A Decade of Impact · Est. October 7, 2015
5,000+ Young People.
One Mission. One Village.
Since October 7, 2015, JLT Fieldhouse, Inc. has served over 5,000 youth across Rowan County and surrounding communities — through basketball camps, private lessons, life skills programming, mentorship, and the simple, unwavering belief that every child deserves a village.
5,000+
Youth Served Since 2015
10+
Years of Nonprofit Service
40
Years Coaching Experience
3
Federally Registered Marks
12
BTC Life Skills Modules
From Being Coached by Coach T to Coaching with Coach T — Caleb Smith
Alumni Spotlight · The Pipeline in Action
From Being Coached By
To Coaching With

Caleb Smith walked into JLT Fieldhouse in 7th grade having never played organized basketball. He left as a varsity player in 8th grade — and went on to have his high school basketball program looking at him before his freshman year had even started.

But the real story isn't the jump shot. It's what Coach T® built in Caleb that had nothing to do with basketball. The confidence. The mindset. The belief that he was capable of more than he thought — even when he couldn't see it himself.

Today, Caleb Smith is the Head JV Boys Basketball Coach at Rockwell Christian School — coaching alongside the same man who once coached him. The village doesn't just raise children. It develops coaches. Leaders. And people who come back to give what they received.

"Coach T had faith in me whenever I didn't have faith in myself. He is way more than just a coach — he teaches way more than just a game. I truly cannot express my gratitude to Coach T and this organization."
— Caleb Smith · Head JV Boys Coach, Rockwell Christian School
A Family's Story · Years Apart · One Constant
"Our meeting Coach T
was never about basketball."
A mother and her daughter — two testimonials, years apart, from completely different moments in life. The same truth in both of them.
Allison Hulsey Cornelison · Emma's Mom · 2026
"Sometimes people walk into your life and at the time you have no idea why. We set up that first lesson — Emma and Coach T clicked instantly. This was all during a time when my dad was sick and in his final days. What we know now is that our meeting Coach T was never about basketball. It was about healing for not only Emma, but our entire family. He brought spirit, faith, support, encouragement, friendship. I fully believe my dad had a hand in this relationship. Many years later, we are all forever grateful for Coach T. We love you!"
— Allison Hulsey Cornelison, Emma's Mother
Emma Cornelison · Athlete · Great Nonprofits
"I have been going to JLT Fieldhouse for a while now and I have learned more over the course of a few weeks than on my school team. Coach T takes the time to know who you are personally and athletically. If you don't understand something he takes the time and makes sure you understand it. He is an amazing coach and is worth the time coming to!"
— Emma Cornelison, Athlete
Same family · Different seasons · Same truth
Community Professionals
Third-Party Voices
These testimonials were written unprompted by professionals in the Salisbury community who chose to put their names and reputations behind JLT Fieldhouse.
Professional Videographer
"On the surface it looks like a basketball camp but behind the veil it is a program about life skills. Antwaun's balance is the result of a rare mix of discipline, confidence and vision. JLT teaches the good balanced virtues. He is building a better world one child at a time. Plus he and his team are really fun!"
Joe Girdler
Professional Videographer & Media Consultant, Salisbury, NC
Professional Photographer
"I have been doing this for a very long time and can personally say that not all coaches and sports programs are the same. JLT Fieldhouse is an exemplary one. Antwaun's coaching style is amazing — firm but caring — and you can see that he reaches them. If you have been searching, stop looking. This one's a winner!"
Dan Leigh
Professional Sports Photographer, Salisbury, NC
Community Testimonials
30+ Voices. One Village.
Every testimonial below was submitted voluntarily through Great Nonprofits or shared directly with JLT Fieldhouse. These are real families, real athletes, and real community members.
"Not only do they learn basketball skills but Antwaun is such a positive mentor in leadership and positive behavior. The respect his students have for him is wonderful to watch."
— Kristen Barber, Parent
"Working with JLT has improved both my basketball skills and my personality. We are taught to improve our sportsmanship and game at the same time."
— Corbin Barber, Athlete
"A hard-core structure of fundamentals, accountability and teamwork have been key lessons in all their training. It's also nice that girls' programs are offered."
— M. May, Parent of Twins
"JLT Fieldhouse is a place where children learn the game of basketball and it is not about being selfish — it is about team experience."
— Teen Aron, Athlete
"Coach T is a great mentor and teacher for young people! He coached my oldest from a true beginner and is now teaching my youngest — keep it going Coach T!"
— William Shaffer, Parent
"He gives them valuable tools that they can take with them to live successful and meaningful lives. I highly recommend JLT Fieldhouse to any parent."
— Chris Salem, Community Member
"He looks forward to training every week, and his confidence and skill continue to grow. We highly recommend JLT Fieldhouse!!"
— K.H., Parent
