The Rising Coaches Podcast

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Amanda Butler, former High Major head coach and current assistant at the University of Louisville. Coach Butler is a former standout player at Florida and has built an accomplished coaching career with stops at Florida, Austin Peay, Charlotte, and Louisville, along with head coaching tenures at Charlotte, Florida, and Clemson. She’s led major program turnarounds, including taking over a last-place team and guiding it to a 20-win season and NCAA Tournament appearance. In this episode we discuss how she rebuilt a struggling program into a winner, how she learned to coach and develop her assistants during her time as a head coach, and how those experiences now allow her to add value in new ways as an assistant.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Santoro, Director of Video and Strategy at the University of Kentucky. Coach Santoro has built his career through a variety of roles at Pittsburgh, Gwynedd Mercy, BYU, and now Kentucky, gaining experience in film, scouting, and game preparation along the way. His path reflects steady growth behind the scenes in high-level programs. In this episode we discuss what’s first on his checklist when breaking down a new opponent, how he tailors film differently for assistants versus players, and advice he would give to managers—or those hoping to become one—who want to use that role to launch their careers.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome back a familiar name, Alan Major, current assistant coach at the University of San Diego. After diving into his background and coaching journey in a previous episode, this conversation takes a different angle, focusing on the often-overlooked time between jobs. Alan opens up about how he approached that downtime, the intentional steps he took to continue growing as a coach, and the mindset required to stay ready when opportunities arise. We also discuss how his new role at USD came together and what the transition back onto a staff has looked like. This episode offers an honest look at resilience, preparation, and trusting the process in this profession.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Chris Richardson, the Head Coach at Wheeling University. Chris has worked his way through the profession with stops including an internship with the Memphis Grizzlies to coaching roles at Arkansas Tech, the University of Charleston, Fairmont State, Delta State, and the University of Central Missouri before taking over at Wheeling. In this episode we discuss how young coaches can find their voice and purpose while working on experienced staffs, what the very first responsibilities were once he accepted the head coaching role at Wheeling, and some key habits every young coach should build early to set themselves up for long-term success.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Mike Rejniak, the GM and Head Coach of the “WE ARE D3” Team in the TBT. Mike’s journey through the Collegiate ranks includes various roles at Springfield College, College of New Jersey, Plymouth State, Amherst College, and Vassar College. He later stepped into head coaching at SUNY New Paltz and now leads WE ARE D3, showcasing Division III talent on the larger stage. In this episode we discuss what he implemented to help his teams’ academic success spike, how building and preparing a TBT roster of D3 All-Americans and pro players differs from building a college roster, and the challenges he faced stepping into his first head coaching role.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Tristan Spurlock, assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania. Tristan began his basketball journey as a player at Virginia before finishing his career at UCF, experiences that still influence his approach to the game. He transitioned into coaching with stops at the University of Iowa and now Penn, learning within strong and established programs. In this episode we discuss the coaching styles that resonated most with him as a player, how young assistants can find their voice on a veteran staff, and the traits that make Coach Fran McCaffery such an impactful leader.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Jesse Bopp, the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Florida International University. Coach Bopp has built a wide-ranging career holding various assistant roles at Florida, VCU, Chattanooga, New Mexico State, IMG Academy and time as a head coach at Vermont Academy. Now being at FIU, these experiences have given him a unique perspective across multiple levels of the game. In this episode we discuss what advice he would give young coaches trying to break into recruiting roles, how he evaluates upside versus immediate impact when recruiting and what his early years as a head coach taught him that he couldn’t fully understand at the time.

On today’s episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re welcoming back Glenn Farello, the Head Coach at Paul VI High School. We had such a great conversation the first time around that we had to split it into two parts. In Part Two, we continue diving into Coach Farello’s experiences, insights, and lessons from building one of the most consistent programs in the country.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Glenn Farello, the Head Coach at Paul VI High School and one of the most respected high school coaches in the country. Coach Farello spent seven seasons as an assistant at Eleanor Roosevelt High School before becoming a head coach and later leading the program at Paul VI. He’s been named Coach of the Year 17 times, ranked in the national top 25 for 18 seasons, and has helped develop over 90 college players and five NBA players. In this episode we discuss how to help quieter players communicate better on the floor, creative ways to establish culture as a first-year head coach, and how he vets players to ensure they’re the right fit for his program. Please note, this episode was cut into two parts.