After a hiatus, Beyond the Buckets is back! In this special return episode, host Chris McSwain dives into what’s been happening behind the scenes, the lessons learned during the break, and what’s in store for the future of the podcast. From coaching insights to leadership development and everything in between, we’re bringing fresh perspectives to help you grow on and off the court. Tune in as we reconnect, refocus, and get back to the essence of Beyond the Buckets. Let’s get to work! 🎙️ Follow, Subscribe, and Share! #BeyondTheBuckets

Beyond the Buckets | Episode #169 | Beyond the Buckets | Sami Pompei - Saint Francis High School Sami Pompei is the head girls' basketball coach at Saint Francis High School, where she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for developing young athletes. Before taking the helm at Saint Francis, Sami led the girls' basketball program at Los Gatos High School, where she made a significant impact by fostering player growth and team success. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and building a winning culture. Sami's own playing career began at Pinewood High School under the renowned coach Doc Sheppler, where she emerged as a standout guard known for her leadership, court vision, and competitive spirit. Her high school success paved the way for a collegiate career at Sacramento State, where she gained valuable experience competing at the Division I level. With a background that spans playing and coaching at various levels, Sami is committed to using her knowledge and love for the game to inspire the next generation of athletes at Saint Francis. She strives to help her players succeed on the court and become leaders in life. #podcast #beyondthebuckets #show #basketball #coach #life #lifestyle #coaching #entrepreneur #business #ceo #lifecoach #mentalperformance #YouTube http://ow.ly/3kdI30qOSc6 #Apple http://ow.ly/cAeV30qOSc8 #Spotify http://ow.ly/7EIe30qOSc9

Beyond the Buckets | Episode #168 | Chris Jackson - Boys Varsity Head Coach Pinewood High School Chris Jackson has recently been appointed as the head basketball coach at Pinewood High School. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game, having previously served as a long-time assistant coach at Archbishop Mitty High School under the esteemed Tim Kennedy. During his tenure at Mitty, Chris was integral in developing the program and mentoring young athletes. A former standout player himself, Chris played high school basketball at Archbishop Mitty before continuing his career at Westmont College, where he competed at the collegiate level. His journey from player to coach reflects his dedication to the sport, and he looks forward to bringing his expertise and passion to Pinewood High School. #podcast #beyondthebuckets #show #basketball #coach #life #lifestyle #coaching #entrepreneur #business #ceo #lifecoach #mentalperformance #YouTube http://ow.ly/3kdI30qOSc6 #Apple http://ow.ly/cAeV30qOSc8 #Spotify http://ow.ly/7EIe30qOSc9

Beyond the Buckets | Episode #167 | Jason Harrison - Head Coach Football Coach Gunderson High School Jason Harrison is the head football coach at Gunderson High School, where he leads with a passion that stems from his own experiences as a player. A Gunderson alum, Jason's journey began on the same field where he now coaches, demonstrating his deep connection and commitment to the school. He went on to play at UCLA, where his promising football career was challenged by significant injuries. Despite these setbacks, Jason’s relentless work ethic and determination allowed him to make a remarkable comeback, inspiring both his teammates and coaches. Today, he channels that resilience into his coaching, motivating his players to overcome adversity and strive for excellence both on and off the field. Through his leadership, Jason not only develops strong athletes but also contributes to building character and resilience in the broader community. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of never giving up. #podcast #beyondthebuckets #show #basketball #coach #life #lifestyle #coaching #entrepreneur #business #ceo #lifecoach #mentalperformance #YouTube http://ow.ly/3kdI30qOSc6 #Apple http://ow.ly/cAeV30qOSc8 #Spotify http://ow.ly/7EIe30qOSc9

Beyond the Buckets | Episode #166 | Craig Ellegood - Head Coach Cupertino High School Craig Ellegood is the long-time head basketball coach at Cupertino High School, where he has built a respected and successful program over the years. Known for his passion for the game and his dedication to developing young athletes both on and off the court, Coach Ellegood has been a fixture in the local basketball community. His coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and character, helping players grow as individuals while striving for excellence as a team. Under his leadership, Cupertino High has become a competitive force, consistently demonstrating strong fundamentals and a high basketball IQ. Coach Ellegood's commitment to his players extends beyond the court, fostering a culture of perseverance and integrity that resonates with his athletes long after they graduate. #podcast #beyondthebuckets #show #basketball #coach #life #lifestyle #coaching #entrepreneur #business #ceo #lifecoach #mentalperformance #YouTube http://ow.ly/3kdI30qOSc6 #Apple http://ow.ly/cAeV30qOSc8 #Spotify http://ow.ly/7EIe30qOSc9

