JR. NBA COACH OF THE YEAR
The Jr. NBA Coach of the Year program will celebrate and honor a community coach of the year. This initiative will recognize community coaches across the youth basketball landscape who are committed to teaching the game we love at the grassroots level (14 and under). The Denver Nuggets basketball Academy coach of the year winner will receive Nuggets swag, tickets to a select Nuggets home game, and will be entered into the NBA national coach of the year selection process.
NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League teams have the opportunity to award one local winner to be named their team’s Coach of the Year(s). The pool of local winners will be entered into the national selection process and narrowed down to five (5) finalists and ultimately one (1) national Jr. NBA Coach of the Year winner for each category.
Nominate a coach today!
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!
The Denver Nuggets selected Local Winner will receive the following from the Jr NBA:
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!
The Denver Nuggets selected Local Winner will receive the following from the Jr NBA:
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