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Alexis Gholston, athletic trainer at the University of San Diego. Alexis has worked across both the collegiate and professional levels, with previous stops at Sacramento State, Kansas, Eastern Washington, Missouri, and the Indiana Pacers. In her current role at USD, she plays a key part in helping athletes stay healthy, available, and performing at a high level throughout the season. In this episode we discuss common misconceptions coaches have about load management, how sleep, nutrition, and stress show up physically in players, and how she would structure practice lengths during the early, middle, and late parts of the season.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Colton Houston, Co-Founder of HD Intelligence. Colton spent nine years on staff at Alabama in various roles, gaining valuable experience inside a high-level program before transitioning into the analytics space. Today, he works with teams through HD Intelligence to help coaches better understand the game using data. In this episode we discuss which analytics Colton believes matter most for teams, common mistakes programs make when trying to use data, and how analytics can help coaches design more efficient practices. It’s a practical conversation with real takeaways for coaches at every level.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Jack Schoemann, Special Assistant to the Head Coach at Rice University. Jack worked his way up through roles at Cal State Bakersfield, SMU, and Rice, gaining valuable experience behind the scenes at each stop. Now at Rice, he plays an important role supporting the staff and helping keep the program running day to day. In this episode we discuss the responsibilities he handled as a GA, what the Special Assistant to the Head Coach role really looks like on a daily basis, and what young coaches should be doing now if they want to follow a similar path and rise in the ranks.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Sid Crist, the Director of Basketball Operations at Winthrop University. Sid has worked his way up through the college basketball ranks with stops at Fairmont State, the University of Charleston, West Virginia Wesleyan, the University of Pikeville, and now Winthrop. Along the way, he’s gained experience in multiple assistant and operations roles, learning what it takes to add value wherever you are. In this episode we discuss how young assistants can create more opportunities early in their careers, how building and maintaining a strong network helps you grow in this business, and the key skills that allow someone to excel in the Director of Basketball Operations role.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Luke Toth, Director of Luke Toth Basketball. Luke is the former Head of the Cleveland Cavaliers Academy program and the founder of LTB, which he built from the ground up into a youth and AAU program serving over 600 athletes. His work has focused on player development, teaching the game the right way, and building trust with families. In this episode we discuss how he grew a basketball program from zero to hundreds of athletes, the drills and games he’s found most engaging for kids during summer camps, and the feedback systems he uses to help athletes and parents clearly see progress over a camp session.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Blake Cochran, head coach at Clarendon College. Coach Cochran worked his way up through assistant roles at McMurry University, Southwestern Assemblies of God, Fort Scott Community College, and Northwestern State before earning head coaching opportunities at Fort Scott and now Clarendon. His path reflects steady growth, added responsibility, and preparation at every stop. In this episode we discuss how he earned more responsibility as a young assistant, what he did to prepare for his first head coaching role, and a defensive takeaway built around three different levels of paint touches. Please welcome to the podcast, Blake Cochran.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Patrick Gallagher, the Video Coordinator at the University of San Diego. Patrick’s journey is a great example of steady growth within one program, working his way up from student manager to staff assistant, graduate assistant, and now into his current role as the VC. He’s gained a strong understanding of the day-to-day details that keep a Division I program running smoothly. In this episode we discuss how he initially landed the student manager role at San Diego and advice for breaking in at your own school, what separated the student managers who earned more responsibility from those who stayed in the background, and how he tailors film breakdown differently for players versus coaches.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Eric Fawcett, a respected Team Strategy Consultant known for his deep work in offensive analysis and game planning. Eric currently serves as an assistant with the Edmonton Stingers while also contributing to the basketball community through Slapping Glass and his consulting work with numerous programs at the Division 1 level. His background in film study and offensive concepts has made him a trusted resource for coaches looking to better understand modern basketball strategy. In this episode we discuss how he approaches breaking down a team’s offensive identity on film, where he starts, and which patterns matter most, the play styles that are trending in today’s game, and the biggest differences between European basketball and American basketball.