Pictured with Coach Carlos Miranda and Academy President Philip Edwards is star sprinter Renan Edgardo Mena Arcu (center) from Honduras.

Coach Miranda uses his skills from his basketball days to make positive life changes for young people through Miranda’s Basketball Academy.

At the tender age of nine, Carlos Miranda came from Honduras to Brooklyn, New York. The son of the late Tuleo (father) and Matilda Miranda, who spoke no English, forged a life for himself in one of the toughest boroughs of New York City.

“My story is one of struggle and determination to succeed in this world and to use my God-given gifts to benefit others. That was the lesson taught to me and my four siblings (Tuleo Jr., Herman, Derrick, and baby sister Lynda) by my loving parents; lessons that I carry with me every day of my life,” said the 47-year-old father of one child (Matteo) who spends his day as a mail carrier for the Mitchell School in Needham.

He also runs Miranda’s Basketball Academy in multiple locations, which gives lessons on the fundamentals of the game to individuals and groups of students.

“I have funded my program to the tune of $80-$100,000 since its inception in 2022 to ‘give back’ to young people in my home country of Honduras, as well as other South American countries: Guatemala, Colombia and Panama.

There are so many young people who need help to achieve their life goals. When it turns out they cannot receive funding from their respective governments, Miranda’s Academy steps forward and raises money to help cover travel expenses and other costs, so these young people can show the world their abilities.

“So much of my thinking comes from my parents. My late father was the director of a school district in Santa Fe for 20-plus years.

My mother became one of the first licensed nurses in Honduras, saving lives during the war with El Salvador. They taught my siblings and me that the greatest thing that you can do in life is to help people. Their lessons are engraved on my heart. Everything I accomplish is a direct result of their life-lessons.”

One of the many young people who have benefited from Miranda’s work doesn’t even play basketball. His name is Renan Edgardo Mena Arcu. Remember the name of the 16-year-old from Honduras, because you may hear it during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

“Renan is currently the best 100-meter sprinter in Central America,” said Miranda. “While he doesn’t play basketball, my organization still provides financial support for him.” When asked why, Miranda answered, “Because he is a special human being who just happens to possess amazing athletic ability. Keep in mind that I said a special human being first.”

Miranda’s amazing life started when he came to America. From a nine-year-old who spoke no English when he came to this country to a fluent bilingual adult today, Miranda navigated his way to his American dream and wants to pass it on to future generations.

“I don’t consider myself special.

I consider myself blessed by God to do what I am doing on a day-to-day basis. Basketball opened a door for me. The game is dear to my heart. I played three years of high school ball at East New York Transit Tech and two years of basketball at Medgar Evers College, receiving my associate’s degree in liberal arts. I was a good enough player to receive an offer for a tryout in a professional league in Turkey. But I blew out my anterior cruciate ligament during the tryout, ending my chance to be a pro player.

“Like many athletes who lose their dream, I became depressed and ate my way up to 295 pounds before I found my way back to my reality. Today, I weigh 170 pounds and spend my days trying to make a positive life for young people through Miranda’s Basketball Academy. I am hoping that when people read my story, they will be inspired to help my cause.”

If you are interested, please contact Miranda at Miranda’s Basketball Academy@ East Newloso #[email protected].

A special thanks to Michael O’Neal for his contribution to this story.