Tom Oliveri, Head Coach of the York University Lions men’s basketball team, has had a profound impact on the sport of basketball in Ontario. As early as 10 years old, Oliveri recognized that there was something special about building athletes on and off the court, and he has pursued excellence in coaching ever since.
Oliveri began his formal introduction to coach education at York University where he attained a master’s degree in both kinesiology and coaching. He is now a National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Level 4 basketball coach, Master Learning Facilitator, Master Evaluator, and Chartered Professional Coach for basketball.
“It is paramount that young coaches embrace their individual coaching education and pursue the highest possible certification,” explains Oliveri. “This process onto itself will help them grow as both coaches and people.”
To this day, Oliveri continues to embrace his love for teaching and his love for the sport of basketball as the head coach (Ontario Central Region) for Canada Basketball’s Centre for Performance, as the head coach of basketball development for the York South Silver Knights basketball club, and as a certified teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, all on top of his coaching position at York University.
Looking back on what has already been an illustrious career, Oliveri’s greatest memories come from the opportunities he has had to develop athletes in Ontario at the provincial level: “I have very fond memories of many trips to Nationals as an assistant coach, and back-to-back National championships with Team Ontario [in 2002 and 2003].”
Oliveri’s advice to coaches illustrates the lessons learned by a coach who progressed rapidly through the ranks: “Make wherever you are coaching your most important coaching job. Try not to be caught up on the next team or the next job. Embrace your current coaching position as if it were your last. This approach will ensure you are genuine and trustworthy as you move up the proverbial coaching ladder.”
As a Master Learning Facilitator for the NCCP, Oliveri has the opportunity to impart his wealth of knowledge on to aspiring coaches and other NCCP Learning Facilitators. Recognizing the importance of mentorship and leadership in the NCCP, Oliveri cites John Wooden and Hubie Brown as coaches he looked up to throughout his development.
John Wooden’s impact on Oliveri’s career is evident by his favourite coaching quote:
“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” – John Wooden
