Empowering Future Leaders
Developing the Whole Student — Mind, Body & Spirit
At GTE Academy, we are dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student through a unique blend of basketball, academics, and leadership training.
WHY WE EXIST....
GTE began as a basketball organization — and we were winning. But as educators, we knew athletic success alone wasn't enough.
We saw talented young people excelling on the court while gaps remained in the classroom. So we asked ourselves a harder question: what does it look like to develop the whole student?
That answer became GTE Academy.
We built this program to ensure every student-athlete leaves high school having met their NCAA eligibility requirements, knowing how to study, and knowing how to work independently — so that when they step onto a college campus, they are just as prepared off the court as they are on it.
Because a strong college career starts long before move-in day.
Our Mission and Vision
Our Mission: Preparing students in totality — mind, body, and spirit — for college, career, and life.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
Our Vision: To be the leading faith-based micro school model for student-athletes in Lakeland Florida and beyond — where every graduate leaves equipped, eligible, and empowered.
Our Comprehensive Programs
Personalized Academic Support
We offer tailored academic programs that cater to individual learning styles, ensuring each student reaches their full potential in the classroom.
Elite Basketball Training
Our basketball program is designed to enhance athletic skills through rigorous training and strategic gameplay, preparing students for competitive success.
Leadership Development Initiatives
Our leadership programs focus on building character and confidence, equipping students with the tools needed to lead effectively in any environment.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Guiding Your Growth Journey
Elmo & Taylor Stephen
Founders
A husband-and-wife team united by one calling: to develop the whole student — in faith, academics, athletics, and character. Together, they lead the academy, building a Christ-centered community committed to generational legacy and youth development.
Coach Mo serves as Co-Founder and leads Player Development. An Auburndale standout, he played for a Nike Elite AAU program before suiting up at Tallahassee Community College, then Florida International University (FIU), and going on to play professionally overseas in Panama. He came home with a purpose: to pour back into the next generation — especially the young people who feel lost — discipling them both on and off the court. For Coach Mo, everything points back to God, and He gets the glory.
Taylor brings over a decade in education and athletics — as a Polk County educator, athletic director, collegiate and high school coach, and AAU director — along with two master's degrees in leadership.
Rooted in Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) — "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" — Coach Mo and Taylor are building more than a school. They're building a place where every child is seen, challenged, and loved, and where faith and excellence rise together.
Mrs. Sherry Rhodes
Academic Advisor & Administrator
Summer Pickett
Community Engagement Coordinator
Summer serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator, where she connects students with hands-on, real-world experiences by building relationships with community partners and industry professionals who love what they do.
Dalel (Dee) Medina
504 & IEP Specialist
Mrs. Dee is the Founder and Executive Director of Wild Dandelions Services, a Polk County organization that empowers teens and young adults of all abilities to reach academic success, meaningful careers, and lifelong independence through personalized, strengths-based support. Through GTE Academy's partnership with Wild Dandelions, Dee helps our students and families turn "Now what?" into a clear, connected pathway forward, ensuring every learner is seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.
What Our Community Says
★★★★★
“GTE Academy has transformed my son’s life. The personalized attention and faith-based approach have helped him excel both academically and athletically.”
Basketball AAU Season Parent
★★★★★
“The coaches and teachers at GTE Academy are truly invested in our success. They have helped me grow not just as an athlete, but as a leader.”
Student Athlete - Cohort Pilot Student
★★★★★
“I am grateful for the supportive environment at GTE. It has been a game-changer for my daughter’s confidence and skills.”
Basketball AAU Season Parent
Our Journey Through Time
Since our inception, GTE Academy has been committed to nurturing student-athletes through a unique blend of faith, academics, and athletics.
2023
GTE Basketball is born
God's Timing Elite Basketball Organization launched in Lakeland, Florida with a vision to develop student-athletes through faith, discipline, and elite coaching. Participation grew steadily from day one.
2025
academy pilot Launches
GTE Academy launched its pilot program to build and test the foundation of our faith-integrated micro school model — combining the ACE School of Tomorrow curriculum with relational leadership and college-prep athletics under one roof.
2026
Full Launch Begins
GTE Academy successfully completes its small cohort pilot — proving that our schedule, curriculum, and faith-integrated model works for serious student-athletes and students who thrive in a smaller, more intentional learning environment. We are now opening our foundational academic year with confidence, clarity, and a track record to stand on.
Explore Your Future with GTE Academy
Ready to discover how GTE Academy can shape your journey? Connect with us today to learn more about our unique approach to student growth and success. Schedule a visit to experience firsthand the nurturing environment where faith, academics, and athletics converge to prepare you for life's next steps.