About Us
PREPARING BASKETBALL PLAYERS FOR THE NEXT LEVEL FOR OVER 18 YEARS
Northwest Magic was founded in 2009 by Coach Vanessa Selden-Mcclendon, a former University of Oregon standout. With the support and backing of her husband (Gerald McClendon) , busy savy friend (Edwina Martin-Arnold), and the great Coach Mentor, (Kevin Strozier), Northwest Magic has developed into one of the most recognizable organizations in the Northwest.
NW Magic is a premier youth basketball program focused on developing college ready players. This involves skill development,fostering sportsmanship, and encouraging academic success.
NW Magic focus' on the holistic development of our players, emphasizing fundamental skills, teamwork, and character-building. We strive to create an environment where every participant can thrive and reach their full potential.
NW Magic stands as a beacon of sportsmanship and integrity in the community, inspiring the next generation to embrace challenges and push their limits.
We are proud to be one of only 32 elite Nike Elite Championship Youth basketball programs in the U.S. (on the girls side) and part of the the Elite 40 National Circuit (on the boys side).
Join us on this journey, where competition meets a commitment to personal and collective growth.
ABOUT COACH VANESSA MCCLENDON
Coach Vanessa Selden McClendon Founder and Director, Northwest Magic Former Professional WBB player. University of Oregon WBB alumni. Owner/Founder of Northwest Magic, Team Huff, Team Rice, Team KV, & Team Maxwell. One of the top trainers in Washington State. Known for team placement and player development. Vanessa Selden-McClendon's experience is well rounded. She grew up as a military brat and traveled all over the United States and Asia as a youngster with her parents, spending her High School Years in Antioch, California.
Vanessa started Northwest Magic is 2009. Training and Coaching some of the top players in Washington State. Vanessa was inducted into Antioch's Hall of Fame in October of 2012. Vanessa is an inactive Family Therapist and lives in Puyallup, Washington State with her husband of 31 years, Gerald, and 18 year-old son, Marcus.
MAGIC STAFF
MEET OUR NORTHWEST MAGIC COACHES
COACH Gerald McClendon
NW MAGIC CO-OWNER/DIRECTOR OF BOYS PROGRAM
Coach Gerald Draws from his experience of playing, training, and coaching with his wife Coach Vanessa for over 20 plus years. A 20-year retired veteran of the US Army, Coach Gerald brings high energy and drill sergeant leadership skills to Northwest Magic. Responsible for quality control of the organization with Teams, Coaches, Parents, and Gym Facilities.
Coach Gerald lives in Puyallup, WA with wife Vanessa of 31 years and son, Marcus 18.
This season, Coach Gerald will oversee the Boys Program & Coach the 17U High School Fall Team.
Contact Info:
Coach Edwina Martin-Arnold
CO- FOUNDER/STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT/CFO
Edwina Martin-Arnold's life has been filled with a passion for youth sports. It is my firm belief that a young person's physical, mental, and social development can be enhanced through involvement with athletics.
Edwina's coaching career began over thirty years ago when she volunteered to coach at Rainier Beach Recreation Center. She continued coaching through the years mostly with the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). Currently the Varsity High School Head Coach for Rainier Beach High School.
In 2007, Edwina co-founded Northwest Magic Basketball with Vanessa and Gerald McClendon. Her role has changed over the years depending on the needs of Magic. She has led the coaching technics, player development, accounting, and membership development. Her role today is strategic development, helping to guide the future growth of the organization as well as Head Coach for the Rising/EYBL 8th Grade Team & on the Eybl High School Coaching Staff.
In addition, Edwina is a lawyer and currently, she is the Chief of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Contact Info:
coachedwina@northwestmagic.org 206-412-9387
COACH Kevin Strozier
COACH DIRECTOR (TRAINS COACHES TO BECOME MAGIC CERTIFIED) - HEAD COACH GIRLS JR EYBL 14U & BOYS 14U & 15U TEAMS
Kevin Strozier has been a high school girls basketball coach for over 17 years. Coach Strozier played 3 sports at Flint Central HS in Michigan. He was an active athlete in baseball, football and played varsity level basketball for 3 years. During the 3 years of varsity basketball he earned all-state honorable mention as a senior in 1979 averaging 23.5 points per game. After high school Kevin earned a full scholarship to Mott Community College where he received recognition as a two time Conference Player of the Year (1979-1981) and Junior College All-American, leading the team to their best record in school history (28-8) and averaging 23.0 points per game. Mott placed 8th in the nation and was named All-State, All Region 12, All Tourney team (national) and Kevin was awarded the Bud Opee Award for the Best Small Player in the national tournament and named to the national Juco all-star team. Kevin went on to earn a full scholarship to St. Louis University where he was started every game (1981-1982), made the All-Metro team, where he was third leading scorer and was voted team MVP.
