Team Hardwood University gives your child the chance to grow as a basketball player, without the overwhelming commitment that often comes with AAU. Designed for boys in grades 5 through 10, our teams offer the best of both worlds: competitive play and skill development in a balanced, family-friendly format.

With 1 weekly practice and 4 games a month during the fall, winter, and spring, athletes build strong fundamentals, basketball IQ, and teamwork through consistent, game-based learning. Families appreciate that half the games are played locally in Santa Cruz, including, the Santa Cruz Warriors KP Arena and Holy Cross. While we bring in Bay Area teams to play here, once a month games take place in nearby South San Jose, keeping travel simple and manageable.

For families, that means less time on the road and more time supporting your child where it matters…on the court. And as players progress, those who show exceptional growth and talent will have the opportunity to move up into our Premier AAU/Travel program for the next level of competition.

LEVEL II & III: Development

INTERMEDIATE

TEAM & CULTURE

TEAM HARDWOOD UNIVERSITY provides regional competition where athletes from Santa Cruz and the greater Bay Area come together to represent their schools, teams and communities. Teams battle in a competitive yet supportive environment that builds rivalries, friendships, and pride. Players develop not just as athletes, but as teammates and leaders, while learning the value of respect, hard work, and community.

FOCUS

Applying skills in live, game-like situations to grow confidence and basketball IQ.

KEY SKILLS

  • Intermediate ball handling, passing, and shooting

  • Finishing through contact

  • Offensive spacing and positioning

  • On-ball and off-ball defensive skills

  • Court awareness

  • Creating and recognizing offensive advantages

DIVISION BREAKDOWN

  • 3rd/4th Grade | Coed

  • 5th/6th Grade | Boys

  • 7th/8th Grade | Boys

  • 9th/10th Grade | Boys


STARTING SOON

FALL SEASON 2025

Sept. 24 - Dec. 10

HOW TO JOIN

SEASON LENGTH:

(11) Weeks

LOCATIONS:

Holy Cross | 170 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

WEEKLY PRACTICES & GAMES:

(1) Practice Per Week - (Wednesdays)

(1) Performance Academy Session - (Sundays)

(12) Games Per Session - (Saturdays)

COST:

Full Season $1,155

Full Season without Performance Academy $825