ACES of the Month
"Justin Govan"
Name: Justin Govan
Graduation Year: 2026
Sport/Position: Basketball – Guard
School/Team: John Glenn High School Varsity Basketball
Instagram Handle: justingovan5
A - Athletic ( The Performance)
Focusing on your recent success in the field/court.
You were selected for your recent performance. What was the highlight of the week for you, and what kind of preparation went into that moment
Being selected to be featured by ACES is truly an honor. The highlight of my week was making the decision to commit to Molloy University for both academics and the Men’s Basketball Program. This moment means everything to me because it represents a dream I have carried for as long as I can remember. It reflects years of sacrifice, dedication, and belief in myself, even during times when the journey felt challenging.
C - Committed (The Grind)
Focusing on dedication and perseverance.
At ACES, we believe in staying the course. Can you share a specific obstacle or challenge you’ve faced recently, and how you stayed committed to overcoming it?
Staying committed through challenges is a big part of my journey. Recently, one of the toughest obstacles has been maintaining mental focus. The pressure to be great on and off the court started to become overwhelming. I recently found myself doubting my abilities and overthinking my game. During that moment, a conversation with Coach Navro changed my perspective. He reminded me to trust myself, play my game, and not let doubt take away from the work I’ve already put in. That reminder helped me reset mentally and refocus on what I do best.
E - Enlightened (The Character)
Focusing on leadership, integrity, and mindset.
Being an 'Enlightened' athlete means seeing the bigger picture. How do you try to lead by example for your teammates or bring positive energy to the locker room?
Being an enlightened athlete means understanding that leadership goes beyond words. I believe leadership is shown through actions, effort, and attitude. I try to lead by example by working hard in practice, holding myself accountable, and bringing positive energy every day. I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to support your teammates is simply by showing up for them as people. I make it a point to talk with my teammates, even about things that have nothing to do with basketball, because the game is only one part of our lives. Many of us are dealing with personal challenges, academic pressure, and life outside the gym. Creating that sense of trust and support helps build real connections and a stronger team.
S - Scholars (The Student)
Focusing on academic balance.
Balancing sports and school is tough. What is your favorite subject right now, and what helps you stay focused on your grades during the season?
Balancing academics and athletics is tough, but both are a priority for me. I believe it’s possible to have the best of both worlds, and staying organized and managing my time helps me succeed in both areas. I make sure to handle my academic responsibilities early so that I can fully focus on basketball during the season. I understand that academics open doors beyond the game, and I take pride in my work in the classroom. My favorite subject is math, because it challenges me to think critically and stay disciplined, just like I need to be on the court.
Overall, this opportunity with ACES represents who I am as a student-athlete—someone who is committed to growth, grounded in character, dedicated to hard work, and focused on building a future both in basketball and beyond.
Current Hype Song: Views By Drake
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Chewy Granola Bar and a Banana
A Professional Athlete You Look Up to: Kyrie Irving
* Name: KJ Anderson
* Graduation Year: 2029
* Sport/Position: Basketball/ Forward
* School/Team: Columbia International University
* Instagram Handle (Optional): @kj.anderson11
A - Athletic ( The Performance)
Focusing on your recent success in the field/court.
You were selected for your recent performance. What was the highlight of the week for you, and what kind of preparation went into that moment
The success that I have had this year comes from being in a great program with teammates and coaches who have focused on helping me to learn and grow in my first year of college basketball.
C - Committed (The Grind)
Focusing on dedication and perseverance.
At ACES, we believe in staying the course. Can you share a specific obstacle or challenge you’ve faced recently, and how you stayed committed to overcoming it?
Recently, an obstacle I have faced is an ankle injury. I stay committed to overcoming this challenge by remembering my purpose and keeping faith in the path that God has for me. 1 Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”
E - Enlightened (The Character)
Focusing on leadership, integrity, and mindset.
Being an 'Enlightened' athlete means seeing the bigger picture. How do you try to lead by example for your teammates or bring positive energy to the locker room?
Understanding the bigger picture in sports is very valuable. Being intentional about communication and interaction with my teammates and coaches helps to build strong relationships in the team.
Having a positive mindset plays a major role in Basketball. I use meditation to stay calm and focused. Character is also a core value to me. It is important to have good character even when no one is watching.
S - Scholars (The Student)
Focusing on academic balance.
Balancing sports and school is tough. What is your favorite subject right now, and what helps you stay focused on your grades during the season?
My favorite class right now is Sports Ministry. The way I stay focused on my grades throughout the season is by getting ahead as much as possible and by being diligent about setting aside more time in my day to complete the work.
Current Hype Song: God’s Soldier: Caam1k
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Fruit
A Professional Athlete You Look Up to: Jalen Brunson
Check out KJ Anderson's video
"Derek Serrano"
Name - Derek Serrano
Graduation Year - 2026
Sport/Position - Basketball/Point Guard
School Team - Our Savior New American School
Instagram Handle - derekserrano38
A - Athletic ( The Performance)
Focusing on your recent success in the field/court.
You were selected for your recent performance. What was the highlight of the week for you, and what kind of preparation went into that moment
My highlight of the week was crossing up some kid from GreenPort High School and continuing to motivate my team
C - Committed (The Grind)
Focusing on dedication and perseverance.
At ACES, we believe in staying the course. Can you share a specific obstacle or challenge you’ve faced recently, and how you stayed committed to overcoming it?
A challenge that I have experienced lately is the fear of failure, but I know that this fear only holds me back from my true potential of being a leader and motivation for my team, so every practice and game I learn to push through this fear of failure and strive for succes
E - Enlightened (The Character)
Focusing on leadership, integrity, and mindset.
Being an 'Enlightened' athlete means seeing the bigger picture. How do you try to lead by example for your teammates or bring positive energy to the locker room?
I try to motivate my team in the locker room by reminding them that I have confidence in each and every single one of them and that they should have confidence within themselves in order to portray their full efforts on the court
S - Scholars (The Student)
Focusing on academic balance.
Balancing sports and school is tough. What is your favorite subject right now, and what helps you stay focused on your grades during the season?
Physics is my favorite subject right now, and I manage my time very well between sports and school thanks to my planning and organizational skills.
Favorite Hype Song: Get Along Better by Drake
Favorites Pre Game Meal: Spaghetti and Meatballs
A Professional Athlete I look up to has always been Paul George
