About
The student development environment that I provide is informed by my journey of playing in the NCAA Elite 8 tournament my senior year in college. I led my team in scoring and steals and was chosen MVP and team captain. Since then I have coached little league, high school and college student athletes. The experience gained from my journey is what I combine with thoughtful coaching techniques meant to create a positive training experience while maximizing effort and results. Whether you’re a student new to the sport, are ready to work to improve your current skills or maybe you have bigger goals and need help achieving them, if you bring your willingness to learn and work hard, I am committed to coaching you to realize your goals.
Personally, I was born and grew up in Colorado. I attended University High school; a then 2A high school in Greeley. It was from my play at that school, that I was awarded a full-ride scholarship to a Division I college. I now live with my wife and 3 children in Reunion. When I was growing up, in addition to a great support system at home, a contributing factor to my success was a great high school basketball coach; Burr Adams. I understand the value and difference an expert coach can make in the athletic future of a student starting from their first little practice.
With team sports, coaches typically coach the collective group skill level much more than they coach to an individual skill level. My sessions are meant to address that gap. The student receives coaching and feedback specific to their skill and development level. I can expertly assess current skill levels, meet your student where they are skill wise, identify the gap between their goals and their current skills and then tailor a development plan for goal realization (my measure of success). Coaching sessions also include skill and development assignments meant to improve the way students train by themselves or with other team members. We track progress along the way; measurements and accountability are an important key to success!
Basketball has taught me determination, commitment, work ethic, toughness, teamwork, compassion, how to handle losing, the right way to win and how to achieve goals. I am cognizant of these lessons and infuse my instruction with this insight.
The services I provide revolve around understanding the game of basketball, physical conditioning/strength training, informing on links between performance and lifestyle (diet, sleeping, and for high school and younger students, class performance), drills to build fundamental skills as well as teaching the attitude necessary to become your best self....all while having fun!!
Teaching techniques vary depending upon the student - there is not a one size fits all approach that can maximize individual outcomes. Who you are as a student will influence the plan and coaching techniques used. The environment will be motivational, respectful, positive and inspiring.
Working with students to improve and realize their goals!
Highlights
Reviews
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Mary C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Understand what their goals are, assess their current skillset as it relates to those goals. I will also share my assessment which includes recommendations on how to best achieve them. We then get to work!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Made Varsity as a Sophmore at University High School. Made the 2A All-Star basketball team my senior year.
Received a full ride scholarship to a Divsion I college, Montana State. Completed career at Morningside college
Senior year, was MVP, team captain, all-region team, led team in scoring and steals as we advanced to the Elite 8 tournament.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$75.00 a lesson. A lesson is one hour. First lesson is one hour and fifteen minutes.
How did you get started teaching?
I've always been engaged in teaching because I enjoy helping others. When I was in highschool, I was helping out middle schoolers and lower classmen. In college, I assisted with summer basketball camps. That continued post college by coaching little leagues, coaching a 5A high school basketball and providing 1 on 1 training.
What types of students have you worked with?
All types. Those that are just beginning their basketball journey to elite athletes in college or that have played in professional leagues.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Attitude adjustment. One of the teams I was coaching had a player with a lot of talent. Every communication to his teammates was usually critical or negative. I spent several days discussing and coaching him on how to use what he sees to make his team better, not bitter.
Watching his attitude change and the team come closer together was very rewarding to see. Often times, it's simply making visible that which the student doesn't see or is having trouble comprehending. Great experience!!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Select someone that knows the game and that enjoys teaching. Be clear about what your goals are and what you want to achieve from the experience. If their response makes sense, try them out. If after trying them out you like them, stick with them - even when it's tough! Do not tollerate abuse of any kind - it does not take abuse to make you great at the game of basketball, but it will take sacrafice and a willingness to push yourself.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals?
What do you think you are you good at?
What do you think you need improvement on?
Is the teacher demonstrating knowlege and understanding about the subject matter?