ABOUT US
G League prides itself on the development of Sarasota youth in all regards - meaning basketball skillset comes second to the growth of our players character, their social skills, team camaraderie, and positive self-talk and encouragement through the challenges and adversity sport can provide. G League is simply a tool to help our children become healthy adults who respond and tackle adversity and the challenges life brings by building the habits needed through our league. It takes a village, and our G League community is a strong positive force where we all share a role.
WHY G LEAGUE?
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
EXPERIENCED
A female-inspired league directed by former collegiate athletes and coaches.
TRUSTWORTHY
All Coaching Staff and Volunteers are vetted with the best-in-class online background checks through NCSI. The only background screening endorsed by the National Council of Youth Sports.
INNOVATIVE
We use technology platforms that are built for sports leaders. Our Sports Relationship Management (SRM) technology offers parents and coaches a seamless and organized experience.
DIVERSE
Representation of all athlete's unique skills and abilities.
MISSION
G League exists to mold and influence young athletes' lives through basketball.
VISION
The vision of G League is to create youth basketball systems that promote wellness, sportsmanship, integrity, and teamwork.
PURPOSE
Our purpose is to instill healthy habits and behaviors in young individuals so they are better equipped in sport and life.
GET TO KNOW US
GIANNA VASTOLA
LEAGUE FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Gianna is a Sarasota native who recognized her basketball ability and enjoyment at an early age and pursued the sport. She was a 1,000 point scorer at Riverview High School and earned a scholarship to Coastal Georgia in 2013, where she started as a freshman. She then transferred to Florida Southern her sophomore season and led her team to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in 2016. Gianna again joined the 1,000 point club at Florida Southern before graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 2017. A few short years after graduating, Gianna began to form a basketball league in 2019 with 18 players and two teams. Within 3 years, G League has grown to provide Sarasota over 30 teams each season, After School Programs, and Summer Camps. Gianna had no idea G League would grow to become such a large community of families that it is today. Gianna's league resembles who she is daily; a league that prides itself on a culture of compassion, being a great teammate, and standing on strong character. G League's mission is to guide participants through basketball to help prepare them to make a positive impact toward others on and off the basketball court.
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Childhood Movie: Elf
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Jeni's Gooey Butter Cake
Favorite Dessert: Clarabelle's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Favorite Song: This Is Me - Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman
Hidden Talent: Unicyclist (thanks to Wilkinson Elementary P.E. Staff - Mrs. Snyder & Ms. Locke)
Favorite Quote: “Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” - John Wooden
Favorite Part of G League: Watching players create new memories and lifelong friends
BRITTANY CLARK
ASSISTANT LEAGUE DIRECTOR
Brittany became a part of the G League family in Fall 2021, after moving to Sarasota earlier that summer. Brittany has eight years of collegiate coaching experience at NCAA Division I & II, and NJCAA levels. She was previously a Head Coach at Harcum College, a junior college in Philadelphia, where she won a Region Championship and District Coach of the Year honors. She led her team to several Top 20 rankings, finished 3rd in the nation in the WBCA Academic Honor Roll, and a National Tournament appearance for the second time in school history. Her other coaching stints included Queens University of Charlotte and Virginia Tech. Brittany earned an Associate's degree in Sport's Management while winning a Region Championship and finishing 8th in the country at Harcum College, earned a Bachelor's from Coastal Georgia, and her Master's while working at VT. She ranks in the Top 10 in 3PT% and 3PT Field Goals at both colleges she attended. Brittany loves the Florida sunshine and living close to the beach and her parents, who reside near Clearwater. Since arriving to Florida, Brittany often finds herself in the ocean saying out loud, "What a life! Thank you God! I can't believe I live here!"
Favorite Color: Pink & Teal
Favorite Childhood Movie: Pocahontas
Favorite Book: No Easy Jesus - Jason Mitchell
Fun Fact: Cheerleading was my first love!
Favorite Quote: "If you want to hear God laugh tell Him your plans."
Favorite Song: Lover of My Soul - Jonathan McReynolds OR Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen
Favorite Hobby: Solo travel trips, listening to music, & riding my Bike to Siesta Key Beach
Favorite Part of G League: “The energy and excitement the G Leaguers bring each week to practice and games makes it so enjoyable. I’m grateful Gianna has welcomed me in to such a great culture and community of people. I’ve had a flood of memories from my early basketball days where I fell in love with the game. I love that I get to witness G League participants fall in love with basketball each week, too!”
JANELE TUCKER
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Janele Tucker joined the G League staff in the summer of 2023, after spending 5 years as a 3rd grade teacher in Bradenton, FL. Janele is no stranger to G League; as she has coached multiple teams and divisions throughout the four year span of the league, as well as volunteered her time at all Player Evaluations. Tucker has her fair share of basketball accolades throughout her collegiate and high school playing career. Prior to graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Armstrong State University in 2017, Janele helped lead her Coastal Georgia Mariners to their first NAIA Division I National Tournament. Not only was Tucker part of a 20+ win team, but she earned the Champion of Character Award in 2014 after returning to the court from what should have been a career ending elbow injury. Janele transferred from Finlandia University as the team’s leading scorer and team MVP her freshman season. Although Janele loves her Sarasota home, like most, she has implanted from up north, very far up north, about as far north as you can get without crossing into Canada! Tucker was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a small town called Ontonagon to be exact. There, Janele dominated the basketball scene as a 1,000 point scorer, earning All-State and UP-Player of the Year honors. When Janele is not dedicating her time to the growth of G League, she can be found on the beach or on the couch being an introvert cuddling her dogs Oakley and Scout.
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Childhood Movie: Hercules
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Toasted Coconut
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Book: The Untethered Soul
Fun Fact: Enjoys learning new cheers and choreographed song and dance numbers led by her bestie Brittany, so please ask her to perform them on the spot. Janele also enjoys attempting to do as good of a NJ/NY accent as Gianna and Brittany can, and although she fully commits to character, she often struggles. It turns more Bostonian. Don’t ask her to attempt this as you will cringe.
Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan
Favorite Hobby: Making Charcuterie Boards! Follow on IG: @GoOverboardCharcuterie
Fun Dream/Goal: Roam the streets of Italy with her lover.
Favorite Part of G League: “From watching G League start with 18 girls and only 2 teams to what it has become today is so special. Working the past 5 years with elementary age students, I see what direct benefits this league brings to children in their character building, communication, and learning positive self-talk. This league is such a wonderful outlet for all ages and I am so happy to have more of a hand in continuing helping the league grow and touch even more kids!”