The 365 Elite coaching staff is comprised of present/former high school coaches, and former collegiate players. We boast some of the finest instructors available in the North Houston Area. All of our coaches spend countless hours learning proper techniques in order to help you reach your maximum potential. They all have a strong knowledge of basketball, great attitudes, and lots of experience. Our professional staff is the key to our success!

MAXIMIZE YOUR POTENTIAL 

* All Coaches go through extensive training, mandatory federal background checks, and are college graduates.

TEACHING PLAYERS TEAMWORK-COMMITMENT-RESPONSIBILITY-ACHIEVEMENT-THROUGH THE GAME OF BASKETBALL

Maxpro & 365 Elite Director of Basketball 

The Servant Leader! Bernard Smith brings over 20 years of coaching and playing experience to Maxpro Basketball. He will be an integral part of the overall player development of the program.

Bernard is a North Houston legend. Hailing from Conroe, he was a standout high school player. As a senior at Conroe High School, Bernard was named Houston Chronicle All Greater Houston Player of the Year. During high school Bernard was named All-State, All-American and one of the top 50 players in the country by numerous publications.

Bernard began his college playing days at The University of Texas. Being a Top 50 national recruit and starting 7 games as a true freshman, Bernard hoped for great success at UT. After a coaching change, he then transferred to play at the University of Houston, under Hall of Fame player, Clyde Drexler and assistants Reid Gettys and Mike Young. There he was a defensive specialist and helped run the point for the Cougars. After college he played professionally in Europe and South America. After his professional career, Bernard returned to school and graduated from the University of Houston.

Bernard's playing and coaching experience make him one of the most qualified and experienced personal development coaches in the area. For any player looking to significantly improve their game, an opportunity to train with Bernard is not one to be missed.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

High School: Conroe  

Top 50 National Recruit

Signed With The University of Texas- Transferred and Graduated From The University of Houston

McDonald's All-American Nominee

Attended Top 100 NIKE ALL-AMERICAN CAMP: All Star Game Selection and Considered As 1 of The Top 5 Guards at Camp

Played In The Big 22 All-Star Game (Big 12 & Big 10 commitments only)

Played In The Texas High School All-Star Basketball Game

Considered The Top Texas Guard and Four-Star Recruit In The Class of 1997 By Numerous Publications

Houston Chronicle Player Of The Year, Awarded To Top Player In The Greater Houston Area (1997)

1st Team All Houston Chronicle As A Junior

1st Team All-State Selection As A Junior and Senior

3rd Team All-American (1997)

District And All County MVP

District Defensive Player Of The Year 3 Consecutive Years

Four-Year Varsity Player

Leading Scorer In The History Of Conroe High School

Along With Rod Jacques and Lance Blanks Was Named 1 of 3 Best Guards And Players In The History of Conroe Independent School District (TexPreps Magazine)

Recipient Of The Hustling Horn Award (University of Texas)

Two-Year Team Co-Captain (University of Houston)

Received Dean's List Honors-3.0 GPA Student-Athlete (University of Houston)

Former Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Sacred Heart Catholic School (Playoff Qualifying Team)

7th Grade Boys Head Basketball Coach at Livingston Junior High School (First District Championship in 10 years)

Owner/Creator of MaxPro Basketball Training & Mentoring Program

Creator of Montgomery County (M.C.) Legends Select Teams

Former Director of Basketball Development at Legends Sports Complex: Established Youth & Adult Leagues, Mentoring Program, Tournaments, Camps/Clinics, Year-Round Fundamental Training

Over The Past 25 Years, Has Established And Maintained Many Relationships With NBA, College and High School Personnel

Attended, Coached and Participated in Over 75 College and High School Basketball Clinics

Mentored By Basketball Experts: Todd Parsons, John Lucas and Tom Penders

Over The Past 10 Years, Has Coached and Trained 25+ Collegiate Bound Athletes

Former Head Boys Basketball Coach - Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy High School

Director of Basketball Operations 

Coach Theresa Tran is entering her 9th year as director of basketball operations with the program.  In her position, Theresa is responsible for coordination of AAU teams and Maxpro youth league. She is precise, hardworking and extremely driven. She has valuable connections in women’s basketball at the collegiate level. 

