Damek Mitchell
Bellingham,WA
Summary
Student-centered higher education professional with 5+ years of experience in academic support, student engagement, mentorship, and educational planning across K–12 and collegiate environments. Proven ability to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and community partners while supporting retention, college readiness, leadership development, and student success initiatives. Experienced in outreach, onboarding, advising, and program coordination with a passion for creating inclusive, supportive environments that empower students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Men's Basketball Coach
Whatcom Community College
Bellingham, Washington
07.2025 - Current
- Lead and mentor a roster of 15–20 college student-athletes annually in academic, athletic, and personal development.
- Recruit and evaluate 150+ prospective student-athletes each year through film review, live evaluations, recruiting calls, campus visits, and relationship-building.
- Coordinate 30+ games, practices, team meetings, study halls, and player development sessions annually.
- Facilitate 5–10 weekly individual and group mentoring sessions focused on leadership, accountability, academic progress, and goal setting.
- Maintain ongoing communication with 40+ parents, families, coaches, counselors, and community stakeholders throughout the recruiting and enrollment process.
- Assist student-athletes with academic planning, campus resources, and transition-to-college support to promote retention and student success.
- Organize and oversee community outreach initiatives, youth camps, leadership activities, and engagement events serving 100+ youth participants annually.
Director of Student-Athlete Development
Team 360 Hoops
Bellingham, Washington
03.2022 - Current
- Founded and manage a youth development organization serving 40–60 student-athletes annually across elementary, middle school, and high school programs.
- Oversee annual operating budgets exceeding $50,000+, including tournament fees, gym rentals, staffing, uniforms, travel, equipment, and program operations.
- Generate and manage $50,000–$100,000+ in annual program revenue through registrations, camps, tournaments, sponsorships, training programs, and community partnerships.
- Coordinate and facilitate 10–15 annual tournaments, camps, clinics, and outreach events serving 300+ athletes and families throughout Washington State.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, communication, and mentorship efforts for student-athletes and families while promoting student engagement and long-term development.
- Supervise and collaborate with 6–10 coaches, trainers, and support staff across multiple teams and organizational programs.
Paraeducator, Special Education
Bellingham School District
Bellingham, Washington
11.2021 - 07.2025
- Supported 20+ K–12 students annually through academic assistance, behavioral support, and social-emotional development within diverse classroom environments.
- Collaborated with teachers, counselors, administrators, and families to identify barriers to student success and implement individualized support strategies.
- Guided students in developing self-advocacy, communication, organization, and time management skills to improve academic readiness and classroom engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewiston, IDSkills
- Recruitment strategy
- Player development
- Budget management
- Event coordination
- Team strategy
- Relationship building
- Outreach & Recruitment
- Goal Setting & Accountability Coaching
- Academic Advising
- Problem Solving
Accomplishments
- Top 100 AAU/ Grassroots Director in the Northwest per Silver Waves Media
Timeline
Head Men's Basketball Coach
Whatcom Community College
07.2025 - Current
Director of Student-Athlete Development
Team 360 Hoops
03.2022 - Current
Paraeducator, Special Education
Bellingham School District
11.2021 - 07.2025
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Lewis-Clark State College