Book Lessons with Coach Josiah

I grew up around sports and quickly learned that athletics can teach lessons far beyond wins and losses. As the youngest boy of seven siblings, competition was a daily part of life, and basketball became one of the biggest outlets for me to grow. Today, I am a double master degree student in the DeVos Sport Business Management program at UCF after earning my degree in Sport Management from California Baptist University. I also served as a Division I basketball team manager for their Men's Basketball Program, which gave me the opportunity to be around daily practices and spend time in the weight room environment, learning how high-level programs operate behind the scenes. I believe sports are one of the best tools for building character, leadership, and lifelong relationships.

Many players practice hard. The difference is practicing with purpose. I help athletes understand not just what to do, but why they are doing it. Whether it is reading defenders, creating space, improving footwork, becoming a more confident shooter, or understanding game situations, I focus on helping athletes think the game at a higher level. My goal is to help players become more complete basketball players who can adapt, make better decisions, and play with confidence in any situation.

Do not expect long lines, wasted reps, or mindless drills. My sessions are active, competitive, and game-focused. We start by identifying a specific area of improvement, then work through drills that build that skill step by step. As the workout progresses, I add pressure, decision-making, and competition to make sure the skill transfers to real games. Athletes can expect constant feedback, high energy, and an environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. Every session is designed to challenge players while making the game enjoyable.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management with a concentration in Kinesiology from California Baptist University (CBU), graduating magna cum laude. While attending CBU I was blessed with the opportunity to be a team manager for their Division I Men's Basketball Team. I am currently pursuing a double master's degree through UCF's nationally recognized DeVos Sport Business Management program. Over the years, I have worked basketball camps, mentored young athletes, supported athletic events, and gained experience across multiple areas of the sports industry. These opportunities have allowed me to work with athletes from a wide range of ages, skill levels, and backgrounds while developing a strong understanding of both athlete development and sports leadership.

The best coach I ever had was my high school coach, he wasn’t necessarily the loudest, toughest, or most successful. He was the coach who knew when to challenge me and when to encourage me. He expected excellence, held everyone accountable, and never allowed excuses, yet he genuinely cared about his players beyond the game. Looking back, the biggest lessons I learned from him were not about basketball. They were about responsibility, consistency, and how to handle adversity. Those lessons continue to influence the way I work with athletes today.

First, I care about people before performance. I want athletes to leave a session feeling more confident than when they arrived. Second, I understand that every athlete develops differently. Some need encouragement, some need accountability, and most need a combination of both. Finally, parents should know that I value communication, professionalism, and creating a positive experience for everyone involved. My goal is not simply to produce better players. It is to help develop young people who can carry the lessons learned through sports into school, relationships, careers, and life.