"Coach T helps you set goals for basketball and for life. If you want a place where you can feel good about your game and improve no matter your level, you should join us."
— Trey Johnson, Athlete
"Many times you will see Antwaun taking his personal time to come out on a Friday night to watch not one but several kids perform — always looking for ways to help them be the best they can be."
— Christy Huneycutt, Parent
"Hands down the best camp and coach out there. Works hard, plays hard, learns a lot and has fun."
— Amy S., Parent
"In just a few months I have been so impressed with his improvement — not just basketball skills but also his confidence. I am so thankful we have that quality of instruction right here in Salisbury."
— Rivers, Parent
"He cares about the person we are when we leave the gym and when no one is watching. He doesn't care what kind of talent you have — he cares about what kind of heart you have."
— Sarah Durham, Athlete
"This organization, and Coach T in particular, has had a major positive impact in my grandson's life. The work they do is exemplary."
— Edward H., Grandparent
"The camp was one of the best camps I've ever been to. I learned so much more than just basketball. I learned life lessons and how to actually have a conversation with a coach. BEST CAMP EVER!"
— Lydia, Camper
"My son has been coming to Coach T for almost three years and he has grown as a player and person. I truly consider him family."
— Chris Tillman, Parent
"What I liked about camp is that we learned more than basketball — we learned how to become teammates and not be selfish."
— Bloom Goodlett, Camper
"My 8 year old son loves basketball. After one year he has become much more confident, a much better ball handler, and his shooting has improved tremendously. He's always ready to go."
— Aerik Williams, Parent
"Coach T makes them want to be better people first and foremost and better athletes second. He teaches compassion, teamwork, and confidence all while making it fun."
— Tara Smiley, Parent
"All the coaches have taught my boys so much more than basketball. They have taught them how to be a teammate. We are grateful to Antwaun and JLT Fieldhouse for all they do for our community."
— M. Brincefield, Parent
"Coach T runs Fieldhouse with such a positive attitude it's really hard for a child to leave any private lesson, camp, or open gym without a smile on their face."
— R. Edmunds, Parent & Teacher
"Antwaun's positive coaching style builds self-esteem and confidence in the athletes he coaches and mentors."
— L. Shaffer, Parent
"A great organization — truly has changed my life, through basketball and in life. The people that run this are truly amazing!"
— Madelyn Martin, Athlete
"The youth attending develop self-confidence, life skills, leadership strategies, team goals as well as basketball skills. What a marvelous opportunity for them!"
— Carol Kaiser, Community Leader
"The lessons they learn apply to life on and off the court. Antwaun Thompson has fantastic leadership skills that have led to a strong and organized program."
— Nicole Towns, Parent
"My daughter has become a great little athlete but even more, she has learned the value of hard work, commitment, and teamwork — values that will help her throughout her life!"
— Pippa Cochran, Parent
"He does a great job at teaching the fundamentals, but an even better job of building confidence in each kid. He can drive them to push themselves while keeping the atmosphere fun."
— Will G., Parent
The Pipeline
Athletes Who Became Coaches
The most powerful measure of any youth program is what its alumni do next. These JLT Fieldhouse alumni now coach alongside Coach T® — bringing the same philosophy full circle.
Caleb Smith
Head JV Boys Coach
Rockwell Christian School
Jenna Wheeler
JLT Alumni Coach
JLT Fieldhouse, Inc.
Jalen Smith
JLT Alumni Coach
JLT Fieldhouse, Inc.
Drew Bitzer
JLT Alumni Coach
JLT Fieldhouse, Inc.
Organizational Credibility
Built to Last. Built to Be Trusted.
🏛️
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status
Established October 7, 2015 · EIN: 47-2794294 · Over a decade of documented service to youth in Rowan County and surrounding communities.
®
3 Federally Registered Trademarks
Coach T®, Coach T's Corner®, and S.E.A. of Success® — all federally registered and in active use across all programs and materials.
📖
Published Author
The S.E.A. of Success® — available on Amazon. A published work signals organizational reach and credibility beyond the local community.
🎙️
Two Active Podcasts
Developing Tomorrow's Leaders and TeenSpeak — Empowering Today's Youth. Active media presence demonstrates a platform beyond the gym.
🏫
Active School Partnership
Director of Basketball at Rockwell Christian School, Rockwell, NC — real-world program delivery within an established institutional partner.
🎓
Alumni-to-Coach Pipeline
Program alumni now serve as coaches — demonstrating sustainable, generational impact that outlasts any single program year.
Great Nonprofits
Reviewed & Recognized
JLT Fieldhouse, Inc. has received 30+ community testimonials on Great Nonprofits — a leading platform for nonprofit accountability and community trust. Every review was submitted voluntarily by families, athletes, and community members who chose to put their name behind this organization.
Be Part of the Village
Your gift funds a scholarship slot and ensures no child is ever turned away. JLT Fieldhouse, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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