About Us

PREPARING BASKETBALL PLAYERS FOR THE NEXT LEVEL FOR OVER 20 SEASONS

🏀 Northwest Magic Basketball

Founded in 2007 by former University of Oregon standout Coach Vanessa Selden-McClendon, Northwest Magic has grown into one of the most recognizable and respected basketball programs in the Northwest. With the unwavering support of her husband Gerald McClendon, longtime basketball coach/advocate and community leader Edwina Martin-Arnold, and mentor Coach Kevin Strozier, Northwest Magic continues to set the standard for youth basketball development.

✨ Our Mission

Northwest Magic is dedicated to nurturing young talent and guiding athletes on their journey to the next level through a comprehensive college development program.

We believe in:

Skill Development → Building technical proficiency, fundamentals, and game IQ.
Tournament Exposure → Showcasing athletes in front of college coaches and scouts at elite national events.
Player Growth → Combining rigorous training, competitive play, and personalized mentorship to unlock each player’s full potential.
Academic & Character Development → Encouraging sportsmanship, teamwork, and academic success as the foundation for lifelong achievement.

🌟 Our Legacy

NW Magic is proud to be:

A proud member of the Elite 40 — a prestigious national league spotlighting top programs and players across the country.
On the Girls’ Side: MADE Hoops Circuit, Elite 40 Circuit, and NE2K Circuits.
On the Boys’ Side: MADE Hoops Circuit, Super 24 Circuit, and Elite 40 Boys National Circuits.

Over the past two decades, Northwest Magic has stood as a beacon of integrity, sportsmanship, and excellence, inspiring the next generation of student-athletes to embrace challenges, push limits, and pursue greatness on and off the court.

💜 At Northwest Magic, competition meets commitment to growth — building college-ready players and strong young leaders.

MAGIC STAFF

MEET OUR NORTHWEST MAGIC COACHES

Coach Vanessa Selden-McClendon

COACH VANESSA

Founder & Director – Northwest Magic

Former Professional Basketball Player • University of Oregon WBB Alumni

Coach Vanessa Selden-McClendon is the visionary and driving force behind Northwest Magic Basketball, which she founded in 2007. A former professional player and proud University of Oregon Women’s Basketball alum, Vanessa has dedicated her life to player development, team placement, and building pathways to college basketball. Recognized as one of the top trainers in Washington State, her impact extends to hundreds of athletes who have advanced to collegiate and professional levels.

Vanessa grew up a military brat, traveling across the U.S. and Asia before settling in Antioch, California for high school. In October 2012, she was honored with induction into the Antioch High School Hall of Fame for her athletic achievements.

As founder, she has launched and coached multiple elite teams — Team Huff, Team Rice, Team KV, Team Maxwell, and Team Tiarra — and continues to set the tone for excellence across all Magic programs. Beyond basketball, Vanessa is also an inactive Family Therapist, bringing a holistic perspective to mentoring youth both on and off the court.

Today, she lives in Puyallup, WA with her husband of 32 years, Gerald, and their son, Marcus (19).

Contact Info

coachvanessa@northwestmagic.org

253-355-6497

“Player development is bigger than basketball — it’s about preparing young people for life.”

Coach Gerald McClendon

COACH GERALD

Co-Owner | Director of Boys Program

Coach Gerald McClendon brings over 20 years of playing, training, and coaching experience to Northwest Magic, alongside his wife and co-founder, Coach Vanessa. A 20-year retired U.S. Army veteran, Coach Gerald infuses the program with high energy, discipline, and drill-sergeant-level leadership, ensuring accountability and excellence across all areas of the organization.

As Director of the Boys Program, Coach Gerald is responsible for the quality control of teams, coaches, parents, and facilities, helping to maintain the high standards Northwest Magic is known for. His leadership style blends structure and motivation, pushing athletes and coaches to reach their potential while keeping the Magic culture strong.

This season, Coach Gerald will:

Oversee the entire Boys Program
Serve as Assistant Coach of the Boys 6th & 7th Team
Assist on the High School Girls Nike EYCL program

Coach Gerald lives in Puyallup, WA, with his wife Vanessa of 32 years, and is a proud father to their son, Marcus (19).

Contact: coachgerald@northwestmagic.org | (253) 217-8555

“Discipline, energy, and teamwork — the building blocks of Magic success.”

