Black and white logo of Team Harbourwood University with stylized letters UH.

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.

A young basketball player in white uniform leaps to score a basket during a game in an indoor stadium, with two other players in red jerseys running alongside.
Two young male basketball players competing during a game, with one dribbling the ball and the other defending, while seated spectators and other players watch from the sidelines in an indoor gymnasium.
Young boys playing basketball on an indoor court. One boy in a white jersey with the number 31 is dribbling the ball, while others in black jerseys are guarding him.
Children playing basketball on a court inside a gym with the Golden State Warriors logo, American flag, and basketball banners hanging on the wall.
Young basketball players in white and red jerseys playing on an indoor court, with one player in a red jersey jumping to shoot the ball while others try to block or defend.
Young boys playing basketball on an indoor court, with multiple players, scoreboard, and basketball hoop visible.
A coach giving instructions to a youth basketball team during a timeout on the court. The players are wearing white jerseys with
Young female basketball player in yellow uniform jumping to score a basket in an indoor gym, with other players and a scoreboard in the background.
Kids playing basketball in an indoor gymnasium with spectators watching.
Young basketball player in white jersey jumping to score, with defenders attempting to block shot during a game in an indoor gymnasium, with spectators in the background.
Two young boys playing basketball on a court, with one sitting on the floor and the other standing, holding hands. Spectators and other kids watch from the background in a gymnasium.
Children playing basketball intensely on the court while spectators watch from the stands.

SEASON LENGTH:

(10) Weeks

LOCATIONS:

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

WEEKLY PRACTICES & GAMES:

(1) Practice Per Week - (Wednesdays)

Level II ROOKS (5th & 6th) - 5:30p - 7:00p

Level III FUTURE 5 (7th & 8th) - 7:00p - 8:30p

(12) Games Per Session - (Saturdays)

COST:

Winter Season $825

Black and white logo of Team Hardwood University featuring a stylized large letter 'H' with the words 'TEAM HARDWOOD UNIVERSITY' below.
Two young boys playing basketball on an indoor court at Holy Cross, with one boy dribbling the ball and the other attempting to block, in front of empty black seats.

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

  • 5th/6th Grade | Boys

  • 7th/8th Grade | Boys


Starting Soon

Winter SEASON 2026

Jan. 11 - Mar. 25

HOW TO JOIN:

Add your athlete to our SPRING 2026 season waiting list. We’ll send you an email the moment TRYOUT registration opens.

SPRING 2026 SEASON WAITING LIST