Dream Chaser Elite & Legends Basketball
Dream Chaser Skills Academy at The Club
The Dream Chaser Skills Academy offers year-round basketball training for players ages 8 and up, from beginners learning the fundamentals to advanced athletes preparing for high-level competition.
Our program focuses on small-group training, allowing players to receive detailed instruction, personalized feedback, and consistent skill development. Athletes are placed into competitive training groups based on age and skill level, creating an environment that is both challenging and fun while helping players grow alongside others at a similar stage.
Whether your athlete is just starting their basketball journey or is a serious player looking to reach the next level, Dream Chaser Elite provides structured training, proven development methods, and flexible program options to support their growth.
Flexible training options and payment plans are available.
Dream Chaser Summer Basketball Camps
Get ready for an exciting summer of skill development, competition, and fun!
Save the Dates
Week 1: June 15–19
Week 2: June 22–26
Week 3: July 6–10
Camps will feature daily skill development, competitive games, shooting work, and confidence-building training led by the Dream Chaser coaching staff.
Full camp details and registration coming soon.
Santa Barbara Legends – Spring Season
The perfect next step for players ready to move beyond rec basketball and experience real skill development and competition.
The Santa Barbara Legends Spring Season bridges the gap between recreational leagues and high-level club basketball. Players receive high-quality coaching, structured practices, and organized games in a competitive but positive environment designed to help athletes grow and build confidence.
Teams practice twice per week and compete in games against local club teams, giving players valuable experience while keeping the focus on development and love for the game.
Spring Game Dates
All games played at The Club
• Saturday, April 18
• Saturday, May 2
• Saturday, May 9 – Mother’s Day Weekend Shootout
Teams will play two games each Saturday, typically scheduled in the morning or afternoon.
HONORING
BERNARD HICKS
The Downtown Club Santa Barbara honors the life and legacy of Bernard Hicks — a beloved coach, mentor, and friend whose impact continues to shape generations of youth in our community.
A Coach. A Mentor. A Community Legend.
His Story
Bernard Hicks, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, played high school basketball and later, came to California to play basketball at Hartnell College in Salinas, California where he met his wife Lilly and began a family.
Following Hartnell college, The Hicks family moved to Goleta to attend UCSB, "My Lilly andI have 5 children, Maurice, Aisha, Khary, Noni and Jelani and we have been married 47years."
Bernard began volunteering at the Goleta Boys Club in the 1970s, coaching youth basketball teams for his children and many others in the community.
In 1999, he joined the Westside Boys & Girls Club as the Athletic Director, where he served the community for more than fifteen years, mentoring countless youth and helping build strong youth sports programs.
Later, Bernard continued his passion for coaching by joining the staff of the girls basketball program alongside his son, Jelani. He coached junior varsity girls basketball at Dos Pueblos High School for two seasons before partnering with Jelani to help launch the girls youth basketball program Dream Chaser Elite, continuing his lifelong commitment to developing young players.
A Lifetime of Coaching
In addition to basketball and community work, Bernard had a deep love for music and storytelling. While attending UCSB, he began serving as a radio programmer at the university’s radio station, KCSB. For nearly 50 years, his show, “Ital Soundz,” featured Soul, Jazz, Roots, Reggae, African music, poetry, spoken word, interviews, and thought provoking social commentary.
Beyond the Court
Most recently, Bernard returned to The Downtown Club to help coach the Santa Barbara Legends basketball teams. Through coaching, along with helping with after school pick ups, Bernard was able to make a lasting impact on one more generation of club kids that will help keep his memory alive.
His Legacy at The Downtown Club
Bernard is most remembered for his big beautiful smile, his love of his wife and family, sharing his love of basketball, tennis, cooking for others and of course, music!