Prior to arriving at Maxpro/365 Elite, Theresa was the Court Sport Director at Legends Sports Complex; she worked directly with the general manager and CFO. One of her most successful accomplishments at Legends was building the LBA youth basketball league; at its height, the LBA boasted 325 youth participants. 

Theresa is also the assistant varsity coach at John Cooper School located in The Woodlands. 

Career Highlights:

High School: North Mesquite

•2 X Defense Player of The Year 

•3-Year Starter 

•3 X 1st Team All-District 

•District MVP 

•Accomplished Athlete in Soccer 

•Volunteer for Special Olympics and Relay for Life. 

College: Paris Junior College/University of Arkansas, Monticello

•College Graduate

•Team Captain 

•3-Year Starter  

•Averaged Nearly a Triple-Double in Junior  College: 24 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists

"I want to pass everything I learned about this game to the next generation of female basketball players!" Coach Theresa 

Elementary Development Coach

Dillon Cline is entering his 10th year as an assistant coach with the Highlanders and 12th year as a varsity assistant overall.

He is from Iowa City, Iowa where he played on a state championship team in 2000. He then played 3 years at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Prior to this, he was a varsity assistant for 4 years at Iowa City West High School.

Dillon currently is teaching at Clear Springs High School. In his free time he enjoys playing basketball, and sailing.

Assistant Athletic Director & 365 Elite Club Coach  

Darion was a standout basketball player at Klien Collins High School where he was named First Team All-District his senior year. 

After high school, Darion had many options to play at the collegiate level and decided to continue his basketball career at Concordia University in Austin. Darion has always been known for his passion for basketball and positive attitude. 

Darion’s core values focus on being honest with his players while holding them accountable for their efforts. His philosophy centers around three core principles- commitment to excellence, selflessness, and team unity.

In addition to coaching, Darion is also growing his career in the physical therapist field. 

Career Highlights: 

High School: Klein Collins 

•2 year Starter & Letterman

•First Team All-District honors as a senior 

•Team Captain 

•Played AAU for 365 Elite 

College: Concordia University & Lamar University 

•Recruited & Played Basketball 

•Graduated with Bachelors degree in Exercise Science 

•Graduated from San Jac College Physical Therapist Assistant program 

"The closest thing I can come to the secret of success is this: a lot of little things done well." John Wooden

365 Elite Club Coach 

PLAYING EXPERIENCE

Ramapo College of New Jersey 1989-2003

4 Year Varsity Letter Winner

Member of the 1991 NCAA Div-3 Final Four Team

Most Improved Player Award-1992

Senior Tri-Captain 2002-2003 Season

HIGH SCHOOL COACHING EXPERIENCE

Head Coach- Hackensack High School Girls Basketball 2001-2011 Seasons

All Time Leader in Coaching Wins (104)

Most Winning Season in School History- 6

Ramsey High School Christmas Tournament Champions -2001

Coached the only 1st Team All County Player in School History - Jackie Marshall

Produced 3 Division 1 Players & 3 Division 2 players

Lead the State of NJ in 3 point makes and attempts 2009-10 & 2010-11

Assistant Coach - Dwight Morrow High School Boys Basketball Team - 1995-1998

NJ Group 2 State Championship Runner ups 1995-96 & 1996-97

Central Jersey Rebels/Central Jersey Sparks-16U- 2009-Present

Freshman Coach

AAU EXPERIENCE

Central Jersey Rebels/Central Jersey Sparks-16U- 2009-2013

2010 NJ State Tournament Semi Finalist 2010

15/16U Coach
Summer Achievements

2nd Place- Adidas Spring Shootout

2nd Place- Super 64 National Championships Consolation Bracket

1st Place- Primetime Spring Shootout

2nd Place- AAS Qualifier 

2nd Place- Texas Legends Tournament

1st Place- Vype Hardwood Classic

16/17U Coach
Summer Achievments

1st Place- Adidas Got Skillz

1st Place- End of Road Showcase

1st Place- Primetime Summer Hoops Tour

Senior Director of Summer Camps & Program Consultant 

Coach Knotts is a native of Galveston, Texas where he graduated from Ball High School. After high school, he entered the USAF (1967-71). He entered Alvin Jr College in spring of 1971 and was a member of the first championship basketball season in 1971-72. After leaving Alvin, he attended Stephen F. Austin, and received his B.S. and Master Degree. 

