Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendan Doney.
Hi Brendan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey began when Charles, my co-founder, and I crossed paths during our college years. We quickly discovered our shared passion for sports, particularly team sports, as they provided us with invaluable opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and genuine connections. However, as we transitioned into the professional world, we realized that the same fulfilling experiences we had through team sports were not easily accessible.
Driven by our belief in the profound connection between sports and the lives we aspired to lead; we made the bold decision to establish Crosscourt. Our vision was to create a basketball-inspired social club, community, and platform dedicated to helping professionals excel in the game of life by leveraging the power of team sports and technology.
At Crosscourt, we offer our members an immersive basketball-inspired experience that fosters social, mental, and physical growth. We cater to corporate rec players, providing them with a supportive environment and high-intensity experiences to build relationships, compete, enhance their skills, and alleviate stress. Our offerings encompass organized pickup sessions, high-intensity scheduled training (resembling the SoulCycle experience but for basketball), exclusive member programming akin to the SoHo House model, and access to a thoughtfully designed space reminiscent of a small NBA practice facility.
It’s worth noting that despite basketball’s status as the fastest-growing major sport globally over the past 15 years, playing pickup basketball as an adult often remains challenging and frustrating for many enthusiasts. Finding suitable courts, coordinating schedules with like-minded players, and enduring long wait times or arguments have been ongoing issues. Recognizing the need for a better solution, Crosscourt was born.
Crosscourt is proud to have the support of esteemed investors, including the founder of Equinox and Dollar Shave Club, platinum artists, NBA players, and other strategic partners. We are currently participating in the Techstars Sports Accelerator, further fueling our growth and development.
Our journey has been a testament to the transformative power of sports and our unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between professional life and the fulfillment experienced through team sports. We are excited to continue empowering professionals to reach their full potential and build a vibrant community through Crosscourt.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our journey of building Crosscourt has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges. From the very beginning, we faced the task of establishing our presence in the market and proving the value of a more accessible and curated pickup experience. It took us years of hard work, alongside our full-time jobs, to develop the unique pickup-inspired sessions we offer today. We had to be scrappy and iterate constantly as we introduced a format and structure that had never been done before. Shifting consumer behavior and convincing people to pay for a one-hour pickup session proved to be a significant challenge.
Creating a seamless and organized experience for our members was another hurdle we encountered. We had to carefully plan and continuously optimize our pickup sessions to ensure the right skill levels and schedules aligned. This required investing substantial time and effort into developing efficient systems and leveraging technology to streamline the member experience.
Scaling our operations and expanding into our own physical space with limited resources posed additional challenges. We had to navigate budget constraints while ensuring that the quality of our offerings remained top-notch.
Securing funding and building a strong investor base was a critical aspect of our journey as a startup. Pitching our concept, demonstrating its viability, and gaining the trust and support of investors was particularly challenging since this was our first venture. However, we feel fortunate to have received backing from notable investors who have provided us with the necessary resources and guidance to propel our vision forward.
Overall, although our road has had its bumps, we have embraced the challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement. Each obstacle we encountered served as a valuable learning experience, enabling us to refine our strategies and operations to deliver the best possible experience to our members. The resilience and determination of our team have been instrumental in overcoming these obstacles and propelling us towards success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Crosscourt?
At Crosscourt, we are not just your average social club or recreational sports platform. We specialize in creating a unique community and platform specifically designed to help ambitious and talented professionals in the game of life reach their full potential through the power of team sports.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to providing our members with an immersive, high-quality, and transformative experience. We understand the profound impact that team sports can have on personal growth, social connections, and mental well-being. Our mission is to create an environment where professionals can rediscover the benefits of team sports and leverage them to excel in all aspects of their lives.
As a brand, we take immense pride in being the catalyst for social, mental, and physical growth for our members. We have carefully crafted our brand to embody the values of community, progress, and excellence. Our offerings extend beyond traditional recreational sports options. We provide a comprehensive and immersive experience that encompasses curated pickup sessions, high-intensity training programs, exclusive member programming, tournaments, and access to our thoughtfully designed spaces whether you’re trying to get some work done or workout.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail in creating an immersive basketball-inspired environment that adds an extra layer of authenticity to the Crosscourt experience. We go beyond providing a space to play basketball; we create an entire ecosystem and hospitality-focused experience that fosters personal and professional growth. Our members benefit from a supportive community, engaging staff, cutting-edge facilities, and a wide range of events and activities designed to challenge and inspire them.
I am particularly proud of how Crosscourt has become the go-to destination for young professionals who know that getting the most out of themselves requires giving their all. Our brand represents a commitment to excellence, personal development, and forging meaningful connections. We are proud to have built a thriving community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for sports, basketball culture, and continuous improvement.
In summary, CrossCourt is a basketball-inspired social club and platform that specializes in empowering professionals to thrive socially, mentally, and physically. Our unique approach, electric experiences, and commitment to member growth set us apart from others in the industry that typically just provide the gym space. We invite readers to join us on this transformative journey, where they share in this pursuit of progress.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
We understand the importance of mentorship and networking in personal and professional growth. Here is some advice based on our own experiences:
Clarify your goals: Before seeking a mentor or engaging in networking activities, take the time to clarify your goals and what you hope to achieve. Having a clear vision will help you identify the right mentors and networking opportunities that align with your objectives.
Attend industry events and conferences: Actively participate in industry events and conferences related to your field. These gatherings provide excellent networking opportunities where you can connect with like-minded professionals, experts, and potential mentors. Be sure to engage in meaningful conversations, listen attentively, and ask insightful questions.
Join professional associations and communities: Look for professional associations, online communities, or forums relevant to your industry or interests. These platforms often offer networking events, mentorship programs, or opportunities to connect with experienced professionals. Engage actively, contribute valuable insights, and build relationships with individuals who share your passions.
Leverage social media platforms: Utilize social media platforms to expand your professional network. Connect with professionals in your industry, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Share your expertise, seek advice, and offer support to others. Networking on social media can lead to valuable connections and mentorship opportunities.
Seek out mentorship programs: Many organizations offer mentorship programs that pair aspiring professionals with experienced mentors. Research and apply for these programs that align with your goals and interests. A mentor can provide guidance, share insights, and help you navigate your career path effectively.
Offer value and be genuine: When approaching potential mentors or engaging in networking conversations, focus on offering value rather than just seeking something for yourself. Be genuinely interested in learning from others and building authentic relationships. Show gratitude and appreciation for their time and expertise.
Maintain and nurture relationships: Networking is not just about making initial connections; it’s about building and maintaining relationships over time. Stay in touch with your mentors and professional contacts, provide updates on your progress, and offer support when possible. Networking is a reciprocal process, and nurturing relationships can lead to long-term benefits.
Finding a mentor and networking is a continuous process that requires patience, persistence, and genuine effort. Stay open-minded, be proactive, and seize opportunities to learn from others. The right mentors and networking connections can provide invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Pricing:
- Rookie Membership: $119
- Vet Membership: $179
- MVP Membership: $329
- Day Pass: $40
- Vet Membership 1st month: $119
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cross-court.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crosscourt/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/crosscourt-los-angeles-3
- Other: https://discord.gg/3eErsZCJ
