ABOUT FIP ELITE ACADEMY

More Than Basketball Training

OUR MISSION

FIP Elite Academy combines intentional coaching, basketball education, and long-term player development to create an environment where athletes can learn, improve, grow, and enjoy the game.

We are not simply training basketball players. We are developing thinkers, learners, competitors, and future leaders.

EXPLORE TRAINING OPTIONS →

FOCUS

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INTENSITY

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PASSION

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FOCUS | INTENSITY | PASSION |

FOCUS. INTENSITY. PASSION.

WHAT FIP STANDS FOR

At FIP Elite Academy, these three values guide how we train, compete, learn, and grow. Players are encouraged to ask themselves three simple questions every time they train:

Was I focused?
Did I bring intensity?
Did I show passion?

The goal is bigger than one workout or one game. These habits help build accountability, confidence, resilience, and discipline that carry beyond basketball.

Basketball development training for young athletes in Gig Harbor

FOCUS.

Be present. Be locked in.

Focus helps players learn, listen, and make better decisions.

Group basketball skills training for young athletes

PASSION.

Bring joy. Love the process.

Passion keeps players motivated, committed, and connected to the game.

Compete. Own the challenge.

Intensity means working with purpose, embracing challenges, and bringing effort every day.

Children playing basketball in an indoor gym, one child in the foreground dribbling a basketball while others are in the background.

INTENSITY.

Development. Improvement. Growth.

DIG is a core mantra at FIP Elite Academy. Every training opportunity is designed around helping players make meaningful progress over time.

Young athlete receiving basketball coaching from Coach Gabriel Van Guse

Development builds the foundation.
Improvement comes through purposeful repetition.
Growth happens when players stay committed to the process.

Meet Coach Gabriel Van Guse

Program Director/Head of Basketball Operations

With more than 25 years of experience coaching athletes at the youth, middle school, high school, and college levels, Coach Gabriel Van Guse has built his career around helping players become more skilled, confident, and complete basketball players.

As the Founder and Lead Skills Development Coach of FIP Elite Academy, Gabriel specializes in player development, fundamentals, basketball IQ, confidence building, and long-term athletic growth.

His approach goes beyond running athletes through drills. Training is built around helping players understand the game, develop strong habits, and learn how to apply their skills when it matters.

More Than Basketball

For Gabriel, coaching has always been about more than what happens on the court.

Growing up, he saw firsthand the impact a great coach could have through his father, Mark Van Guse. That experience shaped his own coaching philosophy and his commitment to investing in young athletes.

Today, his goal is to help each player reach their basketball goals while developing the confidence, work ethic, discipline, and character that carry far beyond the game.

Experience & Accolades

Gabriel brings experience as both a player and coach, including:

More than 25 years coaching basketball
Coaching experience at the college, high school, middle school, and youth levels
6 years as a high school head coach
2 years as a college head coach
Peninsula Metropolitan Parks District Basketball Director
Founder and Lead Skills Development Coach of FIP Elite Academy
Former college basketball player at Tacoma Community College
NWAC All-League honors
PCL League MVP
2× PCL All-League selection
Former Peninsula High School season and career scoring record holder

FIP Elite Academy youth basketball training session

From FIP Families

“Gabe is an excellent basketball instructor. His sessions provide the perfect mix of paying attention to details and proper fundamentals, while staying motivational and fun spirited. Gabe is highly recommended and your kids will definitely get better! I have two daughters that have been trained by Gabe for years and they still look forward to his sessions. One is an up-and-coming sixth grader and the other is heading off to play basketball in college.“
- John D.
“Coach Guse is an inspiring basketball coach who runs the FIP Clinic—focused on Focus, Intensity, and Passion. His approach brings out the best the game has to offer, teaching skills like teamwork, dedication, and resiliency, all while keeping it fun. Under his guidance, players like my son have truly blossomed, gaining confidence and a strong foundation for future success in the sport.”
—Kris K.
“He loves you, Coach!! It has been such a wonderful experience for Evan - loves to play, but loves to be there, too!! Thank you for lifting him up!! 🙏 Thank you!”
—Marti S.
“Training with Coach Guse has honestly simplified and slowed down the way I see the game. His coaching style pushes me to improve while still making basketball fun and enjoyable every day. I’ve grown a lot in my confidence, IQ, and overall skill because of the attention to detail and energy he brings to every workout. I appreciate how much he genuinely cares about his players and wants to see us succeed both on and off the court.”
—Isaiah B.
We have loved Coach Gabe for our boys! He is an awesome coach who truly cares about the kids he teaches. He does a great job teaching them the game of basketball while also showing them the importance of hard work, consistency, and having a good attitude. We love how patient he is with the kids and how he always takes the time to help them improve. He’s helping them become better players, but even more importantly, better kids too. We also love the mixed age group so both of our boys can participate. We often hear parents say they wish their kids had a steady coach who teaches fundamentals—and that’s Coach Gabe!
—David M.
“If you want to see training that immediately translates into real, on-court results, look no further than FIP Elite Academy. For over a year, Gabe has been working with my son, and the transformation has been remarkable. Gabe sees the whole player: the physical tools, the skill set, the competitive mentality, the gaps, and the potential. He doesn’t just run players through workouts. He studies who they are, creates a vision for who they can become, and then builds and implements a plan to help them get there…”
—Andy R.
“Coach Guse brings great energy and intention to every session—our kids are working hard, improving their skills, and genuinely enjoying the game more than ever.”
—Dion B.
“…My 7th and 1st grader have worked with Coach Van Guse over the past several years. His coaching values align with how I want our kids to evolve in the sport: substance over the superfluous, fundamentals rather than flashiness. If you are looking for meaningful development of the physical and mental aspects of Basketball, look no further than FIP Elite.”
—Candice S.
“We’ve had a great experience with Coach Guse! He is knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in helping his athletes improve. Each training session is challenging but fun, with a focus on fundamentals, confidence, and overall basketball IQ. You can really see the progress and development after each session. I highly recommend Coach Guse and FIP Academy to any hooper looking to take their game to the next level!”
—Priscilla Iwamiya
“FIP Elite Basketball Academy made a lasting impression on me and my daughter whom attended. The director, Gabriel Van Guse, was absolutely amazing— genuinely in tune with the kids, focused on teaching, development, and greatness, while creating an incredibly organized and positive experience with exceptional staff. Having been an elite athlete myself, I truly appreciated the level of passion, leadership, and attention to detail. An outstanding academy and an experience I would highly recommend!”
—Kat Howard