Coach Knotts retired in 2006 after 31 years of coaching high school basketball. He was the head coach at Santa Fe HS, Hitchcock HS, Dickinson HS, and George Bush HS. In 28 years as a head coach, Knottscompiled a 480-385 career mark. 

During those years, Coach Knotts produced 9 state playoff teams and is the winningest coach at Dickinson HS with 280 wins (as of 2018). Knotts has also been honored several times by his peers as district “Coach of the Year” and “Teacher of the Year” awards. In 2007 Coach Knotts Was selected to coach the Houston Area Basketball Association game. After retirement Coach Knotts became an assistant coach at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (2007-10). The Crusaders were District Champs (3 yrs) and Regional 3 Champions and 5A State Semi- Finalist in the 2008-09 season. 

Coach Knotts has had over 25 plus players continue their education and playing careers at the collegiate level. Many of his former players are now in the coaching and teaching ranks. Three are on the coaching staff at Dickinson High School. Coach Knotts has been an active member of many coaching organizations, Texas High School Coaching Association, Texas Association Basketball Coaches, and Houston Area Basketball Coaches Association. 

Coach Knotts teams have always been noticed for their hard play, command of the fundamentals, wide open offense and tough defense. His teams have lead the districts many times in offensive output and defensive stops during his 31 years. With the motto: “Play Hard... Play Smart... and Play Together”! His teams have always excelled.

Coach Knotts and his wife, Micaela, have been married for 49 years and have one son, Travis. In his free time, Coach loves to spend time with his wife and son and enjoys playing golf. 

With the help of MaxPro, Coach Knotts will continue to work with his passion of developing young people through the game of basketball. 

365 Elite/Maxpro Coach 

Coach Shawn has extensive experience coaching youth developmental and AAU leagues and camps over the years. He has several seasons served as a assistant coach for Montgomery County Legends program. Coach Shawn has a passion for coaching and teaching the game. He has also helped with AAU scouting of local talent at the high school level. Players can be assured that the tools instructed will certainly help build their skill level not just today, but in the future. He is very excited to share in this new path with such a passionate coaching staff and looking forward to helping each student athlete.

365 Elite Club Coach & Scout 

Coach Chris has years of experience in coaching youths in multiple sports. He has been a part of the MaxPro / 365 program for 7 years and on staff for 4 years, coaching and scouting for Elite teams. Coach Chris' passion and goal is to develop a culture for youths to reach their full potential as a person and as a basketball player, with a focus on fundamentals and teamwork.

I AM A COACH BECAUSE...
“I am a coach because of the kids and the passion I have for the sport itself. There is no other feeling quite like helping young athletes further develop their natural persistence, determination, discipline, dedication, resilience, work ethic, heart, leadership skills, connection with, and respect for others, not only in competition, but in life!”

365 Elite Club Coach 

Corey Hadnot is entering his 10th coaching season with 365 Elite/MaxPro. Being a native of Cleveland, Texas, he attended Cleveland High School where he was both an offensive and defensive specialist. He was awarded a full scholarship to play at Sinclair Community College, where he continued to be successful. Corey’s success at the collegiate level opened the door for an opportunity in which he was awarded a full scholarship to play for University of Texas - Permian Basin. He brings 9 years of coaching experience on the AAU level, 3 years of middle and high school coaching in Georgia and several years as an assistant with his old high school. Corey focuses on player development, defense and proper fundamentals, while pushing players to give everything they have to offer on the court. He is looking forward to using his experience and expertise to motivate and develop players within the 365 Elite program.

Career Highlights:

High School: Cleveland 

3 year varsity letterman

Averaged 21pts, 10ast

2 Years All State Honors

3 Years First Team All District

2 Years Team MVP 

East Texas Magazine Top 4A Players Recognition

College: UTPB 

2 Years All Conference (Sinclair CC)

2 Years Defensive MVP Honors (Sinclair CC)

Ranked #48 Steals (UTPB)

Ranked #29 3 point percentage (UTPB)

365 Elite Club Coach

Candace Virgadamo is a 365 Elite coach from Conroe, Texas with coaching experience from Conroe High School, Legends Sports Complex, and Texas A&M University. She attended Conroe High from 2006-2009 where she helped lead the Tigerettes to three straight playoff appearances, two district titles, and a Regional Tournament appearance. She was named to the First Team All-District, First Team All-County, Academic All-District, and Academic All-State teams, while also earning the Athlete of the Year Honor and The Mike Ogg All Montgomery County Scholar Athlete Award.

