Meet Our Improvers
What Separates Improve Athletics from their Competition?
A trainer who shapes an athlete's character, strategy, and soul is the unsung hero who stands behind every successful athlete. At Improve Athletics, we refer to them as "Improvers" rather than just "trainers." Why? Because they are committed to enhancing all aspect of an athlete's performance, pushing them beyond their comfort zones, and assuring their success both on and off the field.
Our Improvers are chosen with care based on a special mix of knowledge, experience, and ethos. Here's a quick summary of our training ethos:
Endurance: Exercising physical tenacity is only one aspect of developing stamina. We teach athletes a resilient mentality that encourages them to outlast their rivals and ensures they are just as formidable in the fourth quarter as they were in the first.
Skills & Footwork: The cornerstone of our training program is mastery over the fundamentals. Our athletes control the tempo and flow of the game with their agility, self-assuredness, and skillful movement.
The mind is an athlete's most powerful tool, hence they must be mentally tough. We help our athletes develop a mental toughness that helps them be more resilient, maintain their composure under pressure, and speak up as leaders on the floor.
Shooting Accuracy: A basket is more than just two points; it makes a claim. Our shooting routines provide a strong emphasis on precision, dependability, and flexibility, transforming our athletes into dependable scorers from any area of the floor.
Basketball intelligence: Beyond physical skill, knowing the intricacies of the game is crucial.Β
We make sure that all of our athletes are extremely knowledgeable about basketball so they can develop winning strategies, understand how the game will go, and outsmart their rivals.
Clear communication is the foundation of a successful team. In order to ensure flawless cooperation and team chemistry on the court, our training places a strong emphasis on the value of verbal and nonverbal communication.
A successful basketball coach must possess more than simply knowledge and abilities. Our Improvers are models of leadership, under-pressure decision-making skills, and physical conditioning. They combine passion and purpose to bring out the best in every athlete they train, embodying the spirit of basketball.
Come and get to know the Improvers, the lifeblood of Improve Athletics. Let's work together to mold basketball's future, one player at a time.
Meet Our Trainers (Improvers) at Improve Athletics
CEO & LEAD IMPROVER
Emmanuel McNeil: The Journey from Manhattan Courts to Texan Hearts
From the bustling courts of Lower Manhattan, New York, to the revered basketball arena of the Southwest, Emmanuel McNeil, fondly known as Coach Manny, has carved a niche for himself in the records of collegiate basketball.
Born amidst the energetic vibes of Lower Manhattan, Emmanuelβs affinity for basketball was evident early on. His athletic prowess found its true calling at the Division I University of the Southwest. As the team's captain, he led not just with words but with actions, showcasing stats that would make any athlete proud. Averaging 14.2 points, 8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, Emmanuelβs gameplay was poetry in motion. A testament to his skills was his career-best performance against New Mexico Highlands University, where he dazzled the arena with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists. But that wasnβt the only highlight. On February 7th, against the nationally 7th-ranked LSU-S, he clinched a career-high 16 rebounds, etching his name in the history books. Today, the University of the Southwest reveres Emmanuel, honoring him on their All-Time Athletes list for his rebound records, consistent double-doubles, and an enviable field goal percentage.
However, Emmanuel's journey didn't end with his university accolades. The hustle and energy of Manhattan might have given him roots, but it's in Little Elm, TX, that he found his home. Now, alongside his wife of five years, Emmanuel continues his dedication to the sport but from a different vantage point.
With a Masterβs in Health and Human Performance, and actively working towards his Doctorate in Sports Education & Administration, Coach Manny is an epitome of academic and athletic excellence. Over the past 8 years, he has passionately coached budding basketball stars aged 6-17. His coaching style is a blend of discipline, skill-building, and a strong emphasis on teamwork. For Emmanuel, basketball isn't just a sport; it's a medium to mold character, instill values, and inspire the next generation of athletes.
In Coach Manny, players find more than just a coach; they find a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of inspiration, illuminating their path towards athletic and personal greatness.
CO-FOUNDER & IMPROVER
Jasmine McNeil: From Scoring Phenom to Defensive Dynamo
In the vibrant tapestry of Improve Athletics, the narrative of Jasmine McNeil, formerly known as Jasmine Rodriguez, shines brilliantly. Often seen as the counterpart to Emmanuel McNeil, Coach Jas, as she's affectionately known, is an athletic force in her own right. Together, this dynamic duo co-founded Improve Athletics, creating a powerhouse of athletic training and mentorship.
Coach Jas's journey began amidst the competitive fervor of New York's East Side Community High School basketball scene. An exceptional shooter, her numbers spoke of her prowess: an impressive average of 23.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3 assists. These figures not only showcased her talent but also her dedication and hard work, earning her the rank of 47th in the State of New York Public High School.
Her basketball journey found its collegiate home at the University of the Southwest. Here, Jasmine underwent a metamorphosis. From being a high-scoring guard, she channeled her energy and focus into becoming a tenacious defender. Her relentless efforts on the defensive end became a beacon for her team, guiding them through many challenges and into the playoffs. But basketball wasn't the only arena where Jasmine shone. Her athletic versatility was evident as she also clinched a collegiate track and field championship ring, showcasing her skills in high jump, hurdles, and relays.
Today, Little Elm, TX, is graced by the presence of this incredible athlete and coach. Alongside her husband, Emmanuel, with whom she's shared five beautiful years, Jasmine continues to inspire the next generation. Armed with a Masterβs in Health and Human Performance, Sports Psychology, and Psychology, Coach Jas brings a multifaceted approach to training. She doesn't just focus on the physical; she delves deep into the psyche of young athletes, nurturing their mindset and fostering a spirit of resilience, dedication, and passion.
With Jasmine McNeil on board, Improve Athletics doesn't just promise improvement; it guarantees transformation. For in her, young athletes find not just a coach, but a role model, a guiding light leading them to their athletic dreams.
