Dante Croft
New York,NY
Summary
Goal-oriented Program Director/ Basketball coach with disciplined approach to maximizing team success. Focused and dependable leader with 12+ year history of program building, developing strong culture. Highly supportive of academic excellence and bringing advanced planning, problem-solving and relationship-building skills.
Enthusiastic Coach highly effective at imparting successful strategies for sports, education, team collaboration and personal achievement. Patient individual willing to work with athletes of all skill levels. Consistent winning record across career history.
Capable Basketball Coach specializing in developing hardworking and disciplined teams. Focused on inspiring players to achieve new levels of skill and conditioning. Ready to bring 30 years of experience to expanding program.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director
Croft Academy
New York, NY
09.2025 - Current
- Led program development initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance.
- Analyzed program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative data to drive continuous improvement strategies.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to expand resources and support for students and families.
- Facilitated training workshops for educators on innovative teaching methodologies and best practices.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring resource allocation aligns with program goals and organizational priorities.
- Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
Assistant Program Director
Nj Scholars
Camden, NJ
03.2023 - Current
- Conducted meetings with players and college coach to discuss needs and requirements.
- Collaborated with program director to come up with schedule and budget.
- Organized travel , practice times, and schedule.
- Recruit Players for the program
- Player development with players from 7-18.
- High Kids earn full college scholarships
- Established operational guidelines and identified opportunities for improvement.
- Worked with management team to develop operational goals aligned with business strategy.
- Set goals and expectations for direct reports using performance review process, holding staff accountable.
- Assessed and evaluated business procedures and implemented structure to improve day-to-day operations.
- Recognized employees for demonstrating excellent service resulting in increased company morale.
- Communicated clear and consistent messages regarding departmental goals to produce desired results.
- Developed and maintained client relationships to grow business and improve account retention.
Gym Teacher
Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
The Bronx, NY
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Developed and implemented engaging physical education curriculum for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated daily fitness activities promoting teamwork, cooperation, and personal growth among participants.
- Assessed student performance and provided constructive feedback to enhance skill development.
- Organized and supervised competitive sports events, fostering school spirit and community involvement.
- Collaborated with staff to integrate health education into physical activities, enhancing overall wellness awareness.
- Mentored junior staff in effective teaching strategies, improving instructional quality across programs.
- Analyzed program effectiveness and implemented improvements based on participant feedback and outcomes.
- Provided individualized attention to each student, offering guidance on proper techniques to prevent injuries during physical activities.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by serving as a role model for healthy living habits both inside and outside the classroom.
- Assisted in coaching various after-school sports teams, leading to increased success on the field or court.
- Improved student discipline within the gymnasium by setting clear expectations and maintaining consistent enforcement of rules.
- Boosted students'' athletic skills through tailored training sessions for various sports disciplines.
- Developed effective assessment tools to gauge student progress in skill development throughout the year accurately.
Teen Sports Coordinator/Youth Basketball Coach
Milbank Flyers
New York, NY
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Coordinated with coaches to ensure all safety protocols were followed.
- Facilitated communication between coaches, parents, and players regarding team goals and expectations.
- Recruited new athletes by attending community events such as festivals or fairs.
- Provided guidance on proper nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention techniques.
- Organized fundraising initiatives for underprivileged athletes who could not afford equipment or fees associated with playing sports.
- Implemented disciplinary measures when appropriate while maintaining fairness among all members of the team.
- Created marketing materials such as flyers and posters to promote upcoming games.
- Established relationships with other schools in order to facilitate interscholastic competitions.
- Assessed player skills and developed individual training plans accordingly.
- Monitored budgets to ensure sufficient funds were allocated for sporting events.
- Supervised the daily activities of players during practice sessions.
- Maintained accurate records of athlete participation and performance.
- Developed and implemented sports programs for youth athletes.
- Managed social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
- Organized teams, scheduled practices, and planned tournaments.
- Educated players on the importance of sportsmanship in order to foster a positive environment.
- Conducted team meetings to discuss strategies and objectives.
- Set up competitions and tournaments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Community Coordinator
Eagle Academy for Young Men II
The Bronx, New York
11.2024 - 05.2025
- Conducted research on best practices in the field of community development.
- Monitored social media platforms for relevant conversations about the organization's initiatives.
- Organized workshops that focused on building skills needed by members of the community.
- Participated in town hall meetings to discuss current issues affecting the local area.
- Assisted in developing marketing strategies for promoting programs within the community.
- Compiled and analyzed data related to community engagement activities.
- Provided support during special events hosted by the organization or municipality.
Assistant Basketball Coach
Nj Scholars EYBL
Camden, NJ
03.2022 - 07.2024
- Conducted team and departmental camps, community service projects, fundraising activities and alumni events.
- Monitored adherence to team rules and regulations with conduct, appearance and class attendance.
- Maximized physical talent of team through quality teaching and coaching.
