Beyond the Buckets | Episode #178 | Sara Giles & Ali Cooper Twin sisters Sara Giles and Ali Cooper are making their mark on the game from two unique but deeply connected lanes. Sara is the head coach of the Los Gatos High School girls varsity basketball team, known for building a competitive, character-driven program that empowers young women on and off the court. Ali brings a different whistle to the game — as a respected high school and college basketball official, she brings fairness, professionalism, and deep game knowledge to every contest she calls. Together, they offer rare dual insight into the world of hoops — one from the sidelines and the other from center court. Beyond basketball, they’re passionate leaders, role models, and advocates for growth, resilience, and representation in sports. Whether mentoring the next generation or sharing stories behind the scenes, Sara and Ali are proof that sisterhood and service can powerfully shape the game — and the lives within it. #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 #175 | Tom Granado - Former Professional Basketball now Coach Tom Granado is an assistant coach for the varsity boys' basketball team at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, California . He brings a wealth of experience from his playing days and a strong background in basketball to his coaching role.​ Granado's basketball journey began at Whittier Christian High School, where he was a standout athlete, averaging 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He earned multiple accolades, including Alpha League MVP and First Team All-CIF honors, and led his team to three consecutive league titles. He also participated in varsity tennis, volleyball, and track during his high school years .​ After high school, Granado played collegiate basketball at Hope International University, Citrus College, and Concordia University Irvine. At Concordia, he was known for his rebounding prowess, leading the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) with 10.1 rebounds per game during one season. He also achieved multiple double-doubles and maintained a field goal percentage of 64% .​ Granado's passion for basketball extends beyond playing; he is dedicated to mentoring young athletes and fostering their growth both on and off the court. His commitment to the sport and his players makes him a valuable asset to the Valley Christian basketball 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 #174 | Collin Johnson - NFL Veteran Collin Johnson is a wide receiver in the NFL who’s currently with the Chicago Bears. Standing 6’6”, he’s one of the tallest receivers in the league—and he knows how to use that frame to go up and get it. Collin grew up in San Jose, California, played his high school ball at Valley Christian, and went on to star at the University of Texas, where he became a go-to target and fan favorite for the Longhorns. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 and has also spent time with the New York Giants. Along the way, he’s dealt with injuries, but his resilience and work ethic have kept him in the league. Off the field, Collin is all about giving back, mentoring young athletes, and using his platform to make a positive impact. Football runs deep in his family—his dad, Johnnie Johnson, was an NFL player and a College Football Hall of Famer, so the game is definitely in his blood. #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 #173 | Chris Teevan - Modesto Christian Head Coach ​Chris Teevan is a distinguished figure in California high school basketball coaching. He began his coaching career at Weston Ranch High School, where he served as the head coach for several seasons. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant success, including a Sac-Joaquin Section Division III championship in 2016 and a Northern California Division II title in 2020. ​ After his tenure at Weston Ranch, Teevan joined Modesto Christian High School as the lead assistant coach. During his five seasons there, he played a pivotal role in the team's accomplishments, including their first Northern California Open Division title in 2022. ​ In April 2025, Teevan was appointed as the head coach of Modesto Christian's boys' basketball program, succeeding Brice Fantazia. His extensive experience and proven track record are expected to continue the school's tradition of excellence in basketball.​ Beyond coaching, Teevan has a background as a player. He was an all-Modesto Metro Conference player at Beyer High School in Modesto and later led the state in assists per game at Modesto Junior College, averaging 9.56 assists. He continued his playing career at Stanislaus State, majoring in social science. #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 #172 | Beyond the Buckets | Josh Lagod - Willow Glen High School Varsity Coach Josh Lagod was recently hired as the head girls basketball coach at Willow Glen High School, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for the game. Prior to joining Willow Glen, he was the longtime head coach at Branham High School, where he built a strong and competitive program. With over 15 years as an educator and coach, Lagod has dedicated his career to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. His leadership emphasizes fundamentals, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence, helping his players grow as individuals while striving for success. Lagod's deep knowledge of the game, combined with his ability to connect with student-athletes, makes him a valuable addition to the Willow Glen athletic community. He looks forward to continuing to inspire and elevate the next generation of players. #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

Phillip Thomas Jr. is a dedicated basketball coach and former player who has built a strong reputation for his leadership, player development, and passion for the game. Now serving as the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Butte College, Phillip brings a wealth of experience from coaching at multiple levels, helping athletes maximize their potential both on and off the court. Before taking the helm at Butte College, Phillip honed his coaching skills at Valley Christian High School, Oak Grove High School, and the Academy of Art University, where he played a key role in developing talent and instilling a winning culture. His ability to connect with players and elevate their game has made him a respected figure in the coaching community. In addition to his success in high school and college coaching, Phillip has been a pivotal figure in the club basketball circuit. He has worked with premier organizations such as Top Flight Elite, West Coast Elite, and Team Kidd, helping athletes refine their skills and prepare for the next level of competition. His commitment to mentorship, discipline, and teamwork continues to leave a lasting impact on the players he coaches. As he leads the Butte College women's basketball program, Phillip remains dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, growth, and competitive 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

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