Thomas Gray
Denver,CO
Summary
Dynamic youth sports and athletic operations professional with a proven track record in leading community programs, coaching teams, and fostering staff development. Expertise includes building strategic partnerships across schools, recreation departments, club sports, and collegiate athletics. Currently serving as an NAofA Area Captain and PSB Coach Advisor. Strengths encompass program management, coach development, outreach, scheduling, customer relations, curriculum design, business development and relationship management. Astute supervisor dedicated to comprehensive leadership for cutting costs and maximizing quality.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Area Captain
The National Academy of Athletics
2026.01 - Current
- Build and manage community partnerships with schools, parks & recreation departments, youth organizations, and locals to grow camps, clinics, after-school programs & enrichment.
- Coordinate outreach & sales efforts by identifying target partners, sending proposals, following up with decision-makers, and maintaining CRM updates.
- Recruit, train, schedule, and support youth coaches, ensuring staff are prepared, reliable, compliant, and aligned with NAofA coaching standards.
- Serve as main point of contact for families, partners, coaches, and site leaders.
- Track program performance and administrative needs.
- Lead territory growth strategy by helping launch new programs, improve existing offerings, identify expansion opportunities, and maintain a positive experience.
- Developed and implement engaging curriculum tailored to various age groups & skills.
- Led team training sessions to enhance athletic skills and promote teamwork.
Head Coach and Coaching Resource Advisor
Pro Skills Basketball
2025.06 - Current
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance player skill & performance.
- Led strategic planning sessions to set team goals and objectives for success.
- Mentored coaches on effective coaching techniques and development strategies.
- Built a comprehensive backend shared drive resource for all coaches.
Athletic Department Intern
Metro State University Denver Athletic Department
2025.08 - 2026.01
- Digital Marketing and Broadcasting.
- Worked with MSU Denver Women's Volleyball - 2026 NCAA National Championship.
- Assisted in organizing athletic events and game day operations.
- Collaborated with marketing to promote athletic events on social media platforms.
Program Leader & Summer Lead Basketball Director
Denver Public Schools
2025.01 - 2025.11
- Leader in extended learning programs in academic and sports settings.
- Built the curriculum for Denver Public Schools Basketball programs.
Program Assistant Coach
University of Denver Men's Basketball
2023.05 - 2025.06
- Aided in the execution of daily duties spanning across practice sessions, recruitment activities, operational functions, individual training with players and planning & directed off-season programs.
Sales Manager
Hampton by Hilton
2022.04 - 2023.05
- Implemented strategies to enhance lead generation, leading to Improved revenue. Including spearheading a $400k contract with ProMach.
- Established successful partnerships with multiple organizations, increasing contracts.
- Collaborated with diverse groups, including weddings, sports teams, and others.
- Built and managed relationships with local companies, groups, and major corporations.
Assistant Director of Marketing and Business Development
Power To Play Sports
2021.02 - 2022.03
- My focus included marketing and selling events, generating revenue for the basketball programming through cold calls and marketing campaigns.
- I built relationships with club sports directors and coaches to run events, manage accounts, and provide personalized customer service.
Lead Intern of Business Development
World Trade Center Denver
2020.09 - 2021.02
- My primary functions included maintaining relationships and managing accounts while attracting new companies to offer our service and program opportunities. 6-month project-based internship.
- My direct supervisor was Catherine Ceresa, the Director of Business Development, and I led my team under CEO and President, Karen Gerwitz.
- I led and worked with a group of 10 interns on projects and campaigns. Host networking events.
Sports Program Director
Player Progression Academy
2016.03 - 2020.08
- Executive Program Director at The Player Progression Academy for youth sports.
- Managed a staff of 50+ coaches and help grow the program by over 300%.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management & Exercise Sciences
Metro State University
Denver, CO2025-12
Skills
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
- Event, Facility Operations & Gameday Management
- Athletic Department Administration
- Curriculum Design & Player Development
- Video Breakdown, Performance Analysis & Scouting Reports
- Fan Engagement & Community Outreach
- Team Leadership, Staff Collaboration and Adaptability
- Communication & Public Speaking
Accomplishments
- Irv Brown Sports Endowment Fund Foundation Winner (10/23/25)
- Cum Laude Honors
- Demonstrated exceptional performance on a contract of over $400k, showcasing proficiency in handling and leading projects
- Led a group of interns on business development project for World Trade Center Denver
- DECA former Executive Leader in high school and Chapter Leader
- By 25, I was promoted to an executive at PPA, managing a staff of 40+
Certification
- CPR/AED/First Aid - Red Cross
- Heads Up Concussion Certified
- Mandatory Reporter
- Suicide Prevention & Child Neglect
- Project Play - Aspen Institute of Sport
- SEL Trained/Certified
- Injury Prevention - CDC
- Medication Administration - Colorado
- Colorado Early Learning and Development Certified
- USA Basketball Gold Licensed Coach
Timeline
Area Captain
The National Academy of Athletics
2026.01 - Current
Athletic Department Intern
Metro State University Denver Athletic Department
2025.08 - 2026.01
Head Coach and Coaching Resource Advisor
Pro Skills Basketball
2025.06 - Current
Program Leader & Summer Lead Basketball Director
Denver Public Schools
2025.01 - 2025.11
Program Assistant Coach
University of Denver Men's Basketball
2023.05 - 2025.06
Sales Manager
Hampton by Hilton
2022.04 - 2023.05
Assistant Director of Marketing and Business Development
Power To Play Sports
2021.02 - 2022.03
Lead Intern of Business Development
World Trade Center Denver
2020.09 - 2021.02
Sports Program Director
Player Progression Academy
2016.03 - 2020.08
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management & Exercise Sciences
Metro State University