- Promoted diverse and inclusive culture with team and athletics program.
- Assisted coached with student-athlete recruitment in compliance with basketball rules and regulations.
- Communicated with training staff regarding athlete medical clearance, injury prevention, rehabilitation and status of injured athletes.
- Collaborated with Head Ciach to plan and coordinate practice sessions.
- Motivated students to participate in physical activities by demonstrating enthusiasm for the subject matter.
- Conducted demonstrations of sport techniques and strategies to improve student skills.
- Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development for physical education courses.
- Created team-building exercises to help foster collaboration among students.
- Developed lesson plans to cover a variety of topics such as sports, health, nutrition and safety.
- Assisted in resolving conflicts between students while maintaining positive classroom environment.
- Monitored student progress during physical fitness testing sessions.
- Coached teams in different sports activities such as basketball, volleyball, soccer.
- Developed emergency response plans in case of injury or hazardous situations.
- Provided feedback to students on their individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Organized and implemented physical education programs for students of all ages.
Basketball Coach
Cardinal Hayes High School
Bronx, NY
11.2020 - 05.2022
- Motivated and encouraged student athletes to make best effort during practices and games.
- Developed training and exercise programs to meet individual requirements and team play strategies.
- Ran drills and fitness circuits to improve athletes' coordination and skills.
- Assessed player abilities and assigned positions according to individual strengths.
- 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.
- Imparted team and game rules with authority and clarity, which improved understanding and reduced fouls.
- Observed health and safety guidelines and protocols during practice sessions and game to help players avoid injuries.
- Monitored safety of training, individual exercises and equipment usage to avoid sports injuries and damage to facility.
- Created out-of-season training camps to keep player skills at peak levels and introduce new members to team.
- Built strong media and community relationships through positive interaction and communication in support of sports program.
Basketball Coach
Ny Gauchos
Bronx, NY
03.2012 - 08.2021
- Motivated and encouraged student athletes to make best effort during practices and games.
- Developed training and exercise programs to meet individual requirements and team play strategies.
- Ran drills and fitness circuits to improve athletes' coordination and skills.
- Assessed player abilities and assigned positions according to individual strengths.
- 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.
- Encouraged team members to become stronger, more agile athletes and more successful competitors through focus, effective training and proper nutrition.
- Readied team to compete in tournaments and other special events.
- Observed health and safety guidelines and protocols during practice sessions and game to help players avoid injuries.
- Monitored safety of training, individual exercises and equipment usage to avoid sports injuries and damage to facility.
- Created out-of-season training camps to keep player skills at peak levels and introduce new members to team.
- Built strong media and community relationships through positive interaction and communication in support of sports program.
- Adhered to equipment and apparel standards to promote safety and fair play and made new equipment orders when appropriate.
- Managed inventory and ordered new materials, uniforms and equipment for team needs.
- Consulted with athletic director and coaching staff to assess team structure and devise recruitment strategies.
- Worked with boosters, parents and school administrators to handle support functions.
- Attended events of prospective players, met with families and presented recruitment proposals.
- Collaborated with team boosters to promote fundraising and program support.
- Coordinated fundraising events to raise money for sports equipment and travel expenses.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bronx Regional
The Bronx, NY06.2004
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Shaw University
Raleigh, NC12.2012
Business Administration
Globe Institute of Technology
New York, NY05.2007
Some College (No Degree) - Sports and Fitness Administration
St. John’s University
Queens, NYSkills
Tournament procedures
Equipment management
Discipline oversight
Physically fit
Behavior improvements
Training exercises
Player evaluations
Behavior standards
Character building
Game plays
Staff development
Fitness equipment expertise
Strength coaching
Stretching expertise
Eligibility rules
Weight management expert
Weight training
Facilities oversight
Nutrition supplement familiarity
Health and wellness expert
Program development
Fundraising initiatives
Accomplishments
- AAU National Championship HC
- CHSAA JV City Championship HC
- CHSAA City Championship AC
- CSAA Runner-up HC
- Coached/ trained of 30+ D1 Collegiate athletes
- Founder of the Elite Invitational Basketball tournament
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Program Director
Croft Academy
09.2025 - Current
Community Coordinator
Eagle Academy for Young Men II
11.2024 - 05.2025
Gym Teacher
Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
10.2024 - 09.2025
Teen Sports Coordinator/Youth Basketball Coach
Milbank Flyers
10.2024 - 09.2025
Assistant Program Director
Nj Scholars
03.2023 - Current
Assistant Basketball Coach
Nj Scholars EYBL
03.2022 - 07.2024
Basketball Coach
Cardinal Hayes High School
11.2020 - 05.2022
Basketball Coach
Ny Gauchos
03.2012 - 08.2021
Business Administration
Globe Institute of Technology
High School Diploma -
Bronx Regional
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Shaw University
Some College (No Degree) - Sports and Fitness Administration
St. John’s University