After college Kevin started coaching at Genesee High School and at his alma mater in Flint, Michigan. Upon coming to Washington, he coached at Lincoln High School in Tacoma (2001-2007) where he won back to back Narrows league title (2005 & 2006) won Coach of the Year, won the district title in 2006, and a state participant (06) finishing the season at 25-3. Kevin has coached some of the top players in the state who have gone on to play college basketball and WNBA to include Alex Montgomery, Georgia Teach and Washington Mystic. See Alumni for other players.
This season Coach Strozier will coach the Girls 14U Jr EYBL & BOYS 14U & 15U Teams as well as certify new Coaches to Magic.
Contact Info:
COACH Keeshia Thomas
EYBL CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE TEAM RICE HEAD COACH AND GIRLS MAGIC RECRUITING DIRECTOR
Coach La-Keeshia boasts an impressive coaching career spanning over 10 years, starting from her own experience as a player in high school, junior college, and a four-year college in California. She began her coaching journey at Showalter Middle School and her passion for growth and learning propelled her to become a Varsity Assistant at Foster High School. Eventually, she earned the position of JV Head Coach. Presently, Coach Keeshia holds the esteemed role of Varsity Girls Head Coach at Franklin-Pierce High School. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Coach Keeshia has joined the Eybl Coaching Staff - Head Coach of the 16U Team Rice, Assistant Coach for the 17U team. She has also taken on the role of Assistant Director and managing the recruitment process. This expanded role allows her to contribute further to the success of the Magic program. lakeeshiat@gmail.com
206-571-5470
Coach Jacob- Head Coach Nike 5th Girls AND MAGIC DEFENSIVE SKILLS TRAINER
Coach Jacob is embarking on his second season with NW Magic, where he previously served as an assistant coach. Having gained valuable experience during his first season, Coach Jacob has now taken on the role of head coach for our Magic fourth rising team. Coach Jacob brings a wealth of experience working with youth in various sports, with a particular focus on softball and basketball. He not only played at the high school level but still actively participates in the game due to his unwavering passion for it. His dedication and love for the sport shine through in his coaching approach. Coach Jacob is fast becoming one of the top skills trainings in Washington state. Contact Info J.kuluwaimaka808@gmail.com 253-266-0198
COACH MARK
Boys Head Coach of NW Magic 7th Purple
COACH ED
Girls Associate Head Coach of Magic Nike 5th
COACH TERRANCE
Boys Head Coach NW Magic 4th Purple- Originally from San Antonio, Texas and a recent graduate from Pacific Lutheran University with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in physical therapy with hopes to attend graduate school for physical therapy in 2025. He served 7 years in the military and during that time started coaching youth sports. Mostly focusing on basketball he found a clinic coach Vanessa was hosting and began coaching for the magic, he is currently on his second year of coaching with Nw Magic.
Coach LeAsia
SKILLS TRAINER & HEAD COACH OF 4TH RISING (TACOMA) & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
LeAsia Jones is a multi-sport athlete from California who has a overall passion for sports and working with kids.
She participated in Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field in high school and college.
She was an NAIA Women's Volleyball assistant and NWACC Men's Basketball assistant coach. Was an assistant and head coach for multiple ABA Men's semipro teams. She has years of experience training and directing basketball skills camps, clinics, group and private trainings.
Currently plays semi-professional basketball for Christian Faith and has 2 WBCBL Championships with Seattle Dynasty.
Jones attended Oroville High where she played 4 years of Varsity basketball averaging a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) and 3 blocks per game. In her High School's own Duard Millet Basketball Tournament she received the Varsity Girl MVP award scoring a career high of 24 points. Was Westside League Champions one season going undefeated 10-0, was back to back NSCIF Section Finalist in 2001 & 2002, a All The Best-All Star Game Participant in 2003, received Character Is First (CIF) Victory With Honor Patch Award before heading to the State Tournament.
