Coaches

Winchester Elite Basketball has a team of dedicated trainers and coaches who are passionate about the game and development of athletes.
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DAVE
BOWERS

Director / Operations / Coach

Growing up locally and playing sports throughout high school and into college I have a great respect for what youth sports have given me. Playing sports was one of the greatest times in my life and I remember each coach I had. Some were good, some were not. I started coaching many years ago so that my son and daughter would have a great first experience and grow to love the comradery and competitiveness that sports provides. I continued coaching because I love everything about it. From seeing the smiles on faces of players, the thank yous from parents, and even more so the satisfaction of truly making a difference in an athlete’s life…this is what keeps my interest and makes me want to be/do better.

I am CPR and First Aid certified and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine. I have coached multiple sports over the years and have had the opportunity to learn and incorporate different skills, exercises, etc. from other coaches and players during this time. I help coach my son and daughter in basketball for Winchester Elite.

Contrary to the belief that coaches only teach athletic skills, we are also a group that will assist in life lessons for your child(ren) and hopefully provide some memorable life experiences. Our responsibility as a coaching staff is not only to develop the fundamental skills of each player on our team but also help your child(ren) build character and show respect to the game and all persons they interact with. It is our job to promote excellent performance of each of our players and to help each realize their full potential.

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BARRY
TURNMEYER

Director / IT / Coach

“I can accept FAILURE because everyone fails at something. What I can’t accept is NOT TRYING.” – Michael Jordan

I am a father of 2 little athletes of my own, one in basketball, softball and volleyball and one in competitive USA gymnastics. I feel like a coach for life and love being able to help them with their sports. I grew up playing basketball from Junior High, through High School and recreational through college. I’ve always had a love for the game and now I get to enjoy the other side of it. I’ve been coaching with Winchester Elite since 2018, but have coached in Frederick County and Shenandoah County since 2010. While coaching girls’ basketball, I also coach youth Little League Softball in the Spring as well.

My coaching style is fun for the girls at this age. I coach them to love the sport, while winning a few games and tournaments along the way. The ultimate goal for all of my girls is to enjoy what you do, without enjoying what you do, it will feel more like a burden rather than a sport. Explaining to the girls that enjoying what you do and becoming good at it requires hard work and not being afraid of failure.

“If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail” – Kobe Bryant

A message for all of my girls: “Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become, the coaches like myself who have pushed you, and the hours of practice you’ve put in, is a little girl who fell in LOVE with the game and never looked back. Play for that little girl”

OUR COACHES

Our coaches and trainers have a proven track record of success in teaching and training players.
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COACHWAYNE ALSBERRY

“It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That is how winning is done.” -Rocky Balboa

I live my life by this quote. There are so many life lessons that we can get from basketball, or any sport, which is one of the things I love about this sport.  It all comes down to how bad you want it!

I’ve been fortunate enough to compete at several levels, NAIA, NCAA, and NCCAA.  I’ve learned many lessons, both for sports and for life. I’ve also learned, from playing on those different levels, different styles of play and different styles of coaching and I want nothing more than to spread the knowledge I was gifted and have gained.  Basketball afforded me the opportunity to experience several  places for school such as Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri.

My love for this game is huge and I want to help every student athlete, whether it is on the court or off. My goal, at the end of the day is to give kids opportunities that I had, and even more, to provide them with the opportunities I did not have, as well as to reach their potential.

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COACHJACQUELINE "JACKIE" RYAN

“Respect every opponent, but fear none.” – Coach John Wooden

I started out as just a “mom” in the stands and now I have multiple seasons experience as an assistant coach for the girls teams. It is truly a joy to watch all the players grow as individuals and come together as a cohesive unit. The feeling you get when you see a teaching moment from practice get put into action on the court is indescribable.

