TRAVIS CORTES: The Making Of An International Superstar

By: John Dave Casas

At this age many kids are head down all day using their gadgets and playing games. But for this young and passionate kid, basketball is his life. Looking back 2 years ago, Wayne Travis Cortes was just another multi talented ‘kid’ exploring the sport of basketball.

He was just ten years old then, not so young enough to learn and master the sport that his dad Gian Carlo had introduced to him. Eventually, he joined Passion Sports Academy last 2018 and became one of the regular trainees. His dad and mommy Miles supported Travis’ growth in the sport rounded in the Academy’s Mission and Vision.

 

Fast forward to 2020, the pandemic stopped almost every sport activities in the country including the intensified programs of the Passion Sports Academy. But for Travis no pandemic and COVID 19 will stop his dream. He spent 5-6 hours a day from Monday to Friday since the start of the pandemic in his makeshift basketball court inside his room with a hoop attached to the door, mastering crossovers, ball handling drills and even complex techniques in dribbling.

His dad and mom helped him as they continually encouraged Travis to push harder and reach beyond his limits. His hard work paid off as his dedication and passion attracted the eyes of both local and international coaches who wanted to include Travis in their skills training. Some even offered scholarships!

No wonder how this ‘bubbly and athletic kid’ slowly rose up to the ranks and proved something great. “Kahit may pandemic may magawa po naman tayo, I trained 5-6 hours everyday and sometime lagpas pa,” quipped Travis. His passion and commitment to the sport paves a better future for him. “I can picture myself years from now as a successful point guard playing in various collegiate games and even the national leagues,” added Travis. Well, we surely believe that he will reach it considering the amount of effort and motivation that spiced up his young career. Basketball molded a man out of this kid and we couldn’t wait to witness Travis look back on this pandemic as his stepping stone to reach success.

His advice to his fellow Batang Passion and aspiring basketball players: “Ituloy tuloy lang ang training, walang mangyayari kung mag stop ka, wag susuko, train lang ng train kasi yan ang magpapagaling sayo,” said Travis. His story is a testament of commitment, passion and determination that despite all the hardships in life something good will happen when you don’t quit on your dreams.

 

Presented By: