Coach Eric Poole
Player. Professional. Developer. Mentor. Coach Poole has lived every level of the game he now teaches.
Coach Poole's story starts the same way most of our players' stories do: in a Maryland gym, with a ball and a lot to prove.
He grew up in Prince George's County and played his high school basketball at High Point HS, where the work ethic that would define his career took shape. From there he earned a spot at the University of Richmond and competed at the Division I level — learning what it takes to hold your own against the best players in the country every single day in practice.
After college, Coach Poole played professionally overseas. Playing the game for a living taught him a different set of lessons: how to prepare, how to adapt to different styles and cultures, and how much of a career comes down to the details nobody sees.
He brought all of it home. Coach Poole Basketball Academy exists to give DMV families access to that experience — professional-level teaching for players who are just learning to dribble, and for players chasing college scholarships.
The Journey. The Experience. The Difference.
Credentials
- High Point HS — Prince George's County, MD
- University of Richmond — Division I
- Professional Basketball — Overseas
- Youth & Travel Program Director
- Player Developer. Mentor. Coach.
The Journey
Every stop shaped how we coach today.
- 01
High Point HS
Prince George's County, MD
Built the foundation.
- 02
University of Richmond
Division I Basketball
Developed. Competed. Grew.
- 03
Professional Basketball
Overseas Experience
Learned the game at a professional level.
- 04
Coach Poole Basketball Academy
Bethesda, Maryland
Bringing experience home to develop the next generation.
Coaching Philosophy
Skill before scheme
Players who can handle, shoot, pass and defend fit into any system. We build the individual first, then teach how to use it inside a team.
Teach the why
Every drill is connected to a game situation. When a player understands why they're doing something, it transfers to Friday night.
Compete every rep
Competition is a habit. We score drills, keep standards high and hold players accountable for their effort — every single session.
Character carries
How a player responds to a bad call, a bad game or a tough coach matters more than any stat line. That's the part that lasts.
What families can expect
- —Proven track record of player development
- —Professional experience at every level of the game
- —Focus on skill, IQ, strength and character
- —Training that prepares players for what's next
- —A positive, challenging and family-oriented environment
Train with Coach Poole.
Programs for every age and every level.