Women's Volleyball Team (1999, 2001-2003) Westside League Most Valuable Defensive Player 1999, Most Improved 2001, Westside League Most Valuable Defensive Player 2002, All The Best All-Star Game Participant 2003.
2-Time Chico State High School Heptathlon Winner and Record Holder 2002 & 2003
Outstanding Senior Enterprise Record Female Athlete 2003 winner alongside Aaron Rogers who won the Male Athlete award.
Gatorade High School Track & Field Athlete 2003.
NSCIF High Hurdles All Time Record Holder 2003.
After graduating high school Jones signed with NCAA Div II Chico State on a basketball and Track & Field scholarship.
While at NCAA Div II Chico State her game high was 14 points 9 rebounds against Holy Names. Due to dealing with the transition from high school to college Jones became academically ineligible her freshman year. She got back on track academically taking extra courses at Butte College before her sophomore year, but tore her ACL, MCL and manicous in preseason practice. At the end of the year she transferred to Lane Community College for a fresh start and to reunite with her high school teammate Dominique King.
While at Lane Community College her game high she scored 12 of her 14 points in the second half to take the lead over Chemeketa Community College to take the win also grabbing 11 rebounds. Her team won the NWAACC Tournament in 2005-06 finishing with a 33-1 record (undefeated at home). For the tournament she finished with a total of 14pts and 12 rebounds. In track & field at NWAACC Southern Regional's finished 2nd place in 2006 and 3rd place in 2007 in shot put, and 6th in Heptathlon in 2007.
After graduating from Lane, Jones transferred to NAIA Div II Evergreen State College, where she played Volleyball and Basketball. After finishing up her first year of Volleyball, Jones ruptured her achilles in her second week of practice and had to sit out that season. Despite another injury Jones bounced back becoming a leading blocker in Volleyball next season and in basketball she had a game high of 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and steals against Seattle University.
This season, Coach LeAsia will Coach the 4th Rising (Tacoma) team & lead skills trainings for our development program.
Contact Info
COACH Tim Brown
RECRUITER & HIGH SCHOOL TRAINER
Coach Tim Brown returns for his 6th stint with the Northwest Magic coaching staff. Having all 4 of his kids always involved in basketball at some level, Coach Tim has subsequently coached at various levels while raising his four children including. High School Varsity Boys Coach, High School Varsity Girls Coach, AAU teams just to name a few. Coach Tim is currently the Head Varsity Girls coach at Bethel High School.Coach Tim brings unequaled leadership skills and experience to the athletes in the Northwest Magic Program.
Coach Tim had two daughters that play(ed) for Northwest Magic. Tianna Brown (currently Grand Canyon University) and Tiarra Brown (also played for Grand Canyon University)
Coach Tim lives in Spanaway, WA with his wife.
Coach Darrel Davis
Head Coach Rising Blue Star 6th Coach
My name is Darrell Davis and I am from Tacoma, WA. I am excited for my second season coaching with the Magic program. My goal is to spread my knowledge, skill development and passion for the game of basketball with the players.
I Played at Lincoln High School, Tacoma WA; 1988-90 Started Varsity all 3 years. Was 2nd in MVP votes my sophomore / junior year my senior year I won team, league, area MVP honors. Graduated as all-time leading scorer (1,395) and most points for a single season (542). Was recruited by UW, WSU, Long Beach, and Gonzaga. I attended North Idaho national JC in Couer d'Alene, Idaho 1990-91. As a freshman I took over the starting 3spot after 7 games. At the end of my freshman year Wake Forest was recruiting me. I returned home and attended Pierce College 1991-92. Named NW Athletic Association ALL-Western Division. 3rd in scoring in the Association (28.7). The University of Southern Colorado, Pueblo,Colo 1993-94. was my last stop. I won MVP of the Tip-Off Classic. I'm 20th on the school's single season all-time 3pt list (67). Crazy fact: I played for 7 different coaches in 7years from my 9th "middle school" year all the way through USC in all different systems. This season, Coach Darrel will be coaching the Rising 6th grade team as well as assisting on the Nike 6th grade team.
HERE AT NORTHWEST MAGIC WE ARE ALL FAMILY
