Gaines’ Gain: The Justin Northwest Success Story
Joyce Ekworomadu
DIRECTOR, BASKETBALL OPERATIONS
Joyce attended Texas State University where she averaged 18.9 points a game, was Southland Conference Player of The Year, led the team to the school’s first ever Conference Championship, became the 5th player in Texas state history to record over 1500 points and 600 rebounds, became the 1st player in the Southland Conference to sign a WNBA contract and graduated with a BBA in Marketing. Post college, she played in the WNBA, Poland, Italy, the National Nigerian Basketball Team and is the 12th female of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. She has traveled to over 40 countries playing the game of basketball. As the Director of Basketball Operations and Account Manager at Ballogy, she blends her extensive experience in basketball with a deep commitment to operating and constructing player development curriculum. With a focus on strategic planning and execution, she contributes to the continuous enhancement of Ballogy’s training programs and user experience. In her role as an Account Manager, she cultivates lasting relationships with clients, ensuring their success by tailoring solutions to their unique needs. Joyce is dedicated to shaping the future of basketball through innovative technology and collaborative leadership at Ballogy.
At Justin Northwest High School, Coach Xzavier Gaines has made a significant impact on the basketball program through innovation and dedication. Coach Gains, a member of Syracuse 2003 NCAA basketball championship team, is known for his forward-thinking approach to coaching. His experience with the Ballogy app has not only transformed his coaching methods but has also provided his athletes with unparalleled opportunities for skill development.
Discovering Ballogy
Coach Gaines recalls the moment he first learned about Ballogy. “I first discovered Ballogy from the emails you guys sent us. When we set up a demo, we realized that it was something our program could really use.” This initial encounter opened the door to a new way of coaching, one that leverages technology to enhance player development and accountability.
Beneficial Features of Ballogy
When asked about the most beneficial features of Ballogy, Coach Gaines emphasizes its comprehensive utility. “All of it,” he says. “We use Ballogy as a way to remotely monitor and keep our athletes accountable for their skill development, especially with UIL rules and only being able to see your athletes for a specific period of time. It’s a great tool for athletes to still get their work in, whether there is a coach in the gym or not.”
The ability to assign workouts and track progress remotely has been crucial, particularly given the limitations imposed by UIL regulations. This feature ensures that athletes can continue their training independently while staying on course with their development plans.
A Success Story
One of the most compelling success stories from Coach Gaines’ experience with Ballogy involves an athlete entering his senior year. “We had an athlete who was about to be a senior, and we weren’t really sure how much playing time he was going to get or what he was really going to do for us this season,” explains Coach Gaines. “But once we introduced the Ballogy app to him, he really took his development seriously. He was able to get in there as much as he wanted to do workouts and took his game to the next level, earning him 2nd team all-district honors.”
Improving Coaching Efficiency and Effectiveness
For Coach Gaines, Ballogy has been a game-changer in terms of coaching efficiency and effectiveness. The platform offers a structured way to assign workouts, monitor progress, and provide feedback, all of which are crucial for maintaining high standards of training. The ability to stay connected with athletes and ensure they are engaged in meaningful practice sessions has greatly enhanced the overall coaching process.
Advice for New Coaches
To new coaches starting with Ballogy, Coach Gaines offers wise counsel. “Don’t be afraid to try something new. I know a lot of coaches are stuck in their old ways and are scared to venture out. What I say to those coaches is to embrace different ways of delivering information to your athletes, just like it is done in the classroom with technology. ‘It can’t hurt you to use it; it can only help you.’ The platform offers a way to use technology to aid your athletes and their skill development and also supplement your coaching.”
Additional Comments
Reflecting on his experience, Coach Gaines is unequivocal in his endorsement of Ballogy. “We love everything that the Ballogy app has to offer. We’ve been on board and will continue to be on board until I don’t coach anymore.”
With Coach Gaines at the helm, Justin Northwest High School’s basketball program is set for continued success, bolstered by the innovative use of Ballogy. Ballogy has not only enhanced the training experience for athletes but has also paved the way for a new era of coaching efficiency and effectiveness.