A Michiana Life in the Spotlight: John Gensic

John Gensic is paving the way for youth sports in Granger. By trade, Gensic is a biology teacher and a STEM Academy leader at Penn High School. By a hobby-driven passion, you will likely find him coaching, organizing, and cheering on his children and the many local basketball leagues in the area. Gensic is an involved coach, father, mentor, and massive contributor and organizer to many. His advocacy and dedication to youth basketball initiatives in the Michiana area is transforming the lives of children and parents, bringing opportunity to build and enrich the community.

Like any involved parent or mentor, Gensic only wants better for the kids than what he was offered. Gensic grew up in a small rural community in Albion, where organized sports and youth leagues were less accessible than they are today. Gensic works to change that narrative with his kids and the community at large.

“Back in the community I grew up in, everybody knew everybody, and they didn’t have as many options to participate in sports compared to the kids of today,” said Gensic. “Now, the community that my kids are growing up in has allowed more opportunities for them.”

Gensic attended the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. It was during his junior and senior years that his interest in education intensified. Gensic went on to pursue education through the Alliance for Catholic Education, a graduate program through the University of Notre Dame that helps students earn a master’s degree and obtain a teaching license. Post-graduation, he transitioned to teaching full-time at St. Adalbert School for the next three years.

In addition to his career as an educator, Gensic organizes multiple youth basketball leagues, which not only allow him to be part of his community but also to be an active participant in his children’s journey through team sports. Gensic is currently working to restore his neighborhood’s basketball and tennis courts, built in the 1970s and left to weather the years.

“I have been an advocate for our own neighborhood, and we’ve been able to rally enough support to redo the basketball courts in our neighborhoods with really nice concrete with nice outdoor hoops,” said Gensic. “Our HOA just passed a referendum that was put to a vote to reinvest in our neighborhood. It has been a few years in the making, but now our neighborhood is able to reinvest in a park for our kids and for our kids’ kids.”

Gensic believes that, as stewards of the land and active community members, reinvesting in the park will benefit future generations. Creating well-maintained common spaces and pouring into one’s community will strengthen it from the inside out.

“It may be unrealistic for people not to be able to pay extra for HOA fees, but we can be creative in finding ways to get the funds necessary to leave it better than we found it,” said Gensic.

Other opportunities for students and athletes to get involved include Gensic’s work with the Court of Dreams, which creates unique, potentially once-in-a-lifetime experiences for kids through the NBA. Court of Dreams is a fan experience that gives kids the opportunity to have court time, play with the scoreboard and sound system, and even experience a professional-level locker room.

“We get a group together to go to an Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, or Chicago Sky game. When you buy enough tickets, you can get court time on Wintrust Arena’s floor or on the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse,” said Gensic. “It’s been great bringing people from different communities together as one to play at a cool venue, or for parents to support their kids’ love of the game and compete in one of the biggest arenas in basketball.”

In his free time, Gensic and his basketball-loving family enjoy traveling for professional games and checking out major arenas around the country. At home, he and his children put in the hours on the court and in the classroom, as they continue their studies and fine-tune their athletics.

“I’m thankful for the time that my wife allows me to spend with my kids, with practices and games,” said Gensic. “I’m thankful for all the kids’ parents who drive to practices or help coach or help keep a book and simply have our kids ready to participate.”

Gensic’s work with organizing youth sports initiatives is unlocking core memories for the kids in his community. Organized sports build confidence, community, and lasting friendships through their universal love of ball. Gensic is helping children in the classroom and on the court reach their highest potential and hopes to continue his work for years to come.