NEXT GENERATION

ATHLETICS

Elite Trainers & Coaches

Meet our world-class coaching staff dedicated to developing the next generation of elite athletes

Head Coach

COACH JONATHAN "JT" THOMPSON

Player Development Coach | Mentor | Innovator

Based in Vancouver, BC, Coach JT has nearly a decade of experience developing athletes from high school to the pros, training over 1,000 players across North America and internationally.

Experience & Expertise

  • Pro Level: Coaching 10+ G-League and overseas players
  • College: Mentoring 30+ NCAA and USports athletes
  • Grassroots: Training 100+ high school players across North America
  • NBA/WNBA: Worked with Phil Handy (3x NBA Champion, Lakers Assistant) and assisted in NBA/WNBA workouts

JT has served as a Top Skills Coach at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, shaping future NBA talent, and contributed to player development and strategy with the Unrivaled Basketball League.

Skills Coach

DR. ETHAN ZHANG

Head Coach & Director

Dr. Ethan Zhang is a dynamic and forward-thinking basketball professional whose career seamlessly blends passion for the game with innovative leadership. As co-partner, coach, and director of operations at NextGen, Ethan has played a central role in shaping the organization's growth and success. His expertise lies in building programs, creating systems, and structuring operations that allow athletes, coaches, and teams to thrive within a clear and effective framework.

Ethan stands out for his ability to integrate basketball strategy with modern technology, bringing fresh perspectives to player development and organizational efficiency. By designing scalable systems and leveraging emerging innovations, he ensures that training environments are not only high-performing but also sustainable. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence have made him a trusted leader in both athletic and operational settings.

Strength Coach

COACH NATE

Strength & Conditioning

Nate Smitters is a rising star in the world of coaching, known for his boundless energy, eagerness to learn, and unwavering professionalism. What sets Nate apart is his love for learning. Whether it's attending coaching clinics, studying game strategies, or seeking advice from seasoned mentors, he is constantly expanding his knowledge and refining his methods as one of Coach JT's apprentices. Despite his youth, Nate demonstrates remarkable maturity and insight. He understands that success is built on a combination of hard work, adaptability, and fostering strong relationships.

Youth Coach

COACH STEVEN XU

Youth Development & High School Coach

Steven Xu has been coaching basketball since 2011 and is currently a coach at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School. Over his tenure, he has helped develop athletes at multiple levels, from grassroots community programs to competitive high school and collegiate basketball.

At Sir Winston Churchill, Steven has been an integral part of the basketball program for more than a decade. He was part of the coaching staff that led the Bulldogs to the 2014 BC AAAA Senior Boys Provincial Championship, as well as City Championships in 2014, 2019, 2020, and 2024. His leadership emphasizes both player development and team success, preparing athletes to perform at their highest potential.

In 2024, Steven had the privilege of serving as an assistant coach with the Langara College Women's Basketball Team, contributing to a strong and successful season. While balancing his commitments to high school and club basketball, he stepped away from that role but values the experience of working in the collegiate environment.

Beyond high school and post-secondary basketball, Steven is deeply committed to grassroots development. He has coached fundamental programs at community centers and served as head coach for the Marpole Community Centre Night Hoops League, where he was recognized as Coach of the Year in his first season.

Through his years of coaching, Steven has built a reputation for his dedication, teaching ability, and passion for helping young athletes grow both on and off the court.

Assistant Coach

COACH SERGIO

Assistant Coach

Sergio is a well established coach entering his second year with Gen94, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a profound ability to connect with young athletes. Known for his exceptional professionalism and a natural talent for working with kids. Professionalism is at the core of everything Sergio does. Whether he's running a practice, addressing a team meeting, or working one-on-one with a player, he approaches every moment with focus and respect. He's known for his clear communication, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to the unique needs of his team.