Maria Cerro
Indiana,PA
Summary
Dedicated basketball coach focused on developing female athletes through skill-building, teamwork, and positive reinforcement. Emphasizes confidence and resilience while fostering a supportive environment that prepares players for competitive success both on and off the court.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Varisty and JV Volunteer Coach
Indiana High School Girls Basketball Program
Indiana, Pennsylvania
09.2024 - Current
- Encouraged players with positive reinforcement during game play or practice sessions.
- Developed practice plans to enhance team skills and strategies.
- Collaborated with coaching staff to devise game strategies and tactics.
- Organized and implemented training sessions, drills and exercises to improve technique, agility and strength.
- Mentored and encouraged youth to develop strong work ethic by being positive role model and regularly practicing skills.
Junior High School Volunteer Coach
Indiana High School Girls Basketball
Indiana, Pennsylvania
09.2024 - 11.2024
- - Assisted in coaching and developing 8th grade girl athletes
- - Built strong relationships and served as a consistent, positive role model
- - Emphasized confidence, resilience, and mental toughness
- - Helped create a team culture focused on growth, accountability, and encouragement
- Supported players during drills and skill-building exercises on the court.
Basketball Trainer (Private & Small Group)
- - Trained girls of all skill levels in individual and group sessions
- - Designed workouts focused on shooting, ball handling, footwork, and game situations
- - Incorporated mindset training, helping athletes build confidence and discipline
- - Focused on developing both the player and the person
Girls Basketball Clinic Director & Coach
- - Organized and led multiple youth and high school clinics
- - Taught fundamental skills, drills, and game concepts
- - Created a positive, high-energy environment for learning and growth
- - Emphasized both basketball IQ and mental performance
College & Regional Camp Leader
- - Served at multiple college camps, including Mid-Atlantic region camps through FCA
- - Led groups of young female athletes, providing mentorship and leadership
- - Used basketball as a platform to teach confidence, identity, and purpose
Second Grade Teacher
- - Develop and implement engaging lesson plans to meet diverse student needs
- - Build strong relationships with students and families
- - Foster a structured, positive classroom environment focused on growth
- - Apply strong leadership, communication, and classroom management skills daily
Education
Master's Degree - Elementary and Middle Level Mathematics
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
12-2025
Bachelor's Degree -
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
05-2023
Skills
- Player Development & Skill Training
- Leadership & Team Culture Building
- Positive Mindset & Mental Performance Coaching
- Communication & Relationship Building
- Mentorship & Character Development
- Strong Work Ethic & Passion for the Game
Mentorship Experience
- Mentor, Next Level Faith (formerly FCA), Mentor college athletes to build identity beyond their sport, Lead discussions on leadership, purpose, and personal growth, Encourage athletes to develop confidence and strong character
- International Mission Experience, Malaysia, Used basketball as a tool for mentorship and outreach, Worked with athletes from diverse cultural backgrounds, Developed adaptability, communication skills, and cultural awareness, Built relationships through sport across cultures
Coaching Influences - Details
- Coached under Tom McConnell, Jonna Burke, and Craig Carey
- Gained insight into high-level coaching strategies, leadership, and player development
Community Service
- Led summer clinics through basketball academy and faith-based programs
- Built strong rapport within the local basketball community
- Served as a mentor and leader for youth and high school athletes
Coaching Experience
- Volunteer Coach, Indiana High School Girls Basketball, 2 Years, Assisted in coaching and developing high school athletes, Built strong relationships and served as a consistent, positive role model, Emphasized confidence, resilience, and mental toughness, Helped create a team culture focused on growth, accountability, and encouragement
- Volunteer Coach, 8th Grade Girls Basketball (Indiana Girls Program), Fall 2024, Coached and developed middle school athletes in preparation for high school competition, Led practices focused on fundamentals, teamwork, and game understanding, Encouraged a positive mindset and strong work ethic among players, Built foundational skills while fostering confidence and love for the game
- Basketball Trainer, Private & Small Group, 2 Years, Trained girls of all skill levels in individual and group sessions, Designed workouts focused on shooting, ball handling, footwork, and game situations, Incorporated mindset training, helping athletes build confidence and discipline, Focused on developing both the player and the person
- Girls Basketball Clinic Director & Coach, 2 Years, Organized and led multiple youth and high school clinics, Taught fundamental skills, drills, and game concepts, Created a positive, high-energy environment for learning and growth, Emphasized both basketball IQ and mental performance
- College & Regional Camp Leader, Served at multiple college camps, including Mid-Atlantic region camps through FCA, Led groups of young female athletes, providing mentorship and leadership, Used basketball as a platform to teach confidence, identity, and purpose
Playing Experience
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), NCAA Division II, Student-Athlete, 5 Years, Competed at the Division II level for five seasons, Demonstrated leadership, discipline, and high-level work ethic, Developed strong understanding of team systems, player development, and game strategy, Organized and led personal growth sessions for teammates, fostering leadership, accountability, and team unity, Served as a mentor to teammates, helping build a positive and purpose-driven team culture
Timeline
Junior High School Volunteer Coach
Indiana High School Girls Basketball
09.2024 - 11.2024
Varisty and JV Volunteer Coach
Indiana High School Girls Basketball Program
09.2024 - Current
Basketball Trainer (Private & Small Group)
Girls Basketball Clinic Director & Coach
College & Regional Camp Leader
Second Grade Teacher
Master's Degree - Elementary and Middle Level Mathematics
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
Bachelor's Degree -
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)