I have extensive history in athletics playing multiple sports – from basketball, to track & field, cheerleading, and bowling. I was playing JV basketball in 8th grade and played on the Varsity team all 4 years of my high school career. I also played travel AAU basketball throughout high school so I understand the importance of balancing sports, education, and just being a kid! During school I was the awkward tall girl, but on the court I was the leading rebounder, conference player of the week, and team captain. Although I did not continue my basketball talents at the collegiate level, I never lost my passion for competitive sports. As an adult I competed at Nationals in Reno, Nevada for amateur PBA bowlers and I have run in various 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech and I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition. I am currently a Registered Dietitian for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. I am CPR certified and I have a certification in Health Coaching. With a background in nutrition I hope to instill the important role of healthy eating and whole health in the athletes that cross my path.

An athlete’s character is more significant than their talent – this is my coaching philosophy. My goal is to create well-rounded players on the court, as well as in the community and classroom. I strive to enhance the basketball talents of the Winchester Elite Players, while developing their leadership skills, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and work ethic.

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COACHMARIO GILL

“A lot of people say they want to be great, but they’re not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve greatness.  They have other concerns, whether important or not, and they spread themselves out.  That’s totally fine.  After all, greatness is not for everybody” – Kobe Bryant.

My basketball journey began in Portland, Oregon. Growing up within the city playing basketball wasn’t just enough, you wanted to be the best. Basketball was a family event.  My father was a high school basketball referee and we watched, talked and played basketball around the clock.  Like anything in life, my parents instilled at an early age that anything in life you associate yourself with, will require hard work, diligence and most importantly a love / appreciation for that art.  During my journey, I have been honored to accept various prestigious awards and invites but what I cherish the most were the experiences, coaches and teammates I have encountered along the way.  I didn’t realize at the time but all the knowledge I was exposed to helped me grow as a student of the game.  As a coach, I believe in pushing athletes to get better in all aspects of the game. Whether it is mentally or physically, developing the athlete is my passion.  I’m a firm believer that sports in general have many correlations to life, no matter the circumstances you must endure and separate yourself from the pack.  If you have a goal don’t allow the illusion of difficulty to discourage you from achieving it.  If you truly love what you’re attempting to accomplish, there are no obstacles you shouldn’t be willing to overcome.

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COACHJOHN RANDALL

BIO COMING SOON!

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COACHJACOB "JAKE" RUDOLPH

Being perfect isn’t about winning and losing, being perfect is being able to look your brothers(sisters) in the eyes and know that you didn’t let them down, that you did everything you could and left it all on the court/field.” Coach Gary Gaines

For as long as I can remember I have been playing or coaching basketball in the Winchester area and across the country. Growing up in the AAU scene molded me into the player I became as well as gave me some of the best memories I have in my life. I played AAU for the Winchester Eagles locally and I loved every minute of it. I played for Coach Tommy Dixon at John Handley High School, where I learned so much about the game of basketball. As I got older I realized the importance of each Coach I had on my basketball journey. I learned the values of being a good teammate and being a coachable athlete, I also learned how to be a good young man. This is what I will focus on first and foremost with my team being a good person first and then the basketball will fall into place. The values I learned from coaches led me to a College Scholarship, while my playing career in college was plagued by injury and multiple hiccups it led me to my love for Coaching!

This year was my first year as the 8th grade Basketball Coach at Frederick County Middle School. Prior to this I spent the last four years as a Varsity assistant coach at Saint Maria Goretti High School in Hagerstown Maryland where I had the opportunity to Coach various D1 and other college level players. This experience allowed me to sharpen my coaching skills and learn from one of the best Coaches in the DMV Sidney McCray. I will apply these principles to our Winchester Elite team. I will focus on the mental side of the game of basketball and make sure your child develops mental toughness as well as basketball talent. My ultimate goal is to be a Varsity Head coach and I am going to love every minute with the Elite Family.

I truly love this game and have so much respect for it. I can’t wait to help develop your child and get them to the next level!

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COACHLUCAS HUDDLESTON

Sports activities have always been an important part of my life.  As a young boy, I played in both recreation and school leagues for basketball, cross country, baseball, and golf.  I lettered as an athlete at John Handley High School and played golf at Potomac State College.

After graduating from Shepherd University with a degree in Sport and Event Management, I continued to play basketball in adult leagues in the Winchester area. I became involved in coaching and officiating in recreation leagues and in school programs.  My work in officiating has spanned from youth to college level.  I have been a certified Official for the VHSL for nine years.  

    Earning my teaching certification at Shenandoah University, I became an elementary Physical Education teacher in  Frederick County.  Currently, I am a PE teacher in Loudoun County.

    Coaching provides for me an opportunity to help young people become involved in healthy, vigorous learning.  Through sports, they learn to be positive participants as team members and to also develop leadership skills.  I enjoy watching them set goals and work toward achieving them both as individuals and as part of a group.  They can utilize the physical and personal skills they develop through sports in their educational experiences and also into their adulthood as lifelong learners.   

    The author Napolean Hill wrote about the 17 Principles for Success in life.  He said, “It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.”  This is the essence of team sports and a lesson that our participants can carry into adulthood as successful participants in our society.

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COACHJASON HAMM

The greatest Faith is born in the hour of despair.  When we can see no hope and no way out, then faith rises and brings victory – Dr. Lee Roberson

Growing up in a preacher’s home brought unique challenges and circumstances that some may never see or face.  I grew up playing basketball and was successful throughout my middle and high school years. Being only 5’7″ I feel earning a scholarship to play basketball at Liberty University on the collegiate level was quite an accomplishment.  Though “life” took me in a different direction, I truly believe that my love for the game has resonated through my 4 children. Two of my sons received that same passion for the game of basketball and I have had the privilege to watch them “grow” in the sport.  Even though I love the game of basketball, I feel that the art of “teaching” young people the proper values in life that will help them be successful is far more important.  Being able to teach those “values” through the game of basketball is a win, win scenario.  In life, not everyone “wins” every time and we need to teach young people how to respond and to bounce back after those losses.  I also know that the coaches of Winchester Elite are about the “kids” and not so much about the brand and that is a theme that I share and am privileged to help this organization.

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COACHJEFF MILLER

“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” -Robert Collier

As a player I have competed at the High School, NJCAA, and NCAA levels. During my playing career I achieved various honors including multiple MVPs, Coaches Awards, 1st Team All South, 2nd Team All-Region XX, and MD JUCO all-star selections.

As far as coaching experience, I spent 7 years with Shenandoah University as an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. I had 7 great years with Woodgrove High School in Loudoun County and now I am enjoying coaching my kids at the rec. and travel ball levels. As a coach I subscribe to the John Wooden “Pyramid of Success” ideology. Using the Wooden framework to teach my players to play with great industriousness and enthusiasm will lead our teams to a level of competitive greatness that will allow them to thrive in the game of basketball and in life.

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COACHTHURMOND "DEWAYNE" REID

BIO COMING SOON!

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COACHJOHN WHETZEL

BIO COMING SOON!

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COACHWILL ALSWORTH

BIO COMING SOON!

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COACHMADDIE SMALLWOOD

As a player I have competed at the high school level. During my playing career, I was a 4 year starter at the varsity level and led the area in assists multiple years. I was able to play on a team that went to the VHSL Class 2 State Final Four and was a part of one of the all time winningest teams at Strasburg HS. I was a part of the first team to win a girls basketball Regional Championship at Strasburg HS in over 40 years.

I’ve worked youth basketball camps and helped to coach Parks and Rec volleyball throughout my high school career. I am very passionate about the game of basketball and want to give back to young players and help mold them into great basketball players. I’m hard working and love the game of basketball and want to see my players enjoy the game while learning the fundamentals needed to become better.

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COACHFUTURE COACH

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COACHRICHARD BURKE

I am a father of a family who believes that “basketball is life!” My children and myself are very passionate about the game of basketball and it has been a central piece of my life for a very long time. I started playing basketball during my middle school years and I fell in love with the game. I played throughout my high school years and began coaching when my oldest son began playing. Over the years, I have coached many of my children’s teams and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I believe in teaching fundamentals and creating an environment where players feel supported on and off the court. I want my players to learn and improve their skills while enjoying the game and learning how to be a great teammate to others. I work with each player to identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as to recognize their role on the court. I want my players to live by the following motto: “It is not about being better than someone else, it is about being better than you were the day before.”

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COACHYOU COULD BE NEXT

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