Coach Edwina Martin-Arnold

COACH EDWINA

Co-Founder | Strategic Development | CFO

Head Coach – Girls Legacy 6th • Associate Head Coach – Girls Elite 40 High School • Head Coach – Boys 15U & Director of Boys side

Coach Edwina Martin-Arnold’s life has been defined by a deep passion for youth sports and community leadership. She firmly believes that athletics provide young people with opportunities to grow not just physically, but also mentally and socially.

Her coaching journey began over 40 years ago at the Rainier Beach Recreation Center, and she went on to dedicate many seasons to coaching in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). Today, she also serves as the Varsity Girls Head Coach at Rainier Beach High School.

In 2007, Edwina co-founded Northwest Magic Basketball alongside Vanessa and Gerald McClendon. Over the years, her leadership has shaped the program’s growth — from player development and coaching techniques to accounting and membership strategy. Currently, she serves as Head Coach for the Girls Nike 6th Grade Team, Associate Head Coach for the EYCL High School Girls Program, and Head Coach for the Boys 15U team.

Beyond basketball, Coach Edwina is an accomplished lawyer and currently the Inclusion Advisor for the City of Seattle- Contact: coachedwina@northwestmagic.org | 206-412-9387

“Sports build more than athletes — they build confident, capable young people ready to thrive in life.”

Coach Kevin Strozier

COACH STROZIER

Coaching Director | Associate Head Coach – Girls Elite 40 14U | Assistant Coach – Girls Legacy 6th

Coach Kevin Strozier brings a lifetime of basketball knowledge and over 17 years of high school coaching experience to Northwest Magic. As Coaching Director, he not only leads teams on the court but also trains and certifies coaches to carry the Magic standard of excellence.

A standout athlete himself, Coach Strozier played three sports at Flint Central HS in Michigan, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball. As a senior, he earned All-State Honorable Mention while averaging 23.5 points per game. He went on to play at Mott Community College, where he was a two-time Conference Player of the Year, Junior College All-American, and a national JUCO All-Star — helping Mott to its best record in school history (28–8). He later earned a full scholarship to St. Louis University, starting every game, earning All-Metro honors, and being voted Team MVP.

After college, Coach Strozier began his coaching career in Michigan before moving to Washington, where he led Lincoln High School (Tacoma) from 2001–2007. There, he captured back-to-back Narrows League titles, was named Coach of the Year (2006), won a district championship, and led his team to the state tournament with a 25–3 record. Along the way, he coached some of the top talent in the state — including future WNBA player Alex Montgomery (Georgia Tech / Washington Mystics) and many other college athletes.

Today, Coach Strozier is an integral part of Northwest Magic’s girls program, serving as:

Associate Head Coach for the 14U Elite 40 Team Maxwell (with Coach Vanessa)
Assistant Coach for the Girls Legacy 6th Team
Director of Coach Certification – training Magic coaches to be “Magic Certified”

Contact: Coachstro@yahoo.com | 253-878-4639

“My passion is developing players and coaches — helping them reach their highest potential both in basketball and in life.”

COACH Darcel Sharp

COACH DARCEL

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Coach Sharp grew up a true multi-sport athlete — excelling in football, basketball, and baseball before ultimately focusing on football in college. He attended school in New Mexico, where he played wide receiver, and later went on to play arena football with the Wyoming Cavalry.

With 20+ years of coaching experience, Coach Sharp has impacted youth sports at every level — from high school girls’ basketball and AAU to high school boys’ football. Alongside coaching, he built and ran his own speed & agility program and launched a women’s interval training bootcamp, showing his passion for development on and off the court.

Coach Sharp believes in the power of the village to raise youth into productive, responsible, and positive individuals. His love for community and passion for teaching the game make him a valuable leader within Northwest Magic.

🏀 Magic Journey

Last season, Coach Sharp led our 15U Team KV, a young group that battled to an impressive 5th-place national finish on the Nike EYCL circuit. Looking ahead, he’s set to guide the 15U squad for Spring 2026, on the prestigious Elite 40 National Circuit, continuing to develop players while chasing excellence on the national stage.

💜 Coach Sharp’s Motto: “It takes a village — and together, we build more than athletes, we build character.”

Contact Info

darcelsharp4@gmail.com

619-820-1001

COACH GENA WOODKE

COACH GENA

Head Coach – Girls 8th Elite Team

Coach Gena Woodke joins Northwest Magic for her first season, bringing a rich background in athletics, education, and youth development. While her first sport was track, her true love has always been basketball. She grew up competing in the Federal Way Public Schools system and went on to play two years of Junior College basketball before continuing her education at Eastern Washington University (EWU).