Candace played collegiately at Panola College, where she competed in both basketball and volleyball. She served as team captain of the basketball team for the 2010-2011 season where she earned Academic All-Region and NJCAA Superior Academic Achievement honors. She graduated with an Associates of Science in Mathematics and Statistics.

From Panola, Candace signed with The University of Arkansas at Monticello where she competed for both the basketball and cheerleading teams. She served as the women's basketball team captain from 2011-2013 where she was named to the GAC All-Academic Team, the Division II Athletic Director's Association Academic Award List, and the Capital One Women's Basketball National Academic All-District Team. She also helped lead the UAM Cheer team to a 2nd place finish at the Ltd. Cheer Nationals at CANAM. Candace graduated from UAM with a 4.0 GPA and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration - Concentration: Accounting.

Candace is a Certified Public Accountant.

Coach Shay’s entering her 8th season as a coach and trainer in the basketball program. She brings a lot knowledge and experience to the program.

• Elkins High School Varsity Player (1999-2002)

• First Team All-District Ft. Bend (2000-2002)

• Temple Junior College (2002-2004)

• All-Conference Honorable Mention (2002, 2004)

• University of Arkansas-Monticello (2004-2006)

• Bachelor degree in Speech Communication and Radio/TV/Film

Coach Shay is currently employed by Willowridge HIgh school as Professional Communications Teacher and Freshman Girls Basketball Coach 

Assistant Director MaxPro Academy 

 365 Elite Club Coach

Damian’s entering his 5th season as a head coach and 9th year in the basketball program.

Damian has tremendous experience in high school and AAU basketball and he's an incredibly well-rounded coach. As a former 365 Elite player, Damian takes pride in continuing the tradition of winning and developing players. He’s been a great mentor for our student-athletes. 

Damian was a 3-year starter and First Team All-District, First Team All-County performer at Caney Creek High School. Damian’s senior year, he was recognized by many media outlets as one of the top point guards in the Greater Houston area.

Throughout his career, Damian has formed strong relationships with coaches, parents and players. 

Damian spent 1 very successful season as the Jr high coach at Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy; he lead the team to a 9-2 finish. Damian is currently enrolled in college and employed by Geos Travel Safety. 

365 Elite Club & MaxPro Coach

We are excited to welcome back Coach Zach Truelove to our program. Over the years, Coach Zach has developed basketball knowledge by playing, coaching youth sports, and being around great basketball minds. He was born to coach, he comes from a bloodline of great coaches; his dad and grandfather were both coaches in the Texas public school system. 

Zach will have the opportunity to connect with players on and off the court and be a great mentor. As a former 365 Elite player, he can relate to the challenges our players face today; he just went through those relatively recently.

Coach Zach will focus on overall player development on the court and also lead our strength and conditioning program. 

Career Highlights: 

High School: Shepherd 

•4 year letterman in both football and basketball 

•Graduated 7th in senior class  

•All-District Offensive MVP honors as a senior quarterback in 2015

•All-District Second Team in basketball 

•Honorable Mention All-District Freshman & Sophomore  

•Played AAU for 365 Elite 

College: Stephen F Austin State University 

•Graduated with bachelors degree in 3 years

•Backup quarterback on football team

“Zach brings a wealth of experience and value to our program," Coach Bernard noted. "His basketball knowledge, his life experiences and his commitment to youth development alone will go far in connecting our program's past with the present.

Antoine(ANT) Gholson 

Skill Development Trainer & 365 Elite Club 

Coach found his love and passion for basketball at a young age excelling at AAU/select and attending basketball camps. He was a standout all-district performer at Klein Collins. Coach Ant enjoys the “process” of developing, motivate and enable all players to reach their full potential. 