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Chris Kielsmeier, the current head coach of the Cleveland State women’s basketball program. Coach Kielsmeier’s path into the profession started as a student intern at Iowa State before earning his first assistant coaching role at Howard Payne. After one season as an assistant, he was promoted to head coach at Howard Payne, where he built the foundation of his coaching philosophy. He then made the jump to the Division II level at Wayne State College, continuing his growth as a head coach before taking over at Cleveland State. In this episode we discuss what he felt prepared for—and what he didn’t—when moving from DIII to DII, the first priorities he focuses on when taking over a new program, and a common mistake he sees young coaches make that he wishes they would avoid.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Norman Roberts, a coach with 37 years in the profession, a former Division 1 Head Coach and a member of the Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame. His journey began as a player at Queens before moving into coaching at Archbishop Molloy High School and assistant stops at Oral Roberts, Tulsa, Illinois, Kansas, and Florida. He served as a head coach at Queens and St. John’s, gaining valuable experience leading programs at the Division I level. In this episode we discuss his definition of a great assistant coach, how young coaches can leverage the Final Four and summer leagues to build relationships, and the biggest challenges he faced running a program and what he would do differently today.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Isaac Wodajo, the Director of Recruiting and Scouting for the Wisconsin Badgers. He began his coaching career as a GA at Texas before moving to Wabash Valley College, eventually returning there as head coach. Wodajo then stepped into the Division I world as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach at Northern Kentucky before joining Wisconsin, where he now plays a major role in roster building, scouting, and navigating the fast-changing landscape of college basketball. In this episode we discuss how he stays organized and focused despite the chaos of roster turnover and the portal, how he balances “need vs. best available talent,” and what his time as a head coach taught him in his current role.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Ryan Pool, a young coach whose path has taken him from high school to the college ranks. He started his journey training players with Driven Basketball before jumping into the AAU world with Pro Skills, then moving on to Strawberry Crest High School. He later stepped into college basketball as a manager at Miami University, gaining experience on the operations and video side before landing his current role as Video Coordinator at Arizona Christian University. In this episode we discuss a deep dive into the Video Coordinator role and everything it entails beyond just breaking down film, what a structured and effective film session actually looks like, and the biggest “learning on the job” moment when he realized how different the college level is compared to high school.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Dakich, a former Big Ten guard whose playing career at Michigan and Ohio State helped shape his path into coaching. After transitioning from the court to the sidelines, Dakich took on support staff and assistant roles at Ohio State, Elon, and now Illinois State, where he’s continued to grow within the profession and build a reputation as a young coach with a sharp basketball mind. In this episode we discuss how young players and coaches can find their voice on a team, the unique coaching tendencies he learned from Coach Beilein and Coach Holtmann, and the biggest misconceptions about being in a support-staff role—along with how he describes the position himself.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Plank, a coach whose path has taken him from grassroots basketball to the Division I level. He started in the AAU circuit before moving into college coaching with stops at Willamette, Casper College, Portland State, CCSF, Washington State, and now where he stands as an assistant coach, the University of San Francisco. At USF, Plank plays a key role in recruiting and development, especially through his strong West Coast connections. In this episode we discuss: what the AAU world taught him early in his career, the three qualities he would look for when building a staff as a head coach and how he uses his background and network to bring in the right players to USF.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Christina Bernal. Coach Bernal has built her strength and conditioning career through impactful stops at some of the top athletic programs in the country. She competed as an athlete at the University of Maryland before moving into coaching roles at Florida State, Appalachian State, Texas State, Monmouth University, and now where she stands, the University of Pennsylvania. Her experience has allowed her to work with a wide range of athletes while developing a strong and adaptable training philosophy. Christina brings insight into athlete development, team culture, and building smart systems that support long-term success. In this episode we discuss what a typical pre, post, and in-season workout looks like, the recovery process for athletes after a workout, and unique training ideas coaches can use when designing their own team programs.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Nate Dixon, a coach with 26 years of experience and one of the most well-traveled assistants in college basketball. After his playing career, he jumped right into coaching with early stops at Belmont Abbey and Queens University of Charlotte, before building a career that has taken him through programs such as Stetson, Florida, Louisiana-Monroe, New Orleans, Louisiana-Lafayette, Wyoming, UNC Charlotte, Lenoir-Rhyne, UMBC, Utah State, and Nevada. In this episode, we talk about how to decide if a school or staff is the right fit, the lessons he picked up working under great coaches, and what he’s doing now between jobs to stay sharp and be ready for that next opportunity. Please welcome to the podcast, Nate Dixon.