David Mejia’s story isn’t about flashy headlines or overnight success. It’s about persistence, family, and finding opportunity where others might have seen limitations.
Born in Barcelona with Dominican heritage, David started playing basketball when he was just three years old. His older brother, already a player, would take him to their neighbourhood park. Then one day, a coach noticed David and encouraged his family to enroll him in their club.
“My story started in that moment,” David recalls. That same coach, now nearly 80 years old, remains someone very close to him.
The neighbourhood club where David ended up training showed great support when he exposed challenges he was facing. Instead of turning him away, they allowed him to play without charge. This act of understanding and support became a critical moment in shaping his basketball career. I think it also taught David an important lesson from early on, to be vulnerable is to be courages and can be met with warmth and understanding – so be brave and open.
“They treated me so well, I was super excited to be learning how to play with them” he says, reflecting on the support he received during those early years.
Currently based in Spain, David has been able to access more pathways which makes a significant shift of the limited prospects he would have had back in the Dominican Republic. As the conversation continued every question asked was answered with conviction, responses laced in discipline and dedication – values and characteristics that have helped David navigate his career and his life.
David’s basketball career has progressed through various clubs and leagues, starting with Grup Barna in 2003. From there, he moved through Spain’s Liga EBA, Leb Plata, and Leb Silver divisions, and also spent time playing in the Dominican Republic’s Liga Nacional de Desarrollo. His journey is a clear reflection of his steady growth as both a player and a person.
Here’s a look at his career so far:
2024-2025: Vitaly La Mar Ciudad de Badajoz
2003-2017: Grup Barna. 2017-2018: CB L’Hospitalet 2019-2020: FC Martinenc (Liga EBA) 2020-2021: CB Villarobledo (Leb Plata) 2022-2023: CLUB BALONCESTO LA RODA (Leb Silver) 2023-2024: Alvik Basket (Sweden) 2024-2025: Vitaly La Mar Ciudad de Badajoz
David is currently in his 8th week of rehab after an acl injury, making steady progress and looking forward to the day he can play again. Although these injuries are incredibly common for players we touched on the mental battles that come with situations like this, to go from being able to play every day to having to learn how to walk again – that’s a battle in itself. And I think sometimes people forget that these players are people, David put it beautifully; “we have life, we have feelings, just like everyone else, we may just not speak so loudly about what we are going through.”
Despite being sidelined due to injury, he remains contracted to Vitaly La Mar Ciudad de Badajoz. He’s also had exciting conversations with other clubs, one of which is based in China. His stamina and ongoing rehab show that he’s committed to returning to the court as soon as possible. With multiple offers on the table, it’s clear that his perseverance continues to create opportunities across the globe.
For David, basketball is personal. It’s a way to connect with people, above all his family. His dream of becoming a professional player wasn’t about fame or money. It was about helping his family—especially his mother—and proving to himself that he could succeed.
“Honestly when I got my first contract I was super excited, I was proud of me, I felt like I won my own battle.”
David’s Dominican heritage remains a key part of his identity. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities he’s had in Spain but also feels a deep connection to the Dominican Republic. He hopes to return there, especially once his injury has healed, and continue contributing to basketball in a place that means so much to him.
David Mejia’s journey is far from over. His career highlights the importance of purpose, hard work, and community support. Whether playing in Sweden, Spain, or back in the Dominican Republic, he remains focused on his future in basketball and the opportunities ahead. Despite the obstacles he’s faced, David continues to pursue his passion for the sport, and I’m excited to see where he goes next.
Photo credit: Condevisuals