Her coaching journey began at Cheney High School, where she coached both track and basketball. While earning her M.S. in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sports & Recreation Administration, she also worked as a manager for the EWU Women’s Basketball Team. Upon returning to the west side, she spent three years with the City of Renton, running and coaching youth athletic programs, while also serving as a JV basketball coach and later as a high school head coach.

Today, Coach Gena serves as a Program Manager with Communities In Schools, helping families remove barriers to education and success. She brings the same dedication to the court, emphasizing teamwork, growth mindset, and self-confidence.

Her passion lies in empowering scholar-athletes to become the best versions of themselves — on the court, in the classroom, and in life. Coach Gena is excited to build strong relationships within the Magic community and help her athletes thrive.

Contact: genawoodke@gmail.com | 253-202-2863

“I value learning, community, and excellence — and I believe in helping athletes grow through teamwork, mindset, and confidence.”

Coach Anthony Greenlee

Recruiting, content, & assisting various magic teams

With over 20 years of coaching experience across middle school, junior high, and AAU basketball, Coach Greenlee has dedicated his career to shaping young athletes both on and off the court. His coaching philosophy is built on teamwork, discipline, and personal growth, ensuring every player develops not only their basketball skills but also the character to succeed in life.

Coaching Journey:

Northwest Magic AAU (2022–Present)– Head coach for girls 10U and boys 11U, now leading the Boys 6th and Girls Rising 7th Elite teams.– Designed and executed skill-focused practice plans and game strategies.– Provided mentorship and academic guidance while supporting athletes through travel tournaments.
Liberty/Bethel Middle School (2009–2015)– Head coach for boys basketball.– Organized practices, taught fundamentals, and managed program fundraising.
White River School District (2000–2009)– Head coach at the middle and junior high level.– Developed players through structured drills, competitive gameplay, and emphasis on sportsmanship

Coaching Strengths:

Leadership in mentoring student-athletes

Expertise in skill development & individualized training

Focus on character, accountability, and teamwork

Proven ability to build competitive, cohesive teams

Coach Greenlee is committed to instilling confidence, discipline, and passion for the game, preparing athletes for success in basketball, school, and life.

“It’s about more than basketball — it’s about building character and preparing student-athletes for the future.”

Coach Chris CaSTLEman

COACH CHRIS

Head Coach – Boys 5th Grade Team

chriscaetleman84@gmail.com | 206-795-2546

Coach Chris Castleman is a proud U.S. Navy veteran, husband of over 20 years, and father of four (two girls and two boys). With a diverse coaching background across soccer, boxing, fastpitch, and basketball, Coach Chris brings both versatility and passion to his role with Northwest Magic.

He began his coaching journey in YMCA and Parks & Recreation programs, building a foundation in youth sports while fostering teamwork and discipline. After serving two seasons as an assistant coach with Northwest Magic, he earned the opportunity to step into a head coach role for the Boys 5th Grade Team in Fall 2024.

Coach Chris is driven by a love for player development and mentorship, finding joy in helping kids grow not only in their basketball skills but also in their resilience and character. He believes that seeing athletes overcome adversity is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.

“Helping players grow in all aspects of life is what drives me — and watching them overcome adversity is what brings me joy.”

Coach LeAsia Jones

Skills Trainer | Head Coach – Girls 4th Legacy & 4/5th Elite | Development Program

Coach LeAsia Jones is a dynamic multi-sport athlete and coach from California with a lifelong passion for sports and working with youth. A standout in volleyball, basketball, and track & field, she went on to compete at the collegiate level and build a career as both a player and coach across multiple sports.

Her diverse coaching background includes:

NAIA Women’s Volleyball Assistant Coach
NWACC Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach
Head & Assistant Coach for several ABA Men’s Semi-Pro teams
Years of experience training athletes through skills camps, clinics, group sessions, and private development

Currently, Coach LeAsia is also an active semi-professional basketball player with Christian Faith, and a two-time WBCBL Champion with the Seattle Dynasty.

Her playing career highlights are extensive, including:

Four-year varsity basketball standout at Oroville High, averaging a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game
Multiple MVP and All-Star selections, section finals appearances, and recognition for both character and athletic excellence
Track & Field accolades, including 2-Time Chico State Heptathlon Champion, Gatorade Track & Field Athlete (2003), and NSCIF High Hurdles Record Holder
Collegiate competition at Chico State (NCAA DII), Lane Community College (NWAACC Champion 2005–06, 33–1 record), and Evergreen State College (NAIA DII) in both volleyball and basketball

This season, Coach LeAsia will lead the 4th Legacy and 4th/5th Elite girls teams while continuing to serve as a skills trainer for Northwest Magic’s Development Program, helping young athletes build strong fundamentals and confidence.

