Coach No. 1: Elijah Cooley is a seasoned athletic coach with over 20 years of experience. He founded his own AAU basketball program in Chicago, has coached multiple sports, and is a father, role model, clothing brand owner, and designer. He recently wrapped up his first collegiate season as a coach at East-West University.

In this episode, Coach Cooley shares his coaching journey, talks about who inspired him, discusses the challenges he’s faced finding coaching opportunities, and offers advice for the next generation of aspiring coaches.

Welcome to Called in the Huddle — a short-form interview series from CoachCorner, the platform connecting youth sports coaches with programs that need them.

In each 15–20 minute episode, we sit down with standout coaches whom are shaping the future of youth athletics. These are real conversations about what drew them to coaching, the mentors who’ve guided them, and the advice they’d pass on to the next generation.

Whether you’re a seasoned coach, a rising talent, or just someone who loves the game, you’ll walk away inspired by the stories of leadership, grit, and purpose that make youth sports so powerful.

Go to coachcorner.io or email us at [email protected] to get connected!