Alumni Spotlight: Lance Goulbourne
Lance during his time with New Heights as both a student-athlete (left) and later as a professional almost 20 years later at our most recent MADNESS event (right).
Before coming to New Heights in 2005, Lance Goulbourne was a standout tennis player. He had natural athletic ability, a strong work ethic, and was committed to being the best on and off the court. Luckily for him, these qualities transferred over easily to basketball, quickly solidifying his place within the New Heights family.
Thinking back to his first practice with New Heights, Lance describes it as “eye opening.” Although he was a competitive tennis player, this was his first time playing basketball at a national level, unlike his teammates. However, Lance quickly developed as a basketball player and embraced the team dynamic, building meaningful and lasting relationships with his teammates and coaches. As he excelled on the court, New Heights supported his transfer to a more competitive and rigorous high school. Having recently found his high school application and reading his goals and aspirations, Lance reflected on how basketball served as a bridge for his growth as both a student and athlete.
Gaining exposure through New Heights, Lance received a full scholarship to Vanderbilt University. He had always been fascinated by bridges and tunnels, and he had a strong appreciation for architecture, leading him to consider a career in engineering. He was also interested in the stock market, however, and ultimately decided to major in economics. His interest grew as New Heights helped him secure a shadowing opportunity. And while he was a dedicated student, Lance's focus was to help his team win and to play professionally after college. He would ultimately achieve his goal, winning the 2012 SEC Tournament Championship his senior year before going on to play professional basketball overseas for nine years.
While playing abroad was an incredible experience that Lance didn’t take for granted, the ability to travel and immerse himself in different cultures was what he enjoyed most. He spent a good portion of his time exploring multiple countries, learning different traditions, and engaging with diverse groups of people. These experiences, his love for learning, and ability to connect with others has helped propel him into his current career—a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley.
Upon returning to New York City, Lance joined New Heights’ Emerging Leaders Counsel (ELC) in 2023, citing his desire to contribute to a program that gave so much to him. Now retired from basketball, he enjoys being around the game and attends numerous New Heights events, while also helping to raise money for the organization and engaging with current student-athletes and other alumni. He finds it meaningful to meet the new generation, and was honored to speak one-on-one with a young-student athlete at our annual Gamechangers Ball.
In his talks with current New Heights student-athletes, Lance encourages them to appreciate the position New Heights puts them in and not to take any of their experiences for granted. He reiterates how important the relationships are, evidenced by the relationship he holds with staff 20 years after joining New Heights. “I hope [all student-athletes and younger alumni] remember what they’re here for,” Lance told us. “Always remember your goal and enjoy where you are at.”
Lance shared how he values the relationships he has with New Heights staff, fellow ELC members and alumni, and expressed how great it is to return to people who knew him when he was younger and are genuinely invested in his well-being and success. New Heights has always been bigger than basketball, and it has been a privilege to see Lance’s success and growth as an athlete, professional, and person over the last 20 years. We look forward to seeing what Lance does next and are grateful to have him as a role model for the younger generation of New Heights student-athletes.