About Our Coaches
Coach Joel Anderson
Coach Joel is one of the founding partners of Dime Basketball Club and MVRK Basketball, two programs dedicated to delivering athlete-first development rooted in Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles. With nearly 20 years of coaching experience across all levels—from first graders to adults—Coach Joel is known for blending research-driven methodology with practical, real-world coaching. His work emphasizes fundamental movement, athlete screening, and tailored skill progression to support holistic player growth.
Beyond the court, Coach Joel is a U.S. Air Force veteran and a law enforcement officer, bringing a servant-leader mindset to everything he does. He continues to give back to his community by mentoring young athletes and educating parents and coaches through his platform, CoachJoel.com, where he shares insights on youth sports development, mindset, and training.
A native San Diegan, Joel was a San Diego Section CIF Champion and All-CIF selection in both basketball and baseball. He went on to play collegiate basketball at the University of California, San Diego. Coach Joel’s unique blend of athletic experience, leadership, and academic insight makes him a powerful force in helping young athletes reach their full potential—on and off the court.
Coach Rob Haskell
Coach Rob is a co-founder of Dime Basketball Club and a deeply respected leader in San Diego’s youth sports community. With over 30 years of experience coaching young athletes, his passion for the game and dedication to development have shaped the lives of countless players across the region.
Rob’s basketball journey began as a young player at the Boys and Girls Club of San Dieguito—the very same courts where many of today’s Dime athletes train. He went on to play through college, and has since devoted decades to coaching and mentoring youth, emphasizing character, teamwork, and long-term growth both on and off the court.
As a guiding force behind Dime since its inception, Coach Rob has been instrumental in building a culture that prioritizes player development, integrity, and community. His steady leadership and commitment to the values of the game continue to make a lasting impact on every athlete he works with.
Coach David Cassaw
Coach Cassaw is a highly respected figure in Southern California basketball, renowned for his leadership at La Costa Canyon High School and his role in developing elite talent at Dime Basketball Club and MVRK Basketball.
Since taking the helm at La Costa Canyon in the early 2000s, Coach Cassaw has guided the Mavericks to numerous playoff appearances, including multiple CIF San Diego Section championships and a Southern California Regional title. His coaching career began while attending Kansas State University, where he served as an assistant coach at Blue Valley-Randolph High School from 1991 to 1994. Upon graduation, he became the head coach at Golden Plains High School in Rexford, Kansas, from 1994 to 1997.
Under his mentorship, numerous players have advanced to collegiate and professional levels, reflecting his commitment to player development. Coach Cassaw's dedication to the sport and his players has earned him recognition, including being named the Hall of Champions Coach of the Year in 2006 and CIF San Diego Section Coach of the Year in 2012.
His influence extends beyond the high school arena through his involvement with Dime and MVRK Basketball, where he continues to mentor aspiring athletes.
Coach Ben Burris (aka "Coach Benzo")
Meet Coach Benzo, as the kids call him. Ben is a passionate teacher of the game who brings a wealth of experience to both the Dime Basketball and MVRK Basketball programs, coaching all grade levels, but focused on the 14U and 15U teams at Dime.
Known for his ability to connect with players and develop their skills at every level, Coach Benzo has worked extensively with middle school, high school, college, and professional athletes as a basketball trainer since 2022. Prior to Dime he founded and operated the Oceanside 76ers, a grassroots program focused on providing opportunities for local players.
In addition to his club coaching roles, Coach Benzo served as the Head Varsity Assistant Coach and Skill Development Trainer at Vista High School since 2002, and is a Partner and Head of Basketball Operations at Redline Athletics San Marcos.
A former standout player himself, Coach Benzo brings the perspective of someone who competed at the highest levels of high school and played collegiately, using those experiences to inspire and guide the next generation.
Coach Aubree Smithey
Coach Aubree has been instrumental in launching and leading the Dime girls program from its inception, helping build a foundation for high-level development and competitive success.
Coach Aubree has also led the San Dieguito Academy Girls’ Basketball program since 2012, guiding the team to unprecedented success—including the school’s first CIF Section Championship in 2018, a runner-up finish in 2019, and another title in 2021. Her teams have also earned three North County Conference All-Academic Team honors, a testament to her focus on excellence both on the court and in the classroom. A former dual-sport athlete, Coach Smithey earned a Division I scholarship to the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she competed at the highest collegiate level.
In addition to her coaching experience, she is a licensed physical therapist with advanced certifications in athletic training, strength & conditioning, and golf rehab. Her unique blend of clinical expertise and high-level athletic background informs a coaching philosophy centered on movement quality, injury prevention, and confident, purposeful play.
Coach Smithey is deeply committed to developing strong, well-rounded athletes who are prepared to succeed in sport and in life.
Coach Anthony Garrett
Coach Anthony is a dynamic addition to both the Dime and MVRK Basketball coaching staffs, bringing nearly a decade of high school coaching experience and a background as a collegiate football player. Currently serving as the Junior Varsity Head Coach at La Costa Canyon High School, Coach Anthony is known for his energy, leadership, and ability to connect with young athletes.
With a multi-sport background and a deep understanding of athletic development, he brings a fresh, competitive perspective to the court—emphasizing discipline, accountability, and team-first mentality. His commitment to mentoring student-athletes and helping them grow both as players and people makes him a valuable part of both programs.
Coach Brendan Perry
Coach Brendan brings a high-level playing and coaching background to both the Dime Basketball and MVRK Basketball programs.
