Gem City United - Youth Basketball Program

11/01/2025

A quick update on the future of the Gem City United CO. ( ).

We have officially decided to dissolve the GCU as an organization. This has not been an easy decision or one taken lightly. We have done everything we could think of to keep the GCU going and all roads led to a dead end. We made the decision yesterday and filed the desolution paperwork to dissolve the GCU.

Personally, this was not an easy decision for me. I love the GCU and put my heart and soul into it. If I could have done it all from a distance by myself, I would have. I feel great about all of the kids that we brought the game of basketball to, that would never have had a chance to play without the GCU. To every parent, player, business, and anyone else who supported us, THANK YOU, we could not have done it without you. God Bless!! Matthew Blaylock- President, Gem City United CO.

08/10/2025

If you have ever been interested in coaching, and are looking for a break. Contact the and we can help you coach. You could run the team as you see fit and have input on the tournaments the teams play in.

The last two GCU coaches have ended up getting jobs as a head varsity high school coach and an assistant college coach. The GCU builds not only players, but coaches too.

This is a 100% volunteer position. If you are interested send us a message. You never know where you could end up.

08/08/2025

Congrats to our Founder and Coach Matthew Blaylock. He has been hired as the Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach at Wind River High School in Pavillion, WY.

We at the are happy for you.

It is great to see that not only GCU players improve, but the coaches, too.

08/01/2025

Congrats Coach Bobby Orndorff. We at the are proud of you. We can't wait to see what your future holds.

It is great to see that not only GCU players improve, but the coaches, too.

Florida Southern College women's basketball head coach Megan Dzikas announced the addition of Bobby Orndorff as an assistant coach ahead of the 2025-26 season.

02/18/2025

Good evening all,

I wanted to post a quick message and let everyone know that I am once again the Executive Director (President) of the . I am not currently sure the future of the GCU, but I would love to find the leadership for the GCU to continue and grow for years to come. It is a much needed inclusive basketball program needed in the Laramie community.

We will make a decision on the future of the GGU soon. If you have an interest in being a part of the GCU please reach out to me. This program has been a labor of love for me for almost three years now. I will keep everyone updated on the future of the GCU.

Thanks,

Matthew Blaylock

12/10/2024

Hello Laramie Community,

Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that GCU will not be having a girls team this winter. Stay tuned for future updates.

Sincerely,
Josie

11/30/2024

Hello Laramie/Albany County community,

I'm looking for a volunteer coach or a parent coach to coach a GCU 6/7th grade girls travel team this January-March. Applicant would need to interview with me and pass a background check. As the President of GCU, I'd help get the team registered for tournaments and would help with initial player registrations. I'd also help reserve practice spaces and would help the team get set up with uniforms, SportsYou (communications app) and other supplies: first aid kit, balls, practice jerseys. I recommend practicing 2x/week for 1.5 hours in the evenings and attending one tournament a month for 2.5 to 3 months. Myself and volunteer coach Bobby Orndorff may be available to assist, but we are unable to commit to coaching the full season.

If interested, please email me at [email protected].

-Josie Voight, GCU President

09/27/2024

Still looking for 2-3 additional players. First practice this Tuesday, October 1.

Please reach out to me for more information.

Our Boys 6th/7th season starts soon! Coach Bobby, Coach Colter and I (Coach Josie) look forward to coaching your boys!!! Please reach out to me before the first practice to sign up. We'll have a parent's meeting at our first practice to collect fees, review rules and expectations, and to complete the registration process.

6th/7th girls, we'll have a season for you next spring, so keep your eye out for more information or feel free to contact me to get on a notifications list.

Call or text me with any questions. (307) 399-0271

A bit about me: I took the reins of Gem City United youth basketball program starting September 1. I've coached basketball and youth sports for several seasons, and I enjoy the team play and the building of skills that youth sports programs offer. Myself, the board, and our volunteer coaches hope to continue to grow the program.

Thanks to our fantastic board for their support and encouragement. Thanks also to our amazing sponsors and partners! Human Bean of Laramie, GM Auto Center, of Laramie Parks and Recreation.

Gem City United exists so that more kids can have more basketball opportunities in Laramie. We are a no-cut program, and every kid who wants to play gets to play.

09/09/2024

Our Boys 6th/7th season starts soon! Coach Bobby, Coach Colter and I (Coach Josie) look forward to coaching your boys!!! Please reach out to me before the first practice to sign up. We'll have a parent's meeting at our first practice to collect fees, review rules and expectations, and to complete the registration process.

6th/7th girls, we'll have a season for you next spring, so keep your eye out for more information or feel free to contact me to get on a notifications list.

Call or text me with any questions. (307) 399-0271

A bit about me: I took the reins of Gem City United youth basketball program starting September 1. I've coached basketball and youth sports for several seasons, and I enjoy the team play and the building of skills that youth sports programs offer. Myself, the board, and our volunteer coaches hope to continue to grow the program.

Thanks to our fantastic board for their support and encouragement. Thanks also to our amazing sponsors and partners! Human Bean of Laramie, GM Auto Center, of Laramie Parks and Recreation.

Gem City United exists so that more kids can have more basketball opportunities in Laramie. We are a no-cut program, and every kid who wants to play gets to play.

08/30/2024

A message from the President, Matthew Blaylock:

Tomorrow is my last official day as president of Gem City United. This is a program that I and a couple of others started two and a half years ago because we felt Laramie needed affordable youth travel basketball program. When others heard about this program, they were eager to step up and volunteer their time, and we could not have done it without each and every one of you.

As my time as president comes to an end, I would like to thank every founding member, volunteer, parent, and player who has been part of the GCU for the last two and a half years. Without all of you, there would be none of this. THANK YOU!!

It is hard to give up doing something I love and believe in, but I am doing what is best for the program. I wish Josie Voight good luck in guiding this program in the future. I know she will do a fantastic job.

I will keep an eye on the GCU because I want to watch it continue to grow. With this message, I say farewell to the GCU. Thank you, everyone, and GOD BLESS!! Matthew Blaylock - President and Founder of the Gem City United.

08/26/2024

The is preparing for another great boys' and girls' travel season. If you have a son or daughter in the 5th, 6th, or 7th grade who wants to play travel basketball, send us a message today.

The is Laramie's Premier No Cut Youth Basketball organization. Affordable youth travel basketball with uniforms provided. Be sure to reach out to sign up your son or daughter today.

08/02/2024

The Gem City United is happy to announce that Josie Voight has been selected as the new president of the . Ms. Voight will take over as president of the GCU on September 1, 2024. We are excited to have her to guide us into the future. Josie, welcome to the GCU we all look forward to working with you.