Hello! I am Coach John Pat Swift
I have an extensive background in Basketball starting at shooting guard for the Hunter College Varsity for 3 years. I have been coaching basketball players from ages 6-46 year olds for over 16 years.
Before relocating to the Bay Area in 2013 I ran Swift Basketball Training Academy in New York City for youths wanting to raise their game to the next level. I have many references readily available. I am very moved by the close relationships I have with the families I have worked with and currently work with. Basketball is a big part of my life. It has created many positive opportunities for me and my relationships. It’s a cross-cultural connector. Teaching and learning the game is my passion.
In 2008 I served as Athletic Director for the Holthouse Boys and Girls Club in the 2nd ward of Houston, Texas. Here I ran the basketball program hosting tournaments, training sessions, and fundraisers while mentoring coaches and student athletes. In 2011 I helped start Bellaire Basketball camp in Houston. I often think about the influences that impacted my life the most during the ups and downs of my playing career. I think about how I can condense and convey these messages to my students to help them through the wonderful pursuit of being the best basketball player/teammate they can be.
I have many interests outside of basketball. I am fluent in spanish. After working in the predominantly spanish speaking 2nd ward I decided to live, work, and travel through South America to become fluent in spanish. In 2009 I traveled from Ushuaia, Argentina, the southern tip of South America, to Houston, Texas by bicycle while writing articles, doing radio interviews, recording videos for the Spanish textbook “Teachers Discovery” and the education website, “Speaking Globally” as well as maintaining my own personal blog. See Below:
swiftkidhistory.wordpress.com
Along with basketball I have an extensive background working with and mentoring kids. I am very excited to be living, teaching, and coaching in the Houston area now and look forward to helping youths improve their basketball skills and beyond. Thanks!