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Katie Benzan, the current Manager of Pro Scout for the Utah Jazz and The General Manager for the Salt Lake Cities Stars. Katie was one of the most efficient shooters of the modern college game. She began her career at Harvard as a three-time All-Ivy selection before transferring to Maryland and later playing with the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. After her playing career, she moved into basketball operations and development, with stops at Buckingham Browne and Nichols School and now with the Salt Lake City Stars and Utah Jazz. In this episode, we discuss her growth as a shooter, the best feedback she has received in her career, and her current responsibilities in the GM role.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Kian Boroujerdi, Assistant Coach at Canisius University. Kian’s path into college basketball is one built on persistence, humility, and a deep love for the game. He got his start as a practice player for the University of Texas Women’s Basketball team before moving into a managerial role at UNLV, where he began learning the inner workings of a college program. From there, he gained valuable hands-on experience at Pitt Bradford and later took on the Director of Basketball Operations role at the University at Albany. Now at Canisius, Coach Boroujerdi continues to climb the ranks, bringing energy, organization, and a player-first approach to the program. His story is a great example of how dedication and relationships can create opportunities in this business. On this episode we talk about how his practice player position came about and led into his first college coaching position, what starting his career in a D3 program has taught him, a breakdown of the operations side of coaching at the D1 level, and finding your coaching voice as a young coach in the industry first getting started.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Chris Kreider, Associate Head Coach at Rice University. A Pennsylvania native, Coach Kreider’s basketball journey started as a player at Mansfield University, Grove City College, and Lebanon Valley College before jumping into the coaching world. His early career included time at the University of Great Falls, where he served as both an assistant and later head coach for the men’s and women’s programs. From there, he made stops at South Carolina Aiken, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, George Mason, VMI, Georgia State, and SMU before returning to Rice, where he continues to make a major impact. Known for his ability to connect with players, recruit high-level talent, and develop programs, Coach Kreider has built an impressive résumé across multiple conferences. His experience at both mid-major and high-major levels has given him a unique perspective on leadership and team culture. In this episode we cover advice for coaches and players navigating the transfer portal, how his first Division I coaching position came about, and the additional responsibilities that come with being an Associate Head Coach.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Jabari Trotter, the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for Dartmouth College. A Dartmouth alum, Trotter first made his mark as a standout player for the Big Green before taking his talents overseas to play professionally in Dublin, Ireland. During his time abroad, he also coached the U17 Girls Basketball team and led the Lady Haroldites of the Ireland Division 2 Women’s League. Upon returning to the U.S., he joined Phillips Exeter Academy, where he served in admissions and as an assistant coach, helping young athletes reach their academic and athletic potential. Trotter went on to hold key assistant coaching roles at Lehigh University and the University of Hawaii before returning to his alma mater at Dartmouth. Known for his leadership, energy, and commitment to player development, he continues to make a lasting impact within the Ivy League. In this episode we talk about how he grew in the ranks to land his first D1 coaching job, some duties assistant coaches can do to help their head coach on the bench in game and Coach Trotter’s approach to networking as a coach in today’s basketball landscape.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Gary Redus, Assistant Coach for the LSU Women’s Basketball team. A former standout player at the University of South Alabama, Redus went on to play professionally across China, South America, and the Middle East before transitioning into coaching. His coaching journey began at West Georgia, followed by successful stints at Delta State, Vanderbilt, and SMU before joining the powerhouse staff at LSU under Coach Kim Mulkey. Known for his energy, relationship-building, and player development skills, Redus has made a strong impact at every level of the game. His diverse background gives him a unique perspective on the global nature of basketball and the importance of adapting to each program’s culture. At LSU, he’s helped the Tigers continue their rise as one of the nation’s elite programs. In this episode we talk about recruiting to D2, low major and high major programs, a breakdown of the recruiting process for a high major team and a breakdown of what helps Coach Mulkey and the LSU program operate at such a high level.