Michael Cunningham
Greenville
Summary
Passionate Sports Leader specializing in player mentorship and strategic game analysis. Develops customized training programs while fostering strong relationships among players, coaches, and parents. Focused on enhancing team performance and supporting individual growth, instilling valuable life lessons through sports.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Coach Upward Stars - Upstate 16U
Upward Stars
Greenville
03.2026 - Current
- Developed training plans for athletes to enhance performance and skill development.
- Conducted team practices to enhance techniques and strengthen teamwork among players.
- Developed game strategies by analyzing opponents' strengths and weaknesses to maximize team performance.
- Communicated effectively with athletes and parents regarding schedules and expectations.
- Evaluated player progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions.
- Maintained positive relationships between players, coaches, parents, administrators.
- Ran drills and fitness circuits to improve athletes' coordination and skills.
- Provided feedback on player performances after each game or practice session.
- Facilitated team meetings to discuss goals, review strategy, motivate players.
- Prepared athletes for games with well-coordinated schedule of practices and individual training.
- Encouraged athletes, fellow coaches, and parents to engage in good sportsmanship with competitors.
- Assisted athletes in developing mental skills such as focus, concentration, motivation, discipline, goal setting.
- Led team through challenging situations, including player injuries and tough losses, fostering resilience and unity.
- Analyzed opponents' strengths and weaknesses in order to build effective game plans.
- Observed health and safety guidelines and protocols during practice sessions and game to help players avoid injuries.
- Served as a mentor for student-athletes on the team by providing guidance in academics, athletics, and personal development.
Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Crofton HS
Crofton
05.2024 - 03.2025
- Supported head coach during game strategy discussions and player evaluations.
- Coordinated player drills to improve fundamentals and teamwork.
- Fostered a positive team environment through effective communication and motivation.
- Instructed players on game strategies, techniques, and rules to ensure successful performance.
- Analyzed game footage using specialized software tools such as Hudl or SportsCode Elite.
- Developed training programs tailored to each player's strengths and weaknesses.
- Prepared scouting reports highlighting opponents' strengths and weaknesses prior to each game.
- Supervised video sessions of opponents' games in order to analyze their playing styles and create defensive tactics accordingly.
College Basketball Player
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater
05.2018 - 01.2019
- Preseason Big 12 All-Newcomer Team
- Appeared in 7 Games (Injury)
- Stats: 8.0pts, 1.6reb, 1.1ast
- Masters Degree in Recreational Management (Pending)
College Basketball Player
USC- Upstate
Spartanburg
05.2014 - 05.2018
- 2017-18 Preseason All A-Sun 1st Team
- Career Average: 12.3pts, 2,6reb, 2.9ast
- 1,181 Career Pts (96 Games)
- 281 Career Ast (96 Games)
- 251 Career Reb (96 Games)
- 95 Career Stl (96 Games)
- Bachelor's Degree (Communications)
High School Basketball Player
Duval High School
Lanham
08.2012 - 02.2013
- 2013 PG County All-Gazette 2nd Team
- 2013 All-Met Honorable Mention
- 2013 Stats: 18.1pts, 7.1reb, 6.6ast
- High School Diploma
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of South Carolina - Upstate
Spartanburg, SC05-2018
Some College (No Degree) - Recreational Management
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OKSkills
- Game Strategy
- Athlete Development
- Team Building
- Mentorship Guidance
- Motivational Techniques
- Player Cohesion
- Competitive Mindset
- 25 Years of Playing Experience
- Avid Listener
Certification
- USA Basketball Gold License
- NCAA Basketball Certification
Timeline
Head Coach Upward Stars - Upstate 16U
Upward Stars
03.2026 - Current
Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Crofton HS
05.2024 - 03.2025
College Basketball Player
Oklahoma State University
05.2018 - 01.2019
College Basketball Player
USC- Upstate
05.2014 - 05.2018
High School Basketball Player
Duval High School
08.2012 - 02.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of South Carolina - Upstate
Some College (No Degree) - Recreational Management
Oklahoma State University