Hello athletes! My name is Troy Ostler and I’m excited to be one of your Coaches for this summer. A little bit about myself and my career. I was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where I was All-State in High School Basketball. I played two years after that at Salt Lake Community College before transferring to the University of Hawaii. After graduation I was invited to the NBA Combine, and also played in two NBA summer leagues, both with the New York Knicks. Also had workouts with the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings. Meanwhile I was starting off my pro career in Europe, a career which would last ten years. I played three years in Latvia, where I would receive dual citizenship and play for their National team. A year a piece in Germany, France, and Belgium. And my final 4 years in Italy. After moving to Las Vegas 3 years ago I was a basketball trainer at The Combine, a basketball training facility run by some ex NBA guys. I’m Currently working for CCSD and am the Head Basketball coach at Leavitt Middle School. I look forward to seeing you all this summer and helping you improve your game!
Coach Paradowski has been coaching youth and middle school sports for over 20 years all age levels in NY, NC and NV. He has taught physical education for 22 years and is also a certified basketball coach from the National Federation of High School Sports. He is currently the girls head coach at Leavitt Middle School in Las Vegas. Coach Paradowski is a “talker” who takes pride in building relationships with students, players and parents. Since 2010, Coach Paradowski has been teaching basketball using the Read and React offense developed by Coach Rick Torbett. His success comes from the hard working players that become disciplined learners.
Hi! I’m coach Haley. I teach 8th grade science at Leavitt MS and I coach the cheer program for Regal Sports Academy. I am from Las Vegas, NV. I have a background in gymnastics, dance, and cheer. I received a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science and obtained my teaching license through CCSD. I am currently getting my master’s in secondary science education. I love animals and have two cats and a bearded dragon! Some of my favorite things include the beach, reading, dancing, shopping, and coffee!
My name is Marlene, I’m from a small reservation in Northern New Mexico. A little about me in 1999 I toured in Amsterdam for basketball and in 2000 I went to Australia for basketball and volleyball. I was selected and played in the Junior Nationals in Albuquerque NM and than played in the Junior National Finals in Columbus Ohio from 1998-2000. I was recently a Pre-School Teacher for Acelero Learning from 2015-2020 and a Teacher for La Petite Academy from 2020-2022. I also Coached for NYS for 2 season’s Recreational Basketball and Elite Basketball.
I am Demarr Caballero. I am 39 years old and grew up in Long Beach, CA. I am currently a Behavioral Technician for kids with Autism. I played all sports growing up and in high school. Went on to play a little Junior College football. I love to teach kids not only sports, but about the daily tools they could or will need on life’s journey. Look forward to meeting everyone.
Darnell (Coach D) Burks Is from Little Rock Arkansas and has been a native of Las Vegas since 2012. Played 2yrs of JUCO basketball at Phillips County Community College in West Helena Arkansas. A highly decorated Army veteran with 8yrs of service, and one tour of duty in Desert Storm in 90-91. He has been coaching youth basketball for 20 plus years. Our youth is the future, and that’s why he dedicates his time through basketball with our youth. His passion is helping kids who love the game of basketball, reach their highest potential as players.
COACH/PRESIDENT
VEGAS LIGHTNING ELITE AAU
Coach Shepherd has been coaching basketball and other sports for 4 years in Las Vegas. He was born in Mesa, Arizona but has lived in Vegas since 2nd grade. He graduated from Mojave High School and in 2019 he graduated from UNR with a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Special Eduction. This is his fourth year at Leavitt Middle School. Coach Shepherd enjoys coaching and watching players grow, not only as players, but also as human beings. He looks forward to helping your children become better basketball players and growing their abilities.
Regal Sports Academy is a youth-centered community sports program aimed to engage students—especially young people ages 19 and under—and other stakeholders with services to mentor, encourage, and motivate our youth to excellence.