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Rob Blose, the Assistant Director of Video and Recruiting for the University of Pittsburgh. Blose has been an integral part of Pitt’s rise in the ACC, contributing to both the recruiting process and the behind-the-scenes video work that helps prepare the Panthers for success. Before joining Pitt, he built his foundation through various support and operational roles in college basketball, developing a reputation for his attention to detail and passion for the game. His work in film study, scouting, and player development has made him a key piece in helping shape team strategy and player growth. Blose has seen firsthand the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly in recruiting and roster management. His experience offers valuable insight into what it takes to thrive at the high-major level. On this episode we discuss the biggest lessons he learned growing in a high major program, the pros and cons of roster construction and NIL as well as the challenges and rewards of working with video and film breakdown.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by John Richardson, the Head Coach at Elizabeth City State University. A former player at Elizabeth City State, Richardson’s journey through basketball has come full circle, returning to lead the very program where his playing career began. His coaching path includes impactful stops at Woodside High School and T.C. Williams High School before moving into the college ranks as an assistant at Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech. Richardson later became a head coach at both Woodside High and now Elizabeth City State, where he’s known for his strong player development and culture-driven leadership. Over the years, he has built a reputation for creating disciplined, competitive programs and mentoring coaches and players alike. His experiences across high school, mid-major, and Division II levels give him a well-rounded perspective on the game. In this episode we talk about what makes an assistant coach so impactful to a program, some of the biggest differences between mid-major, high-major and D2 programs as well as mistakes he did and learned from when he was a first year head coach.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Fred Quartlebaum, a longtime and well-respected Division I assistant coach. Coach Quartlebaum’s coaching career spans over three decades, featuring stops at some of the nation’s top programs including Kansas, St. John’s, North Carolina, Iowa State, and Navy. Known for his infectious energy and ability to build relationships, he played a key role in developing winning cultures and mentoring countless student-athletes throughout his journey. At Kansas, Quartlebaum helped the Jayhawks capture multiple Big 12 titles and compete on college basketball’s biggest stages including being on staff when Kansas won the National Championship in 2022. His experience and leadership have left a lasting impact on every program he’s been a part of. A motivator, connector, and lifelong learner, Quartlebaum continues to inspire coaches across all levels of the game. In this episode we talk about his first struggles as a young coach trying to break into the industry, what he learned from his time coaching at the Naval Academy, as well as some unique things Bill Self and the Kansas staff do to prepare their teams for the season ahead.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Dwaine Osborne, Associate Head Coach at Youngstown State University. Osborne brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Penguins’ program, having spent 19 years as a head coach and 29 years of coaching, across multiple levels of college basketball. His career includes successful stops at Glenville State, University of Charleston, and Texas–Permian Basin, where he consistently built competitive, high-character programs. Known for his player development expertise and commitment to culture, Osborne has guided numerous teams to conference championships and postseason appearances. His impact goes far beyond wins and losses—he’s been instrumental in mentoring young coaches and student-athletes alike. Now at Youngstown State, he continues to bring his passion for teaching, learning, and team building to the sidelines. In this episode we talk about the biggest lessons he learned in his 19 years of head coaching experience, while also talking about what he would have done differently in today’s coaching landscape and the biggest adjustment from being a head coach to stepping into an assistant role on someone else's staff.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Marsha Frese, Assistant Coach for the Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball team. Frese has built an impressive career in coaching with stops at some of the nation’s top programs. She began her coaching journey at Ball State before moving on to Northern Illinois and then Minnesota, where she helped the Golden Gophers reach new heights. From there, she continued to make her mark with successful stints at Kansas, Illinois, and Maryland, contributing to championship-caliber teams and NCAA Tournament runs. Frese also earned the opportunity to serve as the Head Coach at UMKC, where she guided the program with her leadership and vision. Along the way, she has become known for her recruiting expertise, player development skills, and ability to build strong team cultures. Currently at Georgia Tech, Frese continues to bring energy, experience, and mentorship to the Yellow Jackets program in the highly competitive ACC. Her journey is one of perseverance, growth, and impact at every level of women’s basketball. In this episode we discuss what to look for when considering if your next position is a good fit, the toughest career transition she faced and how she dealt with it and the biggest lessons the transition from head coach to assistant taught her on top of how to be the best assistant for your head coach.