For Acaden Lewis, the top-ranked point guard who recently committed to Villanova after decommitting from Kentucky, the foundation comes from his parents, Jarett Lewis and Nateya Pompeo, who’ve nurtured his talents from Washington D.C.’s Trinidad neighborhood.
While basketball fans celebrate the 4-star recruit’s decision to join the Wildcats under coach Kevin Willard, known for his exceptional pick-and-roll abilities, Acaden’s development stems from his parents’ journey of sacrifice and unwavering support. Their influence explains why he now stands among the nation’s top 35 prospects.
From Hardship to Hoops: The Journey of Jarett and Nateya
Jarett Lewis, a Detroit native who overcame significant adversity including family struggles with addiction and incarceration, found his own path through basketball at Lyons College. After his playing days, he worked in finance in New York before moving to Washington, D.C., where he met Nateya.
Jarett’s career in finance took a significant turn when he was indicted and later arrested for embezzling over $320,000 while serving as finance director for a D.C. nonprofit organization. According to federal authorities, he admitted to the embezzlement, resulting in prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI.
Throughout Acaden’s development, Jarett has been more than just a father, he’s been a dedicated trainer, instilling the same resilience and discipline that helped him survive the west side of Detroit. His influence extends beyond technical skills to building mental toughness that defines Acaden’s game.
Nateya Pompeo brings her own remarkable journey to Acaden’s story. Born in New York City and raised between Long Island and Brooklyn before moving to rural Virginia, she’s carved out independence by working multiple jobs in her youth, including positions at James Madison University.
Now known professionally as DJ Farrah Flosscett, Nateya deliberately shifted her career from bartending to DJing to maintain greater presence in Acaden’s life as he grew up. Her creative spirit complements Jarett’s structured approach, giving Acaden a balanced foundation.
The Lewis family’s Trinidad neighborhood roots in D.C. provided Acaden with both challenges and character-building opportunities. Despite socioeconomic hurdles, strong community bonds shaped his early basketball development.
His parents secured his enrollment at prestigious Sidwell Friends School through the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, prioritizing education alongside athletics.
Jarett and Nateya’s co parenting approach centered on community values, resilience and work ethic, qualities now evident in Acaden’s playing style.
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Their unified guidance from Trinidad’s streets to elite courts shows how dedicated parenting transcends neighborhood statistics, producing not just an exceptional athlete but a young man prepared for success beyond basketball.
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