About Us
Transforming Lives Through the Power of Play
At our core, we believe that sports are more than just games—they are a cornerstone for personal growth and community building. Sports teach kids invaluable lessons about themselves, others, and the world around them. They’re a platform for building life skills, fostering resilience, and instilling values that last a lifetime.
Our mission is to unlock every child’s potential by creating an environment where they can grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. We know that the skills and confidence developed through sports extend far beyond the field. When children step onto the court or field, they’re not just learning to play—they’re learning how to lead, how to collaborate, and how to overcome challenges with grit and determination.
Meet The Team
Meet Coach Terrence
Coach Terrence played 4 years of varsity basketball and was his school’s all-time scorer in high school. Played for Azusa Pacific helping them to #6 in the nation during 2019-2020 season.
Since college, he has coached for AAU programs (AZ premier) including 4th grade to 8th grade. He started personal training in college and have a passion for it. He loves working with middle school kids because they are at a pivotal point of learning the game of basketball.
Coach Terrence specializes in form shooting, ball handling drills, footwork, defense and basketball IQ. The goal is to build muscle memory in all these areas so when it comes to the gain, he can focus on competing.
Meet Brandon Smith
Playing Experience: With a rich playing history spanning collegiate and professional basketball, I bring firsthand knowledge and expertise to the court:
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University of Toledo – 1 year
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Cuyahoga Community College – 1 year
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Lake Erie College – 2 years
Professional Career Highlights:
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2 years in Spain (LEB Silver League)
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1 year in Bosnia (1st League)
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1 year in Montenegro (1st League)
Coaching Experience: With over a decade of experience as a Strength & Conditioning Coach, I specialize in basketball performance and injury prevention. My coaching career is built on the foundation of helping athletes reach their full potential by combining physical skill-building with mental preparation.
Coaching Philosophy: I believe basketball is about more than just mastering the game; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and joy. My philosophy focuses on:
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Encouraging players to trust their abilities and grow their confidence.
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Teaching mental resilience, including in-game decision-making and off-court preparation.
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Ensuring players find enjoyment in the process while pushing their limits.
Coaching Goals: Every training session is designed to elevate performance while fostering a deeper understanding of the game. My key goals include:
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Developing players’ basketball skills and improving their on-court performance.
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Teaching the importance of mindset and mental preparation for success on and off the court.
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Using film study to deepen game understanding and strategic preparation for opponents.
With a unique blend of competitive playing experience and over 10 years of coaching expertise, I am dedicated to providing a holistic approach to training. My focus is on creating an environment where athletes can grow physically, mentally, and emotionally, preparing them for success on the court and in life.
Player Development Coach (Basketball)
Meet Kaveah Rad
Coach Kraveah played professional soccer from 2018-2024 for: Sporting KC (2018-2022), Hartford Athletic (2023), and Portland Timbers (2024). He has also coached youth since 2022, including coaching club soccer.
As the Soccer Player Development Coach, he focuses on honing the technical and tactical skills that are essential for success on the field. Through training sessions, he works on improving core soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control, helping players become more confident and precise in their play.
Tactical development is also a key focus, teaching players how to read the game, make smarter decisions, and position themselves effectively during both offensive and defensive situations. By emphasizing footwork, agility, and movement off the ball, Coach Kaveah ensures players have the tools they need to execute under pressure and adapt to different game scenarios. With a structured, skill-driven approach, he aims to elevate each athlete’s individual performance and tactical awareness, preparing them to compete at higher levels of play.
Player Development Coach (Soccer)
Meet Kiyoshi Fish, M.S., Psych.
Coach Fish is our Team Director and holds a master’s degree in psychology. He is also a certified coach through USA Basketball and has received numerous trainings in child psychology and mental performance coaching.
Coach Fish brings a unique perspective to his role as the Program Director of the AZ Sunrays, drawing upon his extensive experience as a child and family therapist. With a profound understanding of human behavior and development, Coach Fish seamlessly integrates his professional skills into coaching, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for young athletes. He prioritizes not only the athletic development of his players but also their emotional well-being and personal growth. His coaching style is characterized by empathy, patience, and a deep commitment to the overall development of each team member.
Coach Fish has approximately 15 years in the Recruiting/Scouting industry. Coach Fish’s expertise stems from training under some of the industry’s top scouts, where he honed his skills in evaluating talent and identifying potential. His commitment to continued learning ensures that he stays at the forefront of the ever-evolving sports landscape, enabling him to provide valuable insights to athletes and coaches alike.
Meet Shana Dawson Fish, Esq.
Team Manager/Administration
Shana is an Arizona native and alumni of Arizona State University. Go Devils!
Shana brings a unique blend of professional expertise and passion for youth development to her role. As a dedicated child welfare & family attorney, she has spent years advocating for the well-being and rights of children, making her a natural fit for guiding and supporting young athletes both on and off the court.
With a background rooted in law and a deep commitment to community service, she approaches her role with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that administrative tasks are handled efficiently and effectively.
Our Commitment to Youth Development
We’re passionate about empowering young athletes to succeed both on and off the field. By combining expert coaching, innovative training, and a supportive environment, we ensure every child feels seen, valued, and inspired. Sports offer kids the chance to test their limits, set goals, and achieve milestones they once thought were out of reach.
Through our programs, we focus on creating opportunities for all children to experience the transformative power of sports. From building trust and teamwork to navigating emotions during wins and losses, every practice and game is a chance for kids to develop critical skills that prepare them for life’s challenges.
Why We Do What We Do
We do this because we’ve seen the difference sports make in a child’s life. We’ve seen kids gain confidence as they score their first goal, develop resilience after losing a tough match, and form friendships that last a lifetime. These moments are the building blocks of a well-rounded, emotionally strong, and socially connected future.
At the heart of our organization is a vision: to use sports as a vehicle for positive change. By giving kids a safe and encouraging space to grow, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and game-changers.
Join Us on This Journey
Whether it’s on the field, in the stands, or cheering from the sidelines, we invite you to be part of our mission. Together, we can create a world where every child has the tools to thrive—because sports matter, and so do they.
Playing sports is incredibly valuable for youth development, especially from social and emotional perspectives:
1. Social Skills: Sports naturally bring kids together, allowing them to interact, communicate, and build relationships. They learn how to work as a team, trust others, and develop strong interpersonal skills that help them connect with different people. This environment also teaches respect for peers, opponents, and coaches, building empathy and understanding.
2. Emotional Regulation: Sports create both successes and setbacks, offering young people a chance to navigate emotions in real-time. They learn to handle frustration, cope with losses, celebrate wins, and channel emotions constructively. This experience helps them develop resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure, valuable skills both on and off the field.
3. Confidence and Self-Esteem: When kids play sports, they set and achieve goals, which boosts their confidence. As they build skills and see improvement, they gain a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Even small victories can build a belief in their abilities, making them more likely to embrace challenges in other areas of life.
4. Accountability and Discipline: Being part of a team requires showing up, working hard, and being accountable to others. Learning discipline through sports translates into other areas, teaching kids the importance of commitment and consistency.
5. Coping with Stress: Physical activity itself is a stress reliever, but sports also teach kids how to manage stress in competitive or high-pressure situations. This exposure helps them understand how to cope with stress in healthy ways, making them more adaptable to life’s demands.
Overall, sports provide a powerful platform for youth to develop essential life skills that contribute to a well-rounded, resilient, and socially connected adult.