I’m am super proud to be recognized and be a part of the 2025 sports banquet for Little Flower Catholic School in Hollywood, Florida. Both my sons go to the school and it was an honor to be asked again to help as a head coach of their tremendous basketball team and organization. Fred Maas and Myself worked together in this years season and it was truly a blast.
All the student athletes did such a wonderful job receiving beautiful awards and trophies. We also a fantastic guest speak Mr Irvin Bruce who set the ceremony in action. Mirko Skupeika also received a MVP trophy and multiple trophies for being part of the basketball team, soccer team (which went undefeated), and the volleyball team.
In my quote, I share the secret I learned playing professionally in FIBA and from some amazing coaches along the way. It is called the “Next Play Mentality”. This is such a powerful way of thinking for both sports, business, and life. Never focusing on the mistake made…. moving to the next play and starting fresh — setting yourself up for success.
Thank you again Fred Maas, Emily Chaffins | FC and the Arch Diocese of Miami.
MiamiArch.org
Markus Skupeika, basketball coach at Little Flower, seeks to instill practical life lessons in his players that will serve them on and off the court. A former professional basketball player for FIBA (the International Basketball Federation), Skupeika attended Catholic school and is giving his sons the same education through Little Flower School.
“The way of living the Catholic faith is important, the morals, the discipline. Believing in God is important,” said Skupeika.
“Watching basketball with my kids, I felt it would be beneficial to teach them how to react in defense and in life,” he added, explaining why he started coaching.
He highlights “next play mentality,” a mindset that says “don’t worry about the mistakes – let’s focus on what’s next and try to figure it out. It gives them a chance to relax and have fun.”