Beyond the Buckets | Episode #164 | Gus Gauntlett - Head Coach KIIP Esperanza High School Gus Gauntlett is a dedicated and dynamic figure in the world of sports and education. As the head varsity boys coach, Athletic Director, and PE teacher at KIPP Esperanza High School in East Palo Alto, CA, Gus plays a pivotal role in shaping the athletic and personal development of his students. His commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for young athletes is evident in his coaching style and educational approach. Beyond his duties at KIPP Esperanza, Gus is also the host of the Get Buckets Podcast, where he delves into the intricacies of basketball, sharing stories, insights, and interviews with notable figures from the sport. His podcast has become a valuable resource for basketball enthusiasts, offering a blend of entertainment and education. Gus is the organizer of Full Court 21 Bay Area, an innovative and competitive basketball event that challenges players to excel in a unique format. This event not only showcases talent but also fosters community engagement and sportsmanship. With his multifaceted roles and unwavering dedication, Gus Gauntlett continues to make a significant impact on the lives of young athletes and the broader basketball community. His passion for the game and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to many. #podcast #beyondthebuckets #show #basketball #coach #life #lifestyle #coaching #entrepreneur #business #ceo #lifecoach #mentalperformance #YouTube http://ow.ly/3kdI30qOSc6 #Apple http://ow.ly/cAeV30qOSc8 #Spotify http://ow.ly/7EIe30qOSc9

Beyond the Buckets | Episode #162 | Jason Hardee - College of San Mateo Jason Hardee is the defensive line coach at the College of San Mateo, where he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. As a former Division I football player at West Virginia University, Jason's background in high-level collegiate athletics informs his coaching approach and technique. In addition to his football expertise, Jason has also coached college basketball, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to developing athletes across multiple sports. His athletic journey began at Serra High School in San Mateo, where he was a standout three-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. Jason's professional athletic career further underscores his deep understanding of the game and his ability to mentor and inspire young athletes. His diverse experiences as a player and coach make him a valuable asset to the College of San Mateo's football program. #podcast #beyondthebuckets #show #basketball #coach #life #lifestyle #coaching #entrepreneur #business #ceo #lifecoach #mentalperformance #YouTube http://ow.ly/3kdI30qOSc6 #Apple http://ow.ly/cAeV30qOSc8 #Spotify http://ow.ly/7EIe30qOSc9

Beyond the Buckets | Episode #161 | Alec Vucinich - Valley Christian Assistant Coach & The Guru of Film Alec Vucinich is a well-respected figure in the basketball coaching community, currently serving as the assistant boys' basketball coach at Valley Christian High School. Known for his expertise in video analysis and breakdown, Vucinich has made significant contributions to the development of young athletes and the strategic aspects of basketball coaching. Vucinich played collegiate basketball at the University of La Verne, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the game. His experience as a player has greatly informed his coaching techniques and his ability to connect with student-athletes. Beyond his role at Valley Christian, Vucinich runs the Basic Basketball website, a platform dedicated to providing in-depth video analysis and breakdowns of basketball games and techniques. Through this website, he has become one of the most renowned coaches in the area for video analysis, offering valuable insights that help players and coaches improve their understanding and performance of the game. Vucinich's dedication to the sport and his innovative approach to coaching through video analysis have earned him a strong reputation in the basketball community. His work continues to impact players and coaches, enhancing their strategic approach and overall appreciation of basketball. #podcast #beyondthebuckets #show #basketball #coach #life #lifestyle #coaching #entrepreneur #business #ceo #lifecoach #mentalperformance #YouTube http://ow.ly/3kdI30qOSc6 #Apple http://ow.ly/cAeV30qOSc8 #Spotify http://ow.ly/7EIe30qOSc9

Beyond the Buckets | Episode #160 | Asha Thomas - Sacramento State Women's Assistant Coach Asha Thomas, a standout former player from the University of California, Berkeley, has recently joined the Sacramento State women’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. Thomas had a remarkable collegiate career at Cal, where she set the school record for three-pointers made with 233, ranked fourth in career assists with 485, and finished 15th on the all-time scoring list with 1,001 points. Known for her durability and leadership, she started 130 out of 131 games during her four years with the Golden Bears. Thomas's playing career was distinguished by several accolades, including an All-Pac-12 selection and an All-Freshman team honor. She helped lead Cal to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and achieved three consecutive 20-win seasons. Notably, she excelled in her junior year, averaging 12.8 points per game and leading the Pac-12 in free throw percentage. Before joining Sacramento State, Thomas served as an assistant coach at Merritt College and contributed to her former AAU team, the California Ballaz. Her professional playing career includes stints overseas with teams in Germany and England. Thomas graduated from Cal in 2019 with a degree in media studies and is highly regarded for her ability to connect with players and contribute to team success​. #podcast #beyondthebuckets #show #basketball #coach #life #lifestyle #coaching #entrepreneur #business #ceo #lifecoach #mentalperformance #YouTube http://ow.ly/3kdI30qOSc6 #Apple http://ow.ly/cAeV30qOSc8 #Spotify http://ow.ly/7EIe30qOSc9