Oliver Ellison started coaching at Montgomery County Community College in PA and Gallaudet University. Coach Ellison is now the Men's Assistant Coach at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Read more about Coach Ellison below!
How did you first get into coaching? What has been the driver that has kept you in coaching?
I got an assistant position at MCCC, a JUCO in the greater Philadelphia area. What has kept me in coaching is my drive to mentor younger people and share my passion and knowledge for the game.
Who has been your biggest influence in your coaching career? Why?
Coach Nyere Miller, head coach at MCCC. He is my biggest influence because he gave me my start and has been a great mentor to me ever since.
What are new ways to impact the coaching industry?
Being open to doing things differently, like using twitter to recruit or tapping into a coaching community like Rising Coaches. Also, thinking outside the box when you are trying to connect to others.
What has been your greatest lesson learned in coaching so far?
Learning how to get 1% better every day, by leaning into the details.
What has been your most memorable win?
Winning a championship at the JUCO level.
Tell us a recent book/podcast/movie that has left you inspired as a coach.
I Came As a Shadow - John Thompson's autobiography.
Fun Fact: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.
I love to create art in my spare time. If it wasn't a basketball career, it would have been an art career.
As a member, what has been the most rewarding aspect/ favorite memory of Rising Coaches for you?
The most rewarding aspect of Rising Coaches is the zoom calls with guest speakers, being able to ask coaches questions in real time.