Coach Parks is a lifelong student of the game of basketball — and the community of Festus, Missouri is where that love story began. He developed his passion for the game early, learning from his uncles and the players in his neighborhood who poured their knowledge into him before he ever set foot on a high school court.

After rising through the youth ranks, Coach Parks went on to play varsity basketball at Festus High School before continuing his playing career at the collegiate level, competing in both Junior College and NAIA programs. When his playing days came to a close, he made a decision that would shape the next chapter of his life — he was going to give back everything the game had given him.

Driven by a lifelong commitment to player development and community impact, Coach Parks transitioned into coaching at the middle school and high school levels. His most transformative coaching experience came during his four seasons at Saint Louis Christian Academy in St. Louis, Missouri, where he had the rare opportunity to coach players from 21 different countries — a truly global basketball experience that sharpened his ability to develop talent at every level.

During his time at Saint Louis Christian Academy, Coach Parks helped guide multiple players to Division I basketball programs, while others went on to compete at additional collegiate levels and professionally overseas. His most notable alumnus, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, went on to reach the NBA — a testament to the caliber of development and mentorship Coach Parks brings to every player he works with.

After four impactful years coaching in St. Louis, he returned to his roots with a clear mission — to bring those same world-class lessons and experiences back to the youth in his own community. That mission became 34 Academy.

Over the last decade, 34 Academy has grown into one of the most respected and up-and-coming independent youth basketball programs in the Midwest. The Academy provides young athletes throughout Jefferson County and beyond a structured platform to master the fundamental skills of basketball and develop into high-level players — guiding them through every stage of their journey from beginner youth players all the way through advanced, high-skill competition.

Coach Parks has helped numerous 34 Academy alumni earn the opportunity to play basketball at the college level — turning dreams into reality for players and families throughout the community. His coaching philosophy is built on one simple but powerful principle:

No kid left behind.

That motto isn't just a tagline — it's the foundation of everything 34 Academy stands for. Every player who walks through the door deserves the same opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential regardless of their current skill level.

If you're looking for elite youth basketball development in the Festus, Crystal City, Hillsboro, Arnold, and greater Jefferson County, Missouri area — 34 Academy and Coach Parks are ready to help your player take the next step.