Career Highlights: 

High School: Klein Collins High School 

•2 year letterman in basketball 

•All-District 1st Team Honors Sr 

•All-District 2nd Team Honors Jr 

College: Sam Houston State University 

•Graduated with Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and minor in Entrepreneurship 

•Proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Currently employed at Hamilton Middle School

“Good players want to be coached… Great players want to be told the truth.” Doc Rivers

365 Elite Club Coach

Joshua Burkett

A Houston native, Joshua is a basketball skills trainer, certified personal trainer, and corrective exercise specialist.  He currently coaches middle school boys at The John Cooper School in the Woodlands and volunteer assistant for the women's team at the University of St. Thomas.  For the last three years, he been a skills trainer from players ranging from middle school to professional.  Joshua played at Cleveland State (a Tennessee JUCO) during the 2012 – 2013 season.  He was a four-year letterman and earned All-State honorable mention at Dekaney High School.  Joshua received his A.A.S. in visual communication from Lone Star College, and his certification for personal training in 2016, and corrective exercise specialization in 2017 from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

365 Elite Club Coach 

3 year varsity basketball at the John Cooper School. Marie then attended UCLA where she played club basketball and tennis during her time there. Additionally, she worked as a four year team manager for UCLA women’s basketball team. Marie graduated from UCLA and plans on attending UPENN for my masters. During this gap year, she joined the training coaching staff at this facility and also worked as head JV coach and assistant varsity coach of John Cooper’s girls team.

365 Elite Club Coach

Erik Swiney is the Manager of CenterPoint Energy's Cypress Service Center and recently joined 365 Elite coaching staff.  He has a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology from SHSU, with 8year of experience coaching young ladies from ages of 8 through 15.  

He played high school basketball at Magnolia, where he was a 3-year letterman, earning 1st Team All-District 18-4A and 1st Team All-County as a senior.

Elementary Director: Specialize in Grades 1st - 6th

365 Elite Club Coach

Jalon Lathan comes with patience, positive energy and the desire to work with our elementary level players.  Jalon understands the importance of developing the foundation at the elementary level.  Jalon's philosophy regarding the game of basketball includes teaching young men and women: Work Ethic, Character and Team Work. 

Career Highlights: 

High School: Klein Collins 

•2 year Letterman

• 2X 2nd Team All-District Defensive Honors 

•National Honors Society 

•Played AAU for 365 Elite 

College: Texas State University 

•Graduated with Bachelors degree in Human Development of Family Science and Teaching  

•Current 5th Grade Math and Science Teacher at Bammel Elementary School 

365 Elite/Maxpro Coach

COLLEGE:

Caldwell University 2012-2016

4 Year Starter

2 x Conference Player of the Week

1 x New Jersey Small College Player of the Week

PROFESSIONAL:

MTSV Schwabing (Munich, Germany) 2016-17

Averaged: 14.5 Points/Game, 5.4 Rebounds/Game

C1 x Eurobasket.com Player of the Week

Baloncesto Benidorm (Benidorm, Spain) 2017-18

Averaged: 14.0 Points/Game, 3.2 Rebounds/Game

42% 3 Point Average - 1st in League

Final 4 Honorable Mention All-Tournament Team

Helped Team make First Final 4 Appearance in Club's History.

Final Four Tournament Average: 18.3 Points/Game, 2.4 Rebounds/Game, 39% of 3 Pointer

365 Elite Coach

John Christiansen is the Vice President of Corporate Communications at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and is new this year to the 365 Elite team. His previous coaching experience includes coaching 8th grade boys basketball at Koogler Middle School in Aztec, New Mexico, Magnolia Basketball Association little-league girls, and the Honey Badgers girls select AAU team in Houston. He played basketball through high school in Oklahoma City and was a walk-on at the University of Wyoming in 1991.

365 Elite Coach

Tyler Parsons was a 3 year starter at the Woodlands Christian Academy. Coach Parsons played a significant role in its two TAPPS State Championships his junior & senior seasons. Tyler also received 2nd Team TAPPS All-State honors, and was a two-time 1st Team All-District player. Tyler average 14 ppg his senior season while leading the team in free throw and 3-point shooting percentages.

Tyler is currently working on his bachelor's degree in Business Management at Sam Houston State University

Consultant & Former Club Coach 

Consultant & Former Club Coach