Contact: missjones24@hotmail.com | (530) 828-3233

“My mission is to use my passion and experience to empower kids through sports, helping them grow in skill, confidence, and character.”

Coach Justin Behrens

COACH JUSTIN

Assistant Coach – Girls Elite 40 Team Tiarra (13U)

Justin_behrens@live.com | 206-650-2354

Coach Justin Behrens is passionate about all things sports and feels most connected to his purpose when sharing this passion with young people. He believes deeply in teaching the “inner mental game” of both sports and life, helping athletes grow in confidence and resilience.

Justin’s basketball journey began in Bellevue, WA, where he played guard for Newport High School, competing in the State 3A Tournament. He earned the Coaches Award and Best Defensive Player, before continuing his career at Pacific Lutheran University in the Northwest Conference, where he was recognized as Most Inspirational Player and earned multiple Scholar Athlete Awards.

After college, Justin began working with youth as the Director of the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club, before transitioning into his professional career where he now leads a team of sales professionals in the dental industry. His love for coaching has continued in parallel — most recently assisting with Team Tiarra (13U) and coaching the Cascade Christian 6th grade feeder team, which finished Top 5 in Washington after a strong state tournament run (3–1 record).

Beyond basketball, Justin also coaches his son’s Little League, basketball, football, and soccer teams. He and his wife Katie have been married for 18 years and are proud parents to Sunday (12) and Bodie (6).

“Coaching is about more than the scoreboard — it’s about teaching mindset, teamwork, and life lessons that last well beyond the game.”

Coach Darrell Davis

Head Coach – Girls 7th Elite | Head Coach – Boys 6th/7th Black

Coach Darrel Davis, a Tacoma native, is entering his fourth season with Northwest Magic, bringing a wealth of playing experience and a strong passion for player development. His mission is to share his knowledge, skills, and love for the game to help young athletes grow both on and off the court.

A standout at Lincoln High School (1988–1990), Darrel was a 3-year varsity starter, earning team, league, and area MVP honors as a senior. He graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,395 points) and still holds the record for most points in a single season (542). His success drew recruiting interest from schools such as UW, WSU, Gonzaga, and Long Beach State.

Darrel continued his basketball journey at the collegiate level:

North Idaho College (1990–91) – Took over a starting role as a freshman; later recruited by Wake Forest.
Pierce College (1991–92) – Named NW Athletic Association All-Western Division; ranked 3rd in scoring (28.7 PPG).
University of Southern Colorado (1993–94) – Named MVP of the Tip-Off Classic; still ranks 20th on the program’s single-season all-time 3-point list.

With unique experience playing for seven different coaches in seven years across middle school, high school, and college, Darrel developed the ability to adapt to different systems — a lesson he now passes on to his players.

This season, Coach Darrel will serve as Head Coach of the Girls Swish 7th Team and Assistant Coach for Boys 7th Purple.

“My goal is to use my journey and experiences to give back, inspire confidence, and help players unlock their potential.”

Coach Chelsea Sell

Assistant Coach – Girls 8th Elite Team

Coach Chelsea Sell is entering her second season with Northwest Magic, bringing both experience and passion for youth basketball. A lifelong competitor, Chelsea’s love for the game began in the 5th grade, inspired by her older sister. She went on to play varsity basketball in high school and spent five years competing in AAU basketball.

Her coaching journey began in 2018 with the Eatonville Youth Sports Association (EYSA), where she coached both boys and girls for six years. She also coached with Yelm Recreation for two seasons before starting her own AAU program in Eatonville, WA, focused on local developmental tournaments. In 2025, Chelsea joined Northwest Magic, continuing her mission to help young athletes grow in both skill and confidence.

Off the court, Chelsea is a Lead Manufacturing Engineer at Boeing. She is also a proud wife and mom of three daughters, balancing career, family, and coaching with dedication and energy.

“Basketball has given me so much — I’m passionate about giving back and helping players build confidence, skills, and a love for the game.”

Coach Michael “Coach Mike” Tribbett

Head Coach – Boys 4th Purple

mtribbett@blazingonion.com | 253-691-8246

Born and raised in Tacoma, WA, Coach Mike has called the Pacific Northwest home his entire life. A lifelong athlete, he began playing football, baseball, and basketball at age 4, developing a love for the energy and competitiveness of team sports. He attended Bethel Jr. High and Bethel High School, and later went on to coach youth basketball and baseball in local rec leagues and the YMCA before officially joining the