Meet basketball Coach Carolyn M.! A former USA Basketball, Stanford, and FIBA/WNBA player, Carolyn received various honors and awards throughout her basketball career. She was the Gatorade Central Regional Player of the Year in high school and went on be named to the All Pac-10 team in college. She plays a variety of sports aside from basketball and incorporates nutrition log analysis, menu planning and planned cross-training routines into her training programs.

Tell us about your basketball career.

I played all sports growing up and I started basketball in 6th grade. After the first practice, I knew it was going to be my favorite game and my primary passion! I have experienced both team and individual success. I appreciate team success the most and prepare athletes to perform at their best individually such that they contribute to the team at their highest potential. I played for USA Basketball in the Junior Olympics and earned a gold medal in Brazil. I played at Stanford and we won the PAC-10 while I was there. Then, I went on to play professionally in the WNBA and in international play (FIBA).

Why did you decide to become a private coach?

I really enjoy seeing improvement on and off the court. I see such potential in focused student-athletes and there is no better reward than helping them reach their goals and define their potential. I really enjoy seeing improvement and seeing young athlete’s enjoyment in the sport! I like making plans with my clients and then reaching the goals we set with those plans.

What can a client expect from private lessons with you?

Clarity, structure, and a specific outline and plan that includes basketball development, fitness, nutrition, and cross training.

What is your coaching style or philosophy?

I believe that every coach needs to be encouraging, supportive, organized, and fun! It is also important to be clear with goals in the short and long term. It is very important to listen very well and have great communication so goals can be reached.

Who is your favorite coach and why?

I have had a lot of great basketball coaches including my Stanford coaches who set the standards wonderfully high and played a big role in my development, my USA basketball coach, my WNBA coaches and FIBA coach were also very influential. I really admire Ron Rothstein who came to coach us in the WNBA (Miami Sol) after coaching in the NBA for years and he is a current coach for the Miami Heat. He has a balance between knowing the game, being very direct as well as being a great players coach. Clear expectations and a game plan make for a great coach.

Do you have any success stories from coaching an athlete?

Many indeed! I have worked with boys and girls ranging from 6th graders to varsity high school age as well as professional athletes. Many of them go on to play in college and attain all their long-term goals, which is so rewarding to see. I help athletes with cross-training, nutrition and basketball skill work.

What other sports or activities do you enjoy playing or practicing?

I love all sports! I actually teach yoga and also enjoy swimming, weight training, stairs, all cardio, volleyball, golf, football, and soccer.

What is your favorite sports movie?

My favorites are Hoop Dreams, Hoosiers, and Love and Basketball

What’s your mantra or favorite saying?

“Success is when Preparation Meets Opportunity” and

“Power without Focus is Just Wasted Energy”.

Do you have any surprising talents?

I am a certified scuba diver and used to do English style horseback riding (show hunter), which requires intense training and planning.