THE MISTAKES, THE LESSONS, THE TRIUMPH
MEET KALEB JOSEPH
EARLY YEARS
Kaleb was raised in a chaotic and dysfunctional household, one of eleven siblings and the only child between both parents. Despite these challenges, he turned to basketball as an escape from the turmoil of his upbringing, which was marked by generational trauma. Seeking stability in his living conditions forced Kaleb to couch-surf between coaches and friends in order to attend practices and games. His hard work paid off when he received his first Division 1 scholarship offer as an eighth grader. Eventually becoming one of the top 10 point guard recruits in the country.
THE COMMITMENT
Kaleb Joseph's dreams seemed to be coming true when he committed to play basketball at Syracuse University. However, the reality was far different.
THE FALL FROM GRACE
As a preseason National Freshman of the Year candidate, Kaleb faced overwhelming pressure and expectations. But instead of being a sanctuary, basketball became a source of anxiety. The sport he once loved began to suffocate him.
Struggling to manage the emotional highs and lows of elite competition, he quietly turned to escape. Without realizing it, Kaleb slipped into the same cycle of generational trauma that had haunted his family for years.
Carrying the weight of being the one to “break the chain,” the pressure became paralyzing. His identity unraveled—until he found himself too ashamed to show his face on campus, just months after being named one of Sports Illustrated’s top 10 most disappointing players.
ROCK BOTTOM
When the pain of feeling like he let his family down became insufferable, Kaleb turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms, eventually falling into an addiction that went unnoticed by everyone around him. Despite actively helping athletes navigate their own struggles—he couldn’t recognize the very issues unfolding within himself. After hitting rock bottom, he was guided by two former NBA players in recovery—men who understood the uphill battle of turning pain into purpose
PAIN INTO PURPOSE
Knowing all too well that he’s not alone in his struggles, Kaleb now travels the country sharing his story and guiding others through theirs. As a mental performance coach trusted by some of the nation’s top prospects and teams, he equips athletes with the tools to pursue growth that transcends their game.
Through emotional intelligence workshops, team consulting, and one-on-one coaching, Kaleb helps individuals, communities, and organizations lean into vulnerability, build self-awareness, and cultivate an identity strong enough to carry them through all of life’s adversities.