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Janard Estell, the Director of Player Management and NIL at George Mason University. Estell has carved out an impressive career in college basketball, beginning his journey as a team manager before steadily working his way up through the ranks. Along the way, he gained valuable experience at multiple stops, including his time at Spring Hill College where he also suited up as a player. His ability to build relationships, connect with student-athletes, and understand the business side of basketball has allowed him to thrive in both operations and development roles. At George Mason, he plays a key part in guiding student-athletes through the ever-changing landscape of NIL while ensuring they have the resources to succeed both on and off the court. His unique career path is a testament to persistence, versatility, and a deep passion for the game. Estell’s journey highlights how non-traditional roles in basketball can lead to major opportunities in the industry. In this episode we discuss the skill sets you should look to have when working in the NIL and fundraising side of basketball, growing in the industry from a team manager to Director of Player Management in the industry and some more education on the NIL landscape in college athletics.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Dahntay Jones, assistant coach with the LA Clippers and a former NBA veteran. Jones played college basketball at Rutgers before transferring to Duke, where he helped lead the Blue Devils to a Final Four. He was selected 20th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft and went on to play 13 seasons in the league with teams including the Grizzlies, Nuggets, Pacers, Mavericks, Hawks, Cavaliers, and others. Known for his toughness and defensive mindset, he was part of the 2016 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers. After retiring, Jones transitioned into coaching and joined the Clippers’ staff under Tyronn Lue. His career has been defined by professionalism, preparation, and the ability to connect with players. In this episode we talk about his "NBA moment" which also helped out his coaching career, what a championship locker room consists of and one of the misunderstood parts of coaching at the NBA level.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Lloyd Pierce, Assistant Coach for the Indiana Pacers. Pierce brings a wealth of experience from nearly two decades in the NBA coaching ranks. He began his professional coaching journey with Santa Clara and then the Cleveland Cavaliers before joining the Golden State Warriors as a player development coach. He later spent five years with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he helped lay the foundation for their rise into one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders. Pierce then earned the head coaching position with the Atlanta Hawks, where he guided a young roster and gained valuable leadership experience. After Atlanta, he joined the Indiana Pacers staff, bringing his experience and steady presence to Rick Carlisle’s bench. Known for his player development work and ability to connect with athletes, Pierce has had a hand in shaping the careers of multiple NBA stars. His impact extends beyond the court as he has been a strong voice on issues of leadership and community engagement throughout his career. In this episode we discuss what lessons he learned from his first head coaching experience in the NBA, how going from a head coach to an assistant changed his perspective as a coach and a breakdown of game planning for that next opponent.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Ashleigh Lopez, Director of Player Development and Recruiting Operations for the Women’s Basketball program at Arizona State University. Lopez started her collegiate coaching career at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she built her foundation in player development and recruiting. She then moved on to Grand Canyon University, continuing to grow her skill set and reputation as a rising coach in Division I women’s basketball. From there, she joined Arizona State as a graduate assistant and quickly earned more responsibility, eventually rising into an assistant role. At ASU, she played a part in the program’s historic 32-win, record-breaking season, contributing to both the culture and on-court success. Her coaching path has blended experience at multiple programs with a consistent focus on developing players and holding them to high standards. Now, in her role at ASU, she oversees player development and recruiting operations while continuing to impact the program daily. On this episode we discuss how she rose from a GA role to an assistant position at the same school, being a part of a 32-win record-breaking season and what some key components were to help this, and her personal non-negotiable standard she brings into every player development workout.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Corey McCrae, Assistant Coach for Boston College Men’s Basketball. McCrae has built a strong reputation as a relentless recruiter and developer of talent, with deep ties to the grassroots basketball community. Before joining Boston College, he spent several years as an assistant coach at Delaware, where he helped elevate the program through his recruiting connections and player development. Prior to Delaware, His coaching career began in the grassroots ranks with powerhouse Dematha Catholic High School, where he coached and mentored some of the nation’s top players and gained valuable experience in building relationships with athletes and families. Known for his energy, passion, and ability to connect with players, McCrae has quickly risen through the coaching world. His unique background gives him a strong perspective on both grassroots and Division I coaching. On this episode we discuss some daily and cultural habits his staff look to instill to help grow a team, his growth and transition from the grassroots level to the college ranks and similarities coaching between the grassroots level and Division I ranks.