Meet The Coaches & Staff:
Built to Lead, Trained to Win
At the core of the San Diego Soldiers Basketball AAU Program is a powerhouse team of coaches and staff who bring passion, discipline, and mentorship to every athlete they serve. Every member of our coaching staff is USA Basketball Certified and Trained, ensuring our athletes receive instruction grounded in nationally recognized standards of safety, skill development, and sportsmanship.These leaders aren’t just experts in the game, they’re builders of character, champions of growth, and role models on and off the court.
What Sets Our Team Apart:
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🧠 Basketball IQ Meets Life Lessons
Our coaches teach more than plays, they instill values like resilience, teamwork, and accountability. -
💪 Experience You Can Trust
From collegiate athletes to certified trainers, our staff brings years of competitive and developmental expertise. -
🏀 Player-First Philosophy
Every decision, drill, and strategy is designed to elevate our athletes, mentally, physically, and emotionally. -
🤝 Community-Driven Culture
We believe in building relationships with families, schools, and local leaders to support our players beyond the game.
Our Team.
This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture and work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.
DeAndre is a Compton, CA native, born and raised, with deep roots in the game of basketball and community leadership. He played professionally overseas for several years, bringing high-level experience to his work in the game. He currently serves as an active Board Member of the Oakland Soldiers AAU Program and is the CEO of the San Diego Soldiers. With a strong commitment to youth development, DeAndre is dedicated to creating opportunities for athletes to grow both on and off the court while continuing the legacy of the Soldiers program.
Coach Rob is a championship‑winning leader with more than seven years of coaching experience at San Diego High School, where he helped secure three CIF titles. Known for developing skilled, confident, and disciplined athletes, he has guided players competing on the MADE Hoops and Jr. EYBL circuits.
A graduate of Morse High School and Morehouse College (B.S. Computer Science), Coach Rush is the President of Restore, Uplift and Hope San Diego, a board member of the Dr. John Arrington Mentoring (JAM) Program and God’s Speed Track Club, and serves as a Deacon at Christian Life Center of San Diego.
He is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a member of NAACP and NSBE. Off the court, he is a proud father of two honor student-athletes and has been married for 23 years.
Coach Larry is a retired Navy veteran from Louisville, Kentucky, with decades of coaching experience across youth, men’s, and women’s basketball. Known for his passion for player development, he specializes in basketball skills training, strength, and agility. He currently serves as the Junior Varsity Head Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach at Bonita Vista High School.
Coach Trey graduated from Mt. Miguel High School in 1999, where he played varsity basketball and received a scholarship opportunity to Eastern Oregon University. However, he chose a different path and earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications from Jacksonville University in Florida.
He has a deep passion for basketball and a genuine love for coaching. His focus is on helping each player develop their unique talents and reach their full potential. He emphasizes accountability both on and off the court. Coach Trey's journey into coaching began when he took over his son’s youth basketball team, igniting a love for the role that has continued to grow. In addition to coaching, he competes as a player in men's adult basketball leagues in the area.
Coach Daniel K. aka Danny is a Sacramento, CA native and former Division I athlete who played at Oregon State University. A multi-sport athlete growing up, he also had a strong basketball background, which helped shape his athletic versatility, footwork, and understanding of team play.
Transitioning his high-level playing experience into basketball, Coach Daniel brings discipline, toughness, and a deep understanding of player development to the court. His background as a collegiate athlete allows him to mentor players on what it takes to compete at the next level, while focusing on skill development, basketball IQ, and overall growth.
Netzer R. has been around the game of basketball for many years and brings a strong passion for youth development to the court. As the owner and operator of a local youth basketball league and program, he has created opportunities for young athletes to learn, compete, and grow in a positive environment.
With a focus on fundamentals, teamwork, and character, Netzer is committed to helping players build confidence and develop both on and off the court.