As a coach, Coach Perry has been part of the Dime Basketball staff since 2024, working across team coaching at all grade levels, as well as private player development. He has also supported La Costa Canyon High School summer and freshman boys basketball programs, bringing a player-focused, detail-oriented approach to skill development and game preparation.
As a player, Coach Brendan was a standout at La Costa Canyon High School, Coach Perry was a 4-year varsity athlete, two-time All-League First Team selection, All-CIF San Diego honoree, and scored over 1,000 points during his high school career. He helped lead LCC to both CIF and CIF State championship appearances. He continued his career at Point Loma Nazarene University, where he was part of a PacWest Conference championship team, a Sweet 16 appearance, and contributed to the team’s top-5 national NCAA Division II ranking.
Coach Perry is committed to helping players reach their full potential, combining his playing experience with a passion for teaching the game the right way.
Coach Keith King
Coach Keith brings a growing foundation of player development and competitive coaching experience to the Dime Basketball program. A former standout at Redlands East Valley High School (Class of 2021), he competed on multiple circuits with the Salt Lake Rebels AAU program, gaining valuable insight into high-level competition across the West Coast.
Since transitioning into coaching, Coach Keith has worked with youth athletes across a wide range of age groups, from 9U to 16U with multiple AAU clubs, and most recently as Head Coach of the 7th grade team at Oak Crest Middle School. Currently studying Business Management at Cal State University San Marcos, he combines his competitive playing background with a fresh, energetic coaching approach focused on skill development, effort, and team culture.
Coach Bruce Hanley
Coach Bruce comes to the Dime Basketball Club with over seven years of experience in after-school programs and a strong four-year background in basketball training and coaching. A UCLA graduate with a degree in Psychology, Bruce applies his academic insights to his coaching, offering a unique blend of knowledge and hands-on expertise.
He is particularly skilled in working with young athletes aged 5-13, demonstrating patience and a dynamic approach that resonates well with this age group. Bruce's coaching style focuses not only on enhancing technical skills but also on nurturing a passion for the game and developing holistic skills in young players.
Respected in the basketball community for his effective coaching methods, Bruce is known for his ability to improve the abilities of young athletes, fostering both their sportsmanship and love for basketball. His dedication to coaching goes beyond the court, emphasizing the growth of strong, well-rounded individuals.
Coach Harrison Ford
Meet Coach Harrison Ford (that's his real name - his friends call him Indy).
(Bio coming soon)
Coach Ryan Pinter
Meet Coach Ryan, a dedicated member of the Dime Basketball Club coaching staff and a fourth-year Kinesiology student at Cal State University San Marcos. Graduating from La Costa Canyon High School in 2019, Ryan distinguished himself as a dual-sport athlete, competing in both basketball and tennis throughout his four-year tenure.
At La Costa Canyon, he demonstrated his athletic prowess by playing varsity basketball under the esteemed Coach Dave Cassaw and excelling in varsity tennis for four years. His comprehensive understanding of athlete development, driven by his academic pursuits in Kinesiology and extensive experience in competitive basketball, enables him to contribute effectively to our players’ growth both on and off the court.
As a coach, Ryan is committed to fostering young talent and instilling a passion for sportsmanship and teamwork in his athletes. His approach not only enhances their physical abilities but also prepares them to become outstanding members of the community, embodying the core values of Dime Basketball Club.
Coach Niyanth Sarathy
Meet Coach Niyanth, a dedicated member of the Dime coaching team with a rich background in basketball. A former point guard for San Dieguito Academy from 2013 to 2017, Niyanth began coaching while still in high school, taking on roles with NJB and the Encinitas Recreation Center. His early coaching experience also includes assisting with the 7th grade Young Mavs team in 2017.
After high school, Niyanth attended the University of Oregon, where he graduated with degrees in Economics and Psychology. Niyanth's blend of practical basketball experience and academic knowledge makes him a profound influence on our young athletes at Dime.
Coach Dena Coykendall
Coach Dena brings a lifetime of passion, experience, and competitive excellence to every court she steps on. A multi-sport athlete in high school, she went on to play collegiate basketball at Sterling College under Hall of Fame Coach Lonnie Kruse. During her four years, she was a key contributor to teams that reached the national tournament every season—highlighted by a Final Four, Elite Eight, and two Sweet Sixteen appearances. Her impact was later recognized with induction into the Sterling College Athletic Hall of Fame as part of that historic Final Four team.
After her playing career, Coach Dena seamlessly transitioned into coaching, bringing the same energy and leadership to developing young athletes. Her coaching journey includes time under legendary coaches such as Jay Trousdale at Poway High School—where she was part of the 2008 CIF Championship staff—and Laurie Byrd at Santa Fe Christian High School. She also continues to give back by supporting the San Dieguito Academy girls basketball program as a volunteer.
Coach Dena’s philosophy is rooted in teaching the game with clarity, inspiring a love for competition, and developing players holistically. Whether working with emerging athletes or experienced players, she is committed to building confident, smart, and passionate competitors who embrace the game and its values both on and off the court.
Coach Alexia Ramirez
Coach Alexia brings over a decade of coaching experience and a decorated collegiate playing career to the Dime Basketball girls program. A San Marcos native, she played at both San Marcos and Mission Hills High Schools before continuing her basketball journey at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. There, she graduated as the school’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocked shots—a testament to her skill, work ethic, and competitive drive.
Following graduation, Coach Alexia transitioned immediately into coaching, and has spent more than 10 years developing young athletes at both San Marcos High School and San Dieguito Academy. She is passionate about teaching the game and values the way sports instill life-long lessons—especially teamwork, resilience, and accountability—that shape young players both on and off the court.