Derrick Birdsong
Manchester,CT
Summary
Goal-oriented professional with a disciplined approach to enhancing team performance. Proven leader with a strong track record in developing high-achieving individuals. Committed to fostering academic excellence through advanced planning, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Boy’s National 15U Head Coach
CT Elite AAU Basketball Club
01.2025 - Current
- Led team strategy sessions to prepare for competitive games.
- Coordinated player evaluations to identify skill gaps and tailor development plans.
- Developed practice plans to enhance player skills and teamwork.
- Mentored assistant coaches on effective training methods and game strategies to enhance team performance.
- Prepared athletes for games with well-coordinated schedule of practices and individual training.
- Cultivated team culture by promoting respect, effort, and sportsmanship during practices and games.
- Assisted athletes in developing mental skills such as focus, concentration, motivation, discipline, goal setting.
Asst. Men’s Coach
Eastern CT State Univ.
01.2023 - Current
- Developed training programs that improved athletes' skills and performance.
- Conducted one-on-one sessions to provide personalized coaching feedback.
- Monitored student athlete academic performance through grade checking and boosted results with study hall and techniques.
- Cultivated culture of sportsmanship, cooperation, and responsibility among athletes and coaching staff.
- Guided participants to develop skills and achieve goals.
- Communicated effectively with parents, administrators, officials, media personnel and other coaches regarding team activities or concerns.
- Developed practice plans tailored to individual needs and team goals.
- Analyzed player performance data to identify areas for improvement.
Girl’s National 16 & 17U coach
CT Elite AAU Basketball (IBelieve)
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Coordinated training sessions to enhance physical conditioning and develop effective game strategies.
- Designed practice plans to elevate player skills and foster teamwork.
- Facilitated team meetings to analyze performance and set actionable objectives.
- Conducted regular assessments to assess player performance and deliver targeted feedback.
- Maintained effective communication with parents regarding player progress and team activities.
Girls’ Varsity Coach
East Catholic High School
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Provided individualized coaching to improve athlete performance and techniques.
- Monitored player progress and adjusted training methods to optimize individual performance.
- Developed practice plans that improved team skills and strategic understanding.
- Coordinated team events fostering unity and sportsmanship among players.
- Created supportive atmosphere encouraging collaboration among team members. encouraging teamwork and resilience.
- Collaborated with parents and school staff to support student-athlete needs.
- Organized community service projects and fundraising efforts for team activities.
Boy’s National 17U Coach
New Haven Heat (AAU Basketball)
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Guided athletes in mastering fundamental basketball techniques and strategies.
- Organized training sessions with drills to improve technique, agility, and strength.
- Developed practice plans to improve player skills and foster teamwork.
- Motivated players through positive reinforcement during practices and games.
- Fostered positive relationships among players, promoting sportsmanship and collaboration.
- Established culture of responsibility and collaboration among athletes and coaching staff.
Asst. Men’s Coach
Post University (D2)
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed training programs that improved athlete skills and performance.
- Led team meetings to discuss strategies and improve player communication.
- Analyzed player performance data to pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Conducted personalized coaching sessions for tailored feedback.
- Mentored student-athletes to support personal development and academic achievement.
- Implemented team-building activities to cultivate camaraderie among athletes.
- Organized practice schedules to maximize training facility usage.
- Collaborated with athletic staff to coordinate events and competitions.
Boys’ Varsity Coach
Newington High School
Newington, Connecticut
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Developed game strategies that maximized team performance during competitions.
- Mentored athletes on sportsmanship and teamwork principles to enhance collaboration.
- Collaborated with coaching staff to assess player strengths and identify targeted growth areas for enhanced performance.
- Assisted head coach in formulating targeted practice plans to drive team improvement and skill development.
- Conducted targeted drills to enhance athletes' physical conditioning and overall performance.
Asst. Boy’s Coach
Kingwood Oxford (prep school)
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Planned and executed practice sessions to enhance athletes' skill development.
- Collaborated with head coach to devise effective game strategies and tactics.
- Provided ongoing feedback and guidance during training sessions for athlete improvement.
- Monitored performance metrics, providing personalized growth suggestions to enhance athlete development.
- Coordinated logistics, including transportation and scheduling for team events.
- Fostered positive team environment through effective communication and consistent support, promoting athlete confidence.
- Developed tailored training programs aligned with individual abilities and team strategies.
- Analyzed video footage to identify improvement areas, enabling targeted coaching for athletes and team strategies.
Asst. Prep National Coach
The Vanguard school (prep school)
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Assisted head coach in developing game strategies and practice plans.
- Facilitated player skill development through drills and one-on-one coaching.
