two Cambodian parents that fled to America to escape the Khmer Rouge genocide in their home country, so he is thankful for the opportunity to make a difference for the next generation, just like how his parents did for him. He is passionate in creating content; you can watch his videos on YouTube at ADLB and on instagram/tik tok at @adfromlb. He loves creating day-in-the-life style vlogs and introducing people to good food. He hopes to travel the world and make a living from eating food. Andy is also a Washington Middle School alumni and is passionate about helping out the kids from the same environment he grew up in.
Andrea Mendez
Marketing Director
Born and raised in Anaheim, CA, Andrea graduated from Mid America Nazarene University (MNU) in Kansas. While earning her B.A in Marketing and Communication, Andrea worked and volunteered with several non-profit organizations and campus clubs developing a passion for community building. She has since dedicated the past two years serving as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for nonprofit organizations like 826LA and American Youth Soccer Organization. She is excited to mix her two passions of marketing and non-profit work as the Director of Marketing at Books and Buckets.
Travis Harlin
Project Coordinator
A Long Beach native who played High School basketball at Long Beach Cabrillo. Travis played college basketball at Los Angeles Valley College before receiving a scholarship to play at the University of Maine at Fort Kent for 3 years. After receiving his bachelors degree, Travis gathered enough basketball knowledge to earn a coaching job at his alma mater, Cabrillo high school, where he single-handedly coached the freshman and the sophomore teams. He is passionate about giving back to the youth, with the desire to mentor and coach.
Gabe Sandoval
Athletic Director
A former Long Beach Cabrillo High School basketball athlete, who earned his Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Management from California State University of Long Beach. After college, Gabe started his own basketball training business in which he named “QuicksandHoops." Gabe has trained basketball players for two years, and he is a Certified Personal Trainer through the “National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Gabe combines weight training with player development. He is passionate about his brand and thrives to become the best trainer in the South Bay.
Marlene Montero
Youth Development Director
Marlene was a multi-sport athlete excelling in both volleyball and basketball at Savanna High School. She later played for Irvine Valley College women’s basketball team during her freshman year. Marlene transferred to Cal State Long Beach to pursue her Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science and Policy. With a desire to give back to the community, she hopes to give the youth of Long Beach exposure to the team sport of basketball and a chance at skill development on the court and in the classroom.
Michael Magee
PRESIDENT
6'4'' Vanguard University student-athlete averaging a 4.0 GPA and 10 ppg/4rpg while pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Magee received his Associate's Degree from Cypress College while averaging 17ppg/6rpg and being selected All-OEC First Team. Magee attended Long Beach Cabrillo High School where he was an honor roll student while averaging 22 ppg and 10rpg before being selected All-Moore League First Team. Magee is a Long Beach native seeking to provide mentorship to the next generation of student-athletes from underprivileged neighborhoods.
Kelly Permpoon
Operations Coordinator
Born and raised in Long Beach, Kelly received her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology at Cal State Long Beach. She has experience working and volunteering with local non-profits and continues to find ways to impact her community. Her passion for basketball began as a child playing at school, parks, and gyms throughout Long Beach. Kelly believes in the mantra of paying it forward and enjoys helping youth unlock their full potential on and off the court.
Andrew Manduajano
Systems Change Director
Andrew is well known in the Long Beach community for his experiences working with elected officials, non-profit organizations, and multi-generational community members. As a Legislative Aide for a Long Beach councilmember, he researched legislation and drafted talking points. As a Community Organizer for Long Beach Forward he organized over 60+ parents, caregivers, and organizations around issues impacting the birth to aged 5 population. He has worked to pass legislation impacting tenants such as a Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance, Just-Cause Eviction Protections, and Eviction Moratoriums. In addition, he has worked with our youth last year to develop their Neighborhood Impact Projects: a Gang Violence Prevention Panel and a Neighborhood Cleanup & Art Sculpture.