Through sports, recreation, and shared experiences, Michael Greco hopes to make The Jump a welcoming place where people of all ages can stay active, build confidence, and connect with others.
For Greco, owner of The Jump in Goshen, a sports center is more than a place to play a game. It is a place where children can discover their abilities, adults can stay active, families can spend time together, and neighbors can build lasting friendships.
Greco believes recreation should remain part of people’s lives well beyond their school years. Through a variety of sports and activities, he has worked to create an environment where people with different interests, ages, and experience levels can find a reason to participate.
His approach reflects a broader idea of community well-being: opportunities to be active and connect with others should not be limited to a particular age group or skill level.
A lifelong interest in bringing people together
Greco’s interest in sports and organizing began when he was young. He was often the person keeping score, tracking statistics, and making sure everyone showed up to play.
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“I was always the guy who made sure everybody showed up,” he recalled.
At 19, he took over a local softball league and eventually expanded into football, soccer, and basketball. He also coached high school teams and managed recreation programs.
Along the way, he noticed that many people stopped playing organized sports after graduating from high school. Once school athletics ended and work became the priority, opportunities to stay involved became more limited.
“We’re taught our whole lives as young adults to play sports,” he said. “And we graduate high school, and they go, ‘Okay, go to work.'”
That observation helped shape his vision for providing recreational opportunities for people at different stages of life.
His connection with The Jump began when a former colleague invited him to see its three basketball courts. At the time, Greco was running leagues in a Monticello middle school gym, where 12 teams shared one court.
“When I saw three courts, my eyes just lit up,” he said. “I’m like, oh, I can make 12 hours into four hours.”
After announcing a new basketball league on Facebook, he had 10 teams signed up before he had even finished lunch with the facility’s owners.
Creating a place where everyone feels welcome
Greco initially joined The Jump to organize leagues and later became its general manager. After pursuing an opportunity to take over the facility, he acquired its sports equipment and operations in March 2023, establishing a family-owned business with his children as partners.
His vision, however, extended beyond basketball.
“I don’t want to run a basketball center. I want to have a sports center,” he explained.
Today, The Jump offers basketball, volleyball, golf simulators, roller derby, boxing events, youth training, and recreational leagues. The variety gives people different ways to participate, whether they are experienced athletes, beginners, or simply looking for an enjoyable activity.
“Somebody asked me, ‘How do you succeed in business?’ I was like, ‘You never say no. If I can make it happen, I’ll make it happen,'” Greco said.
For him, creating a welcoming environment also means paying attention to the experience people have when they walk through the doors. He strives to maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable facility where participants can enjoy themselves without feeling that they need to be highly skilled or competitive.
The atmosphere matters. A person who feels comfortable joining a game may be more likely to return, meet others, and become part of the community.
Sports that build confidence and connection
For young people, sports can offer lessons that extend beyond the playing court. Learning a new skill, working with teammates, and taking part in a group activity can help children develop confidence, patience, communication, and a sense of responsibility.
Greco has seen how participation can create opportunities for young athletes to grow—not only as players, but also as people who may eventually guide and encourage others.
Team sports also provide a natural way for children and adults to form friendships. Players learn to work toward a shared goal, support one another through challenges, and celebrate accomplishments together.
At The Jump, recreational leagues and drop-in activities provide different ways for people to experience that sense of belonging. Basketball and volleyball bring participants together regularly, while other activities offer additional opportunities for people to discover interests and connect with others.
The goal is not simply to keep score. It is to give people a place where they can participate, build relationships, and enjoy being part of a group.
Keeping recreation accessible
Greco also recognizes that the cost of activities can affect whether people are able to participate. He wants The Jump to offer options that make recreation more approachable.
For example, drop-in basketball is available for $12 per person, allowing individuals to take part without committing to a full league or team. Court rentals and organized activities provide other options for groups and families.
These opportunities can be especially meaningful for people who want to stay active but may not have the time, resources, or interest to join a competitive program.
Affordable recreational choices also give families more flexibility to find activities they can enjoy together.
A community built through shared experiences
For Greco, the value of The Jump is ultimately measured by the people who come through its doors and the connections they make.
Families can spend time together, young athletes can develop friendships, and adults can continue enjoying sports long after their school or competitive years. Regular activities also give neighbors a chance to see familiar faces and build relationships through shared interests.
That sense of community is central to the legacy Greco hopes to create. He wants The Jump to be remembered not only for its sports programs, but also for the experiences and relationships that grow there.
“The legacy of the building and what we did here is what people will remember,” he said.
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