Thai Tran, sports director at the Mandell JCC, for the last 14 years, is the embodiment of the phrase “all-around sportsman.” Thai oversees all JCC sports activities and works with preschoolers, youth and teens and adults of all ages. Basketball may be a particular strength, but sportsmanship, fun, and safety are his primary ingredients.
Thai works overtime to make sure that JCC members have the widest possible range of sports-related opportunities, and the sheer number of participants, teams, and leagues with which he’s been involved is proof that he is a non-stop force of nature. He has even been called the “pied piper of youth sports.” It’s not his only moniker: on the basketball court he’s been called a legend.
Thai is the driving force behind the summer Sports Jam camp, which he has directed for almost a decade, and become a magnet for children who want to develop athletic skills in a fun and encouraging environment. He has also coached many teams for the JCC Maccabi Games.
One additional notable activity beyond the local community was his participation in The Israel Ride five-day bike trip to help raise funds to support a group that works toward building an environmentally sustainable, secure and peaceful Middle East. Thai’s coaching and mentoring have molded countless young athletes and has also positively impacted the local sports community.