2025 Denver Nuggets Youth Basketball Community Coach of the Year

Isheia Williams – YMCA of Metro Denver

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from Harper College. Growing up in a disadvantaged community provided limited opportunities for recreational activities unless one could afford them. Without the support of a community park instructor, I would not have had the opportunity to engage in basketball, track, floor hockey, or gymnastics. Having received assistance from a leader, repaying that favor as an adult was inherent to my nature. I relocated to Colorado 6 years ago and obtained my degree from MSU Denver. I started coaching in Colorado with the assist younger children in grasping the fundamentals of basketball. My philosophy on and off court encompasses Discipline, Effort, Teamwork, and Adaptability. I believe that possessing these essential foundational skills will enhance any athlete's comprehension of the game. I have developed a curriculum that cultivates confidence and discipline in athletes both on and off the court. When you establish a good, supportive environment in which players feel empowered enhances their performance. I prioritize education first because our community need strong leaders who foster a culture of role models.

2025 Denver Nuggets Youth Basketball Scholastic Coach of the Year

Jalen Snow – Edna & John Mosley P-8

My name is Jalen Snow, and I have been a youth basketball coach for over seven years. Growing up in the Lowry neighborhood of Denver, I developed a passion for coaching while attending George Washington High School. Outside of coaching, I enjoy staying active through activities like hiking, snowboarding, and, of course, playing basketball. After high school, I began volunteering with adults who have developmental disabilities, which led me to work with Special Olympics athletes. In 2018, I transitioned to coaching K-5 students with Autism at Edna and John W. Mosley P-8, where I coach both boys' and girls' basketball teams and lead the Unified Athletics program, supporting students in our Autism Program.

Kalhie Quinones

2024 Nuggets Academy JR NBA Coach of the Year!

Kalhie is a Colorado native, born and raised in Loveland. She graduated from Thompson Valley High and landed a full ride scholarship to Otero Jr. College where she played basketball for Tim Moser. Once finished at Otero, she transferred to Utah State University playing for Raegan Peebly. She ended up at the University of Alaska Anchorage where they finished the season with a record of 30-5, winning the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and the Alaskan Shootout. Kalhie started every season she played in her college career and was a fierce defender and was always hungry for competition, growth, and teamwork. She now serves the youth of Colorado by coaching and instilling positive habits that will help them grow as athletes and people.

2023 Scholastic Coach of the Year

Thomas Jackson

Thomas coaches 7th grade boys and girls teams at McAuliffe International Middle School within Denver Public Schools. He is a father of two, native of Denver, and DPS graduate as well. He has coached for over 17 years, 7 of which at McAuliffe. His on-court philosophy is “Practice Makes Improvement, no one is perfect but there is always room for improvement. You’re not going to make every play and every shot 100% of the time but you have the power to always improve in every aspect if you work hard and try even harder.” He holds all students to high standards and conducts weekly progress reports and missing assignment reports before tryouts as well as during the season. This reminds them that they are students before athletes. Thomas is a special coach, role model, and Denver native. His school, team, and community are lucky to have him, and the Denver Nuggets Basketball Academy is extremely excited to honor him as the 2023 Scholastic Coach of the Year.

2023 Community Coach of the Year

Athena Lopez

Athena has coached for 12 years, and this season coached the “HERicanes” 11–12-year-old girls basketball team for Ashland Recreation Center. She is a Colorado native and mother of four. Her on-court philosophy is “your games and practices are a reflection of your dedication to the game. It will show in organization and execution of your program and its mission. I also believe that when we attain knowledge, it is so we can apply it and give it to others and that is why I coach!” She not only serves her community on the court but off as well as a mentor and youth paster for teens in her church. She does outreach on the holidays and back to school drives for needy families. She is a dedicated member of the community who serves her community relentlessly. The Denver Nuggets Basketball Academy is extremely excited to honor her as the 2023 Community Coach of the Year.

On the left Kristen Madden & on the right Jasmine Adams

2022 Nuggets Academy JR NBA Coach of the Year!

With 13 years of coaching experience under her belt Kristen Madden is the 2022 Jr. NBA Coach of the Year. Kristen currently coaches the Ralston Valley girl’s 8th grade team, who recently just won the Gold Crown- 2022 Gold League Championship. In her 13 years she has inspired and encouraged young athletes through the game of basketball. The Nuggets Academy Youth Coordinator Jasmine Adams present Kristen Madden as the 2022 Nuggets Academy Jr. NBA Coach of the Year!

2021 Nuggets Academy JR NBA Coach of the Year!

With nine years of youth coaching experience, Chris Romero embodies what it takes to be and impactful mentor, leading the Colorado Hornets basketball team to success. The Nuggets Academy Director Kieon Arkwright and the Coordinator Madison Montgomery present Chris Romero as the 2021 Nuggets Academy JR NBA Coach of the Year! Learn more about our Coach of the year!