What is the main purpose of your position as Park’s girls basketball coach?
The main purpose of my position as coach is being able to be the influencer for these young girls and showing them the correct way on how it is to play hard at all times. How to be a part of a team, win as a team and how to be successful in life through basketball. I think my favorite part is being able to teach players the game that saved my life, which I tell them all the time.
What is your background in basketball?
I played professional basketball for over 11 years. I played overseas in Germany, Romania, China, Bulgaria and other countries around Europe. I played in the NBA Development League when I was about 22 years old. I coached overseas for two years, and I’m now in the states here as a high school coach for two years now.
How do you approach building a positive team atmosphere and culture?
I try to come in everyday when I’m with them and try to lead by example, trying to show them that I can do the things that you all want to be able to do. I’ve been to places that you want to go, I could be able to be the one to show you how to get there.
Can you describe your coaching philosophy?
Me and all my coaches, we coach the girls really hard. We focus on really playing hard, trying to play fast with a lot of tactics and just defending hard. I want us to be the best defensive team in Minnesota. So that’s what we pride ourselves on.
How do you handle conflicts or challenges within the team to promote effective communication?
The way that I try to handle conflicts is I like to attack things straightforwardly. I’m very blunt. I like to bring the girls together to talk about it (conflicts), like we were grown adults, because we need to be able to get through our problems together in order to have some success.
Can you share any success stories of how you’ve helped players grow?
By being around a couple of players, especially female players that I have gotten to coach, I have one in mind, her name is Kiana Smith. She played at Cal Berkeley and transferred to the University of Louisville. Now she’s a pro and plays for the Connecticut Suns. She also got drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks, and now plays for a team in Korea. Being able to help others complete their dreams is something I love to do.