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Marcy Lanoue, Vice President of CSA Search and Consulting. Marcy brings a wealth of experience in both athletics and leadership development, making her one of the most respected voices in the search and consulting space. She previously served in athletic administration roles at the University of San Diego, where she helped grow the athletics brand and oversaw several key areas of external relations. Her career also includes significant experience in fundraising, branding, and program building that have directly impacted the success of the institutions she has served. Now with CSA, Marcy works closely with athletic departments and universities nationwide to identify and hire coaches and administrators that align with their vision and values. Her insight into the hiring process has helped countless coaches understand what it takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. In this episode we discuss some deal breakers that may hurt a potential coaching candidate for a position, how to position yourself to be a head coach in 3 years and skill sets that coaches should be looking to add in this new landscape of basketball.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Ashley Prim, Assistant Coach for St. Joseph’s Women’s Basketball team. Ashley was a standout player at St. Joseph’s, where she had an impressive collegiate career before continuing to play professionally overseas in Puerto Rico, Bulgaria, Ireland, Mongolia and Dubai. After her playing days, she began her college coaching career at the Sacred Heart University, where she made an immediate impact developing guards and managing recruiting efforts. Prim then moved on to La Salle as an assistant coach, further strengthening her reputation for player development and program building. Her experience in multiple roles, including scouting, recruiting, and player mentorship, has shaped her coaching philosophy into one built on relationships, accountability, and competitiveness. Currently at St. Joseph’s, she continues to elevate the program and inspire young athletes through her experience and leadership. In this episode she talks on how her professional overseas playing career has shaped her as a coach, how her various roles in the coaching industry have shaped her coaching mentality and the growth of women's basketball today.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Sheila Boykin, Assistant Coach for USF Women’s Basketball. Sheila starred as a player at LSU, where she was a key contributor in the SEC before continuing her career overseas professionally. After retiring from playing, she began her coaching journey at San Diego State University and later moved into an assistant coaching role at California State University Northridge, where she developed talent and strengthened recruiting efforts. She also made a stop at Loyola University of Chicago and now at the University of South Florida. Coach Boykin has become an integral part of a successful AAC program, known for her ability to connect with players and bring out their best. Her experience as both a high-level player and coach has shaped her approach, emphasizing fundamentals, development, and building confidence. Sheila has played a key role in fostering a winning culture while preparing athletes for success on and off the court. In this episode we talk about challenges she has faced early in her coaching career, the recruiting trail as a D1 assistant coach in the AAC and a unique way to grow as a coach after each practice.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Ryan Pedon, Head Coach of Illinois State. Pedon began his career as a graduate assistant at Miami (OH) before moving into full-time roles at Kent State and Toledo. He then spent time at Illinois as Director of Basketball Operations, gaining valuable Big Ten experience. Pedon later served as an assistant at Butler, helping guide the Bulldogs to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. From there, he joined Chris Holtmann’s staff at Ohio State, where he helped recruit nationally ranked classes and compete at the highest level. In 2022, Pedon was named head coach at Illinois State, taking on the challenge of rebuilding the program. In his first three seasons, he has focused on culture, player development, and implementing an up-tempo offensive system. His leadership has sparked excitement within the program and positioned Illinois State for future success. In this episode we discuss how his early coaching struggles shaped him, how he has changed the program in three years, and the core values he instills in his team.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Nolan Wilson, Assistant Coach for TCU Women’s Basketball. Wilson began his career as a graduate assistant at Prairie View A&M while earning his MBA. He then moved to Rice University, serving as Recruiting Director and later Assistant Coach, helping the program to titles and a WNIT championship. From there, he worked with the Dallas Mavericks as a Player Development Assistant, training NBA talent and utilizing analytics. Wilson later joined Washington as Director of Analytics and Scouting before being promoted to Assistant Coach. At Washington, he contributed to top recruiting classes and key wins over ranked teams. In 2024, he brought his experience across the NBA, WNBA, and Division I levels to TCU. He’s known for expertise in scouting, analytics, and player development. In this episode we discuss his prep process before big games, ways to keep practices competitive, and what he has noticed in terms of personal growth as a young coach.