Meet our Founder

Keyes was a dedicated student-athlete, starting three years of varsity basketball at Maple Heights High School before transferring to Warrensville High School for her senior year. She maintained a 3.5 GPA while helping lead her team to an LEL Division Title. Her hard work earned her First Team All-L.E.L honors, 2nd Team All-District recognition, and an Honorable Mention for All-State. She was also selected to compete in the Greater Cleveland All-Star Game at Lakewood High School and the Black College All-Star Game at the Gund Arena (now Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers).

College and Beyond

Keyes earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Rio Grande, later transferring to Wilberforce University. She had high hopes for her collegiate career, but when things didn’t go as planned, she faced heartbreak and a deep period of depression. However, coaching reignited her passion and gave her a new sense of purpose: one that ultimately led to the creation of Keyes to the Game. With experience coaching at every level, from youth to semi-pro, Keyes saw a reflection of her younger self in many of the students she worked with. She realized how crucial mindset and mental resilience were lessons she learned from her own journey. This understanding fueled her commitment to mentoring young athletes, guiding them toward success both on and off the court. Today, she continues to encourage youth to believe in themselves, work hard, and enjoy the process, principles that apply far beyond basketball.

Why Keyes to the Game?

Our mission is to make a lasting impact on young lives. While basketball serves as a powerful tool to teach discipline, confidence, and perseverance, we understand that not every child plays sports. That’s why we offer additional services like childcare, case management services, and inflatable rentals—ensuring all kids have a supportive, fun, and nurturing environment to grow. At Keyes to the Game, we are committed to helping every child reach their full potential. Explore our programs and see how we can support your child’s journey!