About Us

Our Mission

About Us

At BAB Sportz, our mission is to develop confident, disciplined, and well-rounded young athletes through high-quality sports experiences, mentorship, and meaningful community relationships. We are committed to creating opportunities for athletes to grow on and off the court or field, reach their full potential, and become leaders who positively impact their teams, families, and communities.

Leadership

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Eljay Cowherd

Eljay Cowherd is the Founder and CEO of BAB Sportz, a multi-sport youth organization built around athlete development, opportunity, mentorship, and community.

A Bardstown, Kentucky native, Eljay’s journey in athletics has taken him from standout high school basketball player to collegiate All-American, professional athlete, coach, mentor, and entrepreneur. A graduate of Georgetown College, he earned multiple All-American and All-Conference honors during his collegiate career before continuing his basketball career professionally overseas. His accomplishments ultimately led to his induction into the Bardstown Athletics Hall of Fame.

Eljay founded BAB with a vision that extended beyond winning games. His goal was to create an organization where young athletes could compete at a high level while being surrounded by coaches and leaders who genuinely invest in who they become off the court or field.

Under his leadership, BAB has grown from a basketball program into BAB Sportz, expanding across Kentucky and Ohio and into multiple sports while serving hundreds of athletes and families.

For Eljay, the mission remains bigger than sports: create opportunities, build relationships, develop young people, and leave every community BAB serves better than it was found.

Testimonials

“BAB has been a wonderful experience for Anderson the last two AAU seasons. BAB has offered him top quality coaching, high-level competition and exposure while allowing him to form relationships that he will treasure for a lifetime.”

“BAB has been a great experience from start to finish. The staff is friendly, professional and truly cares about making a difference in your young adults life!!”

“Joining BAB Sportz basketball program has been a game-changer for our child’s athletic development. The staff goes far beyond teaching skills and high-level in-game strategy. Eljay Alphonso and their crew actively mentor the players, instilling a deep sense of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Through the staffs training and exposure to elite competition, we have seen Khyree’s confidence skyrocket both on and off the court. It is a highly competitive and supportive environment that I believe truly prepares young athletes for the next level while building lifelong friendships.”

“BAB Elite gave my son an opportunity to compete at a high level, continue developing his skills, and, most importantly, build confidence both on and off the basketball court. Along the way, he’s also built friendships and made memories that will last far beyond the game. They believed in him and gave him an opportunity when nobody else would. We’re incredibly grateful for the chance, the support, and the confidence BAB Elite has given him.”

“BAB has given our son the courage and confidence to work, grow, and believe in himself. Through intentional training, they’ve taught him how to improve his shooting and ball handling, while pushing him to challenge himself and take his game to the next level. We’re so thankful for the impact BAB has had on his growth!”

“Having been around AAU and travel sports most of my life, I’ve seen the good, bad, and ugly – especially as it relates to culture, and the profound affects it has on young athletes today. With BAB ELITE, my wife and I could not ask for a better situation for our boys. Regardless of the results on the floor, our boys are receiving player development, accountability, and coaching that reflects the incredible culture that Eljay has established in his top-down approach.”

For Parents

BAB Sportz Parent Promise

Your child will be treated with dignity and respect.

Your child will receive real coaching, instruction, preparation, and development.

Your child will be challenged to improve and held accountable for their effort and behavior.

Your child will learn how to compete with confidence, discipline, humility, and sportsmanship.

Your child will be part of a team that values commitment, communication, and responsibility.

Your child will be encouraged to have fun while understanding that being part of a team comes with standards.

Your child will be coached by adults who understand that their influence extends beyond the game.
Your family will receive honest, respectful, and professional communication.
Your child will be seen as more than an athlete.