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Jacey Brooks, the Head Women’s Basketball Coach of Northern Illinois University. Coach Brooks has built an impressive coaching résumé, starting as an assistant at St. Bonaventure, where she helped guide the program to multiple postseason appearances, including an NCAA Sweet 16 run. She later served as an assistant coach at Canisius College, Bowling Green, University of Buffalo before taking the helm as head coach at NIU. Before NIU she did have prior head coaching experience at State University of New York College at Cortland. Coach Brooks is known for her ability to develop players and build strong team culture, Brooks has created a reputation as a program builder and leader who emphasizes growth on and off the court. In this episode, we discuss the first 90 days stepping into a Division I head coaching role, how to instill confidence in your players as a head coach, and unique preseason team-building exercises to help strengthen team camaraderie.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Da’Sean Butler, Assistant Coach with the Boston Celtics and one of the most accomplished players to come out of West Virginia University. A 2010 All-American and the winningest player in WVU history, Butler led the Mountaineers to a Big East Championship and a Final Four appearance under Head Coach Bob Huggins. Butler was drafted by the Miami Heat and spent time learning from Erik Spoelstra and the famed Heat culture before going on to a successful professional career overseas in France, Germany, Jerusalem, Latvia, Belgium, and Israel. Following his playing days, Butler transitioned into coaching with stops at Wheeling University, College Park Skyhawks, West Virginia University and the New York Knicks before joining the Celtics staff. Known for his resilience, leadership, and ability to connect with players at every level, Butler has brought his championship experience and player development expertise to Boston’s bench. In this episode we discuss how his coaches helped him navigate a major injury in his playing career, a snippet of the Miami Heat culture book from his playing days with Erik Spoelstra, and how the Celtics staff approached keeping everyone focused the next season after winning the NBA Championship.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Desma Thomas-Bateast, Assistant Coach at Florida State University and one of the most respected voices in women’s basketball. A standout at the University of Miami, she finished her career as one of the program’s all-time greats before playing professionally overseas in Italy, Sweden, Turkey and with the Birmingham Power. After her playing career had ended, she moved to the collegiate level with stops at Dillard University, Rhode Island, New York Liberty, Florida International, St Thomas, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic, Cleveland State and Florida State. Along the way, she has helped guide teams to conference championships, NCAA Tournament runs, and player development success stories. Known for her recruiting expertise and ability to build winning cultures, coach Thomas-Bateast has become a leader both on and off the court. Her diverse experience gives her a rare perspective on what it takes to succeed in the game long-term. In this episode we discuss what she learned after her collegiate and professional playing career that helped her pursue coaching, certain patterns she has noticed in programs that succeed long term versus those that struggle, and advice for coaches and players on preparing for life beyond playing basketball.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Joe David, the highly respected Head Coach at Mount Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Coach David has built one of the premier high school basketball programs in Pennsylvania, leading his teams to numerous playoff appearances, deep postseason runs, and a reputation for discipline and excellence. His coaching journey has included developing countless players who have gone on to succeed at the collegiate level. Known for his ability to adapt and innovate, Coach David has sustained success in an ever-changing basketball landscape. Beyond the high school sidelines, he’s recently expanded his impact internationally, becoming the owner of an Italian professional basketball team. His unique blend of high school leadership and global basketball perspective makes his story one of a kind. In this episode we discuss growing and sustaining success at the high school level as a head coach, different tactics he has developed to help his teams grow after each practice and what the first two weeks looked like as the owner of an Italian professional basketball team.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Vance Catlin, Senior Vice President of Pro Scouting with the Indiana Pacers. Coach Catlin’s career in basketball spans decades, starting with the Pacers before making the transition into college with the Michigan State Women’s program. He would then take a video coordinator role back with the Pacers and working his way up the program serving in multiple scouting and front office roles while also holding a stint with the Indiana Fever. Over the years, he has built a reputation for his sharp eye for talent, his ability to identify players who fit a system, and his commitment to long-term development. Catlin has been a key part of assembling competitive rosters, evaluating both domestic and international talent, and collaborating with coaches and executives to build winning teams. His experience covers every facet of scouting, from early identification to final roster decisions, giving him rare insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. In this episode we discuss best practices for growing in an NBA program over the years, a breakdown of the process once talent is identified in an NBA organization and how to separate box score stats from knowing if a player will be good in your system.