Jen Surlas

Born and raised in a predominately rural area, Mt. Pleasant Pennsylvania, playing sports was one of the only things to devote yourself to as a child.  Growing up with two older brothers, collegiate football players, my goal was to continue the success of achieving a full scholarship to attend college.  Being a dual athlete at a private high school allowed me to prepare myself for that next level! 

My high school basketball team captured the District WPIAL championship 3 out of my 4 years while the volleyball team stayed at the top of the district rankings.  I started playing AA basketball my junior year as well  along side the well known Swin Cash.  The exposure of AAU introduced me to college in many ways, from playing with other competitive Division I athletes to being in front of Division I college coaches.  Thanks to the support of my coaches and teams success, I had a handful of Division I schools to choose from, one being right here in Fairfax, Virginia.

My freshmen year at George Mason University was a learning experience to say the least!  While only grabbing 10-15 minutes of playing time per game, I soon became frustrated and questioned if I was "ready" for the college game. Needless to say, I was tired of "bench time"!   Knowing that I could not continue at that pace, I attended summer school and training and worked on my skills, strength and conditioning.   I was selected to the CAA 1st team honors my Sophomore and Junior year and my Senior year, our team made it to the WNIT tournament for the first time in school history!

After finishing my college playing career at George Mason University in 2001, I began as an independent trainer working with middle school & high school athletes.

The next two years I played professionally overseas, beginning my first season in the Netherlands and the second season in Turkey.  Between seasons and training myself, I resumed my basketball training here in Virginia with my clients.  At that time, I also began training with and instructing the George Mason Women's Basketball players the summers in between playing seasons. 

After my last season of my professional career, I entered into a semi professional season in Birmingham Alabama and after completion of that season, I decided to retire from my playing days.  In 2005 I decided to take my competitive work ethic to the real estate industry and combine that with basketball training at Evolution Basketball.  It is a pleasure to be able to share my playing experiences, teach the fundamentals to young athletes, and watch them blossom into great basketball players.

                      Jen