our team

Basketball has been a staple for Ivan since a young age. A native of Chicago, IL, Ivan prepped at St. Joseph High School, playing for legendary Coach Gene Pingatore. His junior year was highlighted by winning the school’s first 2A state championship in 1999. After high school, Ivan graduated from Robert Morris University (IL) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He was part of three seasons at Robert Morris, where the Men’s Basketball team was the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Champion each year and was the runner-up in the 2002 NAIA National Tournament. He immediately enrolled in graduate school at Clarion University, receiving a Master of Science in Rehabilitative Sciences in 2005. While at Clarion, Ivan also served as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach from 2003 to 2005, with the team being 2005 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Co-Champions. Ivan transitioned into the business of basketball as the Director of Basketball Operations for Athletes Sports Management, a sports agency, focusing on player and coach relations, contract negotiations, endorsements, brand imaging, and NIL deals. He took what he learned in his role at ASM and opened ISJ Sports International independently in 2021. His love for the game continues as he currently works as an NCAA basketball referee, officiating at the Division I, II, and III levels. Ivan also participated in the NBA Referee Training Program, further enhancing his on-court skills as an official. At DYSports, Ivan is dedicated to the company’s mission of developing youth on and off the court and creating a positive atmosphere among players, coaches, families, and officials.

When did you start with DYSports? I started with DYSports in January 2026.
Favorite Sports team? I’m Chicago EVERYTHING (Bulls, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, Bears, Fire, Stars, Sky).
If you could play any professional sports position what would it be?
I would play soccer as a center midfielder. This would ensure I stayed in shape at all times.