- Developed practice plans and drills to improve individual and team performance.
- Implemented strategies aimed at improving overall physical conditioning of athletes.
- Organized team practices, drills, and scrimmages to enhance player skills and teamwork.
- Instructed players on proper techniques for shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding, defending.
- Provided guidance to players on skill development, game strategy, and other aspects of basketball.
- Created a positive atmosphere within the team while motivating players.
- Developed strategies to balance academic and athletic commitments for student-athletes.
- Readied team to compete in tournaments and other special events.
- Monitored academic progress of athletes to support eligibility and foster academic achievement.
- Managed assistant coaches and support staff, delegating tasks and responsibilities effectively.
- Coordinated pre-season tryouts, training camps and special workshops to support team goals.
- Adhered strictly to rules and regulations of activities department and district.
Asst. Prep National Coach
The Masters School (Prep school)
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Conducted practice sessions, instructing players on techniques and strategies for performance enhancement.
- Collaborated with head coach to develop game strategies that enhanced team competitiveness.
- Monitored athlete performance and provided tailored feedback to support skill development.
- Analyzed video footage to pinpoint areas for improvement, guiding athletes in targeted training.
- Fostered positive team dynamics through strong communication and support.
- Coordinated logistics for team events, including transportation and scheduling.
- Maintained equipment and enforced safety protocols during practices.
- Supported recruitment efforts by evaluating potential student-athletes' skills and qualifications. of student-athletes, ensuring program compliance with NCAA regulations.
Student-Athlete
University of Rhode Island
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Collaborated with teammates to develop game strategies, enhancing overall team performance.
- Analyzed game footage to identify areas of improvement for individual players or teams.
- Demonstrated leadership and self-discipline on and off-field, contributing to a positive team environment.
- Balanced academic responsibilities with athletic commitments, demonstrating time management skills.
- Created a culture of good sportsmanship, cooperation and responsibility among athletes and coaching staff.
- Represented the team at community events, fostering positive relationships with fans.
- Built strong relationships with teammates and coaches, promoting team cohesion and unity. with peers, coaches, faculty members, administrators, parents and alumni.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management, Coaching
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI05-2011
Skills
- Game strategy development
- Player skill evaluation
- Practice plan creation
- Team performance analysis
- Mental skills training
- Strength training plans
- Team building
- Time management strategies
- Stakeholder communication
- Positive reinforcement
- Conflict resolution
- Team outreach programs
College
University of Rhode Island, Bachelors in Sports Management/Minor in Coaching, 08/01/07, 05/31/11
High School
East Hartford High School, East Hartford, Connecticut
Coaching Experience
- 2025-Pres, CT Elite AAU Basketball Club, Boy’s National 15U Head Coach
- 2024-2025, CT Elite AAU Basketball (IBelieve), Girl’s National 16 & 17U coach
- 2023-Pres, Eastern CT State Univ., Asst. Men’s Coach
- 2021-2024, East Catholic High School, Girls’ Varsity Coach
- 2021-2022, Post University (D2), Asst. Men’s Coach
- 2018-2023, New Haven Heat (AAU Basketball), Boy’s National 17U Coach
- 2019-Covid, Newington High School, Boys’ Varsity Coach
- 2018-2019, Kingwood Oxford (prep school), Asst. Boy’s Coach
- 2017-2018, The Vanguard school (prep school), Asst. Prep National Coach
- 2014-2015, The Masters School (Prep school), Asst. Prep National Coach
- 2007-2011, University of Rhode Island, Student-Athlete
- 1999-2003, East Hartford High School, Student-Athlete
Timeline
Boy’s National 15U Head Coach
CT Elite AAU Basketball Club
01.2025 - Current
Girl’s National 16 & 17U coach
CT Elite AAU Basketball (IBelieve)
01.2024 - 01.2025
Asst. Men’s Coach
Eastern CT State Univ.
01.2023 - Current
Girls’ Varsity Coach
East Catholic High School
01.2021 - 01.2024
Asst. Men’s Coach
Post University (D2)
01.2021 - 01.2022
Boys’ Varsity Coach
Newington High School
08.2019 - 08.2020
Boy’s National 17U Coach
New Haven Heat (AAU Basketball)
01.2018 - 01.2023
Asst. Boy’s Coach
Kingwood Oxford (prep school)
01.2018 - 01.2019
Asst. Prep National Coach
The Vanguard school (prep school)
01.2017 - 01.2018
Asst. Prep National Coach
The Masters School (Prep school)
01.2014 - 01.2015
Student-Athlete
University of Rhode Island
01.2007 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management, Coaching
University of Rhode Island