I know what it feels like to want to coach college basketball more than anything - and have absolutely no idea what move to make next. I’ve been at the point where the path seemed almost impossible, where I didn’t have the right title, the obvious connection, or a clear road map for getting from where I was to where I wanted to be. There were times when I questioned whether I would ever get my opportunity. But I kept finding ways to get in the gym, build relationships, learn the profession, and make the next move - even when that move wasn’t obvious.

My journey eventually took me from being a student manager at Duke to coaching at the Division I level and serving as a Division I recruiting coordinator. Along the way, I learned that breaking into college basketball isn’t about discovering one secret or knowing one powerful person. It’s about understanding how the profession actually works, building genuine relationships, creating value, and being prepared when an opportunity finally comes. I created this part of Valleys to Peaks because I want to help aspiring coaches navigate that process with more direction than I had. I can’t promise you a college coaching job—but I can help you better understand the path, avoid unnecessary mistakes, expand your network, and figure out what your next move should be.