Basketball Star-Turned Coach; Vanessa McClendon is paving the way for girls basketball in the Pacific Northwest
MAGIC STAFF
MEET OUR NORTHWEST MAGIC COACHES
Gerald McClendon
NW MAGIC CO-OWNER/DIRECTOR OF BOYS PROGRAM
Coach Gerald Draws from his experience of playing, training, and coaching with his wife Coach Vanessa for over 20 plus years. A 20-year retired veteran of the US Army, Coach Gerald brings high energy and drill sergeant leadership skills to Northwest Magic. Responsible for quality control of the organization with Teams, Coaches, Parents, and Gym Facilities.
Coach Gerald lives in Puyallup, WA with wife Vanessa of 30 years and son, Marcus 17.
This season, Coach Gerald will oversee the Boys Program .
Keeshia Thomas
ELITE 40 HEAD COACH AND GIRLS MAGIC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
206-571-5470
Coach Darrell Wright
Recruiter, Player Development Coach, Magic Scout
Darrell Wright is from Fort Pierce FL, and graduated from Port St Lucie High School in 1999. Darrell was 3 sport star playing Football, Basketball, and Running Track. Darrell was highly recruited in Football and Basketball. Darrell was named Player of the year in his league Football and 1st team All-State. Darrell was a 4 year started in basketball making 1st Team-All league his sophomore, junior and senior year. Darrell lead his basketball team to a 30-4 record his senior year only to lose in the state finals. Darrell was nominated Player of the year in his League, 1st team All-state and a McDonalds All-American nominee in 1999 Darrell is 2nd all times in scoring, rebounding and block shots at his high school.
Darrell signed his letter of intent with the University of Louisville for football. Darrell attended Reedley Community College in California where he lead the State in QB sacks and finished runner-up as Defensive player of the year in the State of California. Darrell was named Defensive player of the year in the Conference, Darrell was name to the 1st team Jr. College Grid-Iron All-American team and California Grind-iron All-American team.
Darrell attended the University of Oregon from 2001-2003. Darrell emerged as a starter in his 1st year leading the Ducks in QB sacks. Darrell was free agent acquisition with the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. In 2004 he became the 1st pick in the NFL Europe draft by the Amsterdam Admirals leading the team in QB sacks, Also in to 2004 Darrell became a free agent with the Washington Redskins. Darrell also played for the Montreal Allouettess in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2004. In 2005 Darrell played for the Cologne Centurions in the NFL Europe League where he led the team in QB Sacks. In 2005 Darrell signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent and was later picked up as a free agent with the Hutson Texans. In 2007 Darrell finished his career playing in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the Orlando Predators.
Darrell coached at Springfield High School for 11 years starting in 2007. He coached Football for 10 years and Basketball for 7 years from Head Freshman coach, Head JV coach, and Head Assistance Varsity coach. Darrell Stop coaching High school Basketball to focus on coaching his daughters and their friends at the youth level. Darrell has been the head coach of the AAU program Lane County Hot Shots for the past 6 years where he manages 3 girl teams and 1 boys teams
This season, Coach Darrell plays a vital role as one of Magic’s recruiters, assisting with player development through film study. Additionally, Darrell is an integral member of our scouting team, responsible for researching opposing teams that Magic will face and providing valuable feedback on strategies. Darrell also leads our scouting efforts, ensuring that we are well-prepared for every game.
Coach Clarence Trent- Magic 8th Select Coach & Magic 6th Coach
Seattle U standout
Notable stats
Pulled down 16 rebounds against Chicago State (2/27) …
Collected seven points, six rebounds, and three steals against Grand Canyon (2/20) … scored nine points against Bakersfield (1/16) …
Earned 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals against Kansas City (1/4) … finished with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals against Norfolk State (12/19) … Collected seven points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocked shots at Cal State Fullerton (12/7) …
Earned 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots, and two steals at Eastern Washington (11/29) … Collected 19 points, four rebounds, and three steals against UC Riverside (11/25) …
Finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocked shots at Washington (11/10).
Kevin Strozier
COACH DIRECTOR (TRAINS COACHES TO BECOME MAGIC CERTIFIED) - HEAD COACH GIRLS RISING 14U
Kevin Strozier has been a high school girls basketball coach for over 17 years. Coach Strozier played 3 sports at Flint Central HS in Michigan. He was an active athlete in baseball, football and played varsity level basketball for 3 years. During the 3 years of varsity basketball he earned all-state honorable mention as a senior in 1979 averaging 23.5 points per game. After high school Kevin earned a full scholarship to Mott Community College where he received recognition as a two time Conference Player of the Year (1979-1981) and Junior College All-American, leading the team to their best record in school history (28-8) and averaging 23.0 points per game. Mott placed 8th in the nation and was named All-State, All Region 12, All Tourney team (national) and Kevin was awarded the Bud Opee Award for the Best Small Player in the national tournament and named to the national Juco all-star team. Kevin went on to earn a full scholarship to St. Louis University where he was started every game (1981-1982), made the All-Metro team, where he was third leading scorer and was voted team MVP.
After college Kevin started coaching at Genesee High School and at his alma mater in Flint, Michigan. Upon coming to Washington, he coached at Lincoln High School in Tacoma (2001-2007) where he won back to back Narrows league title (2005 & 2006) won Coach of the Year, won the district title in 2006, and a state participant (06) finishing the season at 25-3. Kevin has coached some of the top players in the state who have gone on to play college basketball and WNBA to include Alex Montgomery, Georgia Teach and Washington Mystic. See Alumni for other players.
In addition to Coaching for Northwest Magic, Kevin also Coaches at Pierce College in Tacoma, WA.
This season Coach Strozier will coach the 14U Rising team as well as the Blue Star 17U team.
Coach LeAsia
SKILLS TRAINER & HEAD COACH OF MINI MAGIC & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
LeAsia Jones is a multi-sport athlete from California who has a overall passion for sports and working with kids.
She participated in Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field in high school and college.
She was an NAIA Women’s Volleyball assistant and NWACC Men’s Basketball assistant coach. Was an assistant and head coach for multiple ABA Men’s semipro teams. She has years of experience training and directing basketball skills camps, clinics, group and private trainings.
Currently plays semi-professional basketball for Christian Faith and has 2 WBCBL Championships with Seattle Dynasty.
Jones attended Oroville High where she played 4 years of Varsity basketball averaging a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) and 3 blocks per game. In her High School’s own Duard Millet Basketball Tournament she received the Varsity Girl MVP award scoring a career high of 24 points. Was Westside League Champions one season going undefeated 10-0, was back to back NSCIF Section Finalist in 2001 & 2002, a All The Best-All Star Game Participant in 2003, received Character Is First (CIF) Victory With Honor Patch Award before heading to the State Tournament.
Women’s Volleyball Team (1999, 2001-2003) Westside League Most Valuable Defensive Player 1999, Most Improved 2001, Westside League Most Valuable Defensive Player 2002, All The Best All-Star Game Participant 2003.
2-Time Chico State High School Heptathlon Winner and Record Holder 2002 & 2003
Outstanding Senior Enterprise Record Female Athlete 2003 winner alongside Aaron Rogers who won the Male Athlete award.
Gatorade High School Track & Field Athlete 2003.
NSCIF High Hurdles All Time Record Holder 2003.
After graduating high school Jones signed with NCAA Div II Chico State on a basketball and Track & Field scholarship.
While at NCAA Div II Chico State her game high was 14 points 9 rebounds against Holy Names. Due to dealing with the transition from high school to college Jones became academically ineligible her freshman year. She got back on track academically taking extra courses at Butte College before her sophomore year, but tore her ACL, MCL and manicus in preseason practice. At the end of the year she transferred to Lane Community College for a fresh start and to reunite with her high school teammate Dominique King.
While at Lane Community College her game high she scored 12 of her 14 points in the second half to take the lead over Chemeketa Community College to take the win also grabbing 11 rebounds. Her team won the NWAACC Tournament in 2005-06 finishing with a 33-1 record (undefeated at home). For the tournament she finished with a total of 14pts and 12 rebounds. In track & field at NWAACC Southern Regional’s finished 2nd place in 2006 and 3rd place in 2007 in shot put, and 6th in Heptathlon in 2007.
After graduating from Lane, Jones transferred to NAIA Div II Evergreen State College, where she played Volleyball and Basketball. After finishing up her first year of Volleyball, Jones ruptured her achillies in her second week of practice and had to sit out that season. Despite another injury Jones bounced back becoming a leading blocker in Volleyball next season and in basketball she had a game high of 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and steals against Seattle University.
This season, Coach LeAsia will Coach the Mini Magic program and also is one of Magics Lead Skills Trainers.
(530 )828-3233
Coach Edwina Martin-Arnold
CO- FOUNDER/STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
Edwina Martin-Arnold’s life has been filled with a passion for youth sports. It is my firm belief that a young person’s physical, mental, and social development can be enhanced through involvement with athletics.
Edwina’s coaching career began over thirty years ago when she volunteered to coach at Rainier Beach Recreation Center. She continued coaching through the years mostly with the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO).
In 2007, Edwina co-founded Northwest Magic Basketball with Vanessa and Gerald McClendon. Her role has changed over the years depending on the needs of Magic. She has led the coaching technics, player development, accounting, and membership development. Her role today is strategic development, helping to guide the future growth of the organization as well as Head Coach for the Rising 7th Grade Team & on the Elite 40 High School Coaching Staff.
In addition, Edwina is a lawyer and currently, she is the Chief of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Tim Brown
BLUE STAR 15U; HEAD COACH & HIGH SCHOOL TRAINER
Coach Tim Brown returns for his 6th stint with the Northwest Magic coaching staff. Having all 4 of his kids always involved in basketball at some level, Coach Tim has subsequently coached at various levels while raising his four children including. High School Varsity Boys Coach, High School Varsity Girls Coach, AAU teams just to name a few. Coach Tim is currently the Head Varsity Girls coach at Bethel High School.Coach Tim brings unequaled leadership skills and experience to the athletes in the Northwest Magic Program.
Coach Tim had two daughters that play(ed) for Northwest Magic. Tianna Brown (currently Grand Canyon University) and Tiarra Brown (also played for Grand Canyon University)
Coach Tim lives in Spanaway, WA with his wife.
This season, Coach Tim will manage the Blue Star 15U team.
Coach Darrel Davis
Head Coach Rising Blue Star 5th Coach
My name is Darrell Davis and I am from Tacoma, WA. I am excited for my second season coaching with the Magic program. My goal is to spread my knowledge, skill development and passion for the game of basketball with the players.
Coach Venoy Overton- Assistant Director Boys Magic Program
Head Coach of Premier 8th & Premier 7th; Oversees Boys
University of Washington Standout
• Ranks third all-time in UW history with 177 steals & 135 games played and fifth all-time with 390 assists.
• Second Husky all-time with 100 assists in three seasons.
• Ranks third all-time in UW history with 177 steals and fifth all-time with 390 assists.
• Franklin HS product, same school as current NBA standouts Jason Terry and Aaron Brooks and current Louisville guard Peyton Siva.
• Led Seattle’s Franklin HS to the state title in 2006 with a win over Isaiah Thomas’ Curtis HS (Tacoma). Thomas scored 51 points in the game, but Overton won the title.
In addition to Assistant Director, Coach Venoy also is head coach for both the Eighth Premier and Seventh Premier top teams. Coach Venoy spearheads the implementation of the offense and defensive systems (on the boys side)that are utilized by the all Boys Magic teams. He takes on the responsibility of strategizing and developing these systems to ensure efficient and effective gameplay.
Coach Jacob- Head Coach Rising Blue Star 4th Girls
Coach Jacob is embarking on his second season with NW Magic, where he previously served as an assistant coach. Having gained valuable experience during his first season, Coach Jacob has now taken on the role of head coach for our Magic fourth rising team. Coach Jacob brings a wealth of experience working with youth in various sports, with a particular focus on softball and basketball. He not only played at the high school level but still actively participates in the game due to his unwavering passion for it. His dedication and love for the sport shine through in his coaching approach.
HERE AT NORTHWEST MAGIC WE ARE ALL FAMILY
