“Don’t quit- especially in a moment of failure.” 

Recently the gym at Manning Elementary is full of activity and the noise of students calling out who they are passing to and dribbling basketballs.  Many days after school it is filled with students learning and practicing basketball skills with Mr. Mike Rose. But it is also about more than basketball.

What makes Coach Rose stand out?

Professional Career

• Played overseas in Turkey, Belgium, Germany, New Zealand Canada, and Australia
• Led NBL in 3 pt % at 50 %
• Big V MVP 2016
• 3 x Big V MVP Honorable Mention
• Big V 2x All – Star 5
• Big V Top 10 All-Time Impact

Coaching Experience

• Coached U20 team to the championship game.
• Assisted in starting a basketball team for NAIA Christian School as an assistant coach for two seasons.
• Ran multiple camps internationally for 60+ kids.

An interview with Mike Rose:

1. What brought you to Westmont and the school district?

“I came to Westmont because a friend recommended it would be a great fit for me to start a new journey.  Based on the close community feel and growing aspects I was told about, I was all for giving it a try.”

2. What made you want to start a basketball program at the elementary level?

“I have been training kids and players of all ages for some years now and I thought a program here would be great for the kids. I didn’t have the chance to get training as a kid and now knowing the difference it makes starting at a young age, I wanted to bring that opportunity here. It can also help keep kids here building programs vs going to other schools to succeed.” 

3. What are some challenges? 

“The challenges so far aren’t many, just the space within the gym because we have many kids interested in the programs, so depending on the number of kids the space would be the biggest challenge thus far.” 

4. What are some great things you are seeing in the kids?

“Great things I am seeing is that the kids are enjoying and developing a real interest in basketball. I have seen some kids start off shy and barely able to dribble the ball and now they are smiling in the process of growth and dribbling so much better” 

5. Share about the “It’s on me” and what you are hoping to teach the kids?

“I.O.M. was created from the thought of going hard at whatever I was doing even when I wanted to stop. One can be given all the tools/keys to succeed but if the work is not put in there would be no growth. I’m hoping through this to teach the kids that mindset (to work hard even in those moments of discomfort and dislike) is important and for them not to quit- especially in a moment of failure.” 

Seeing the school share these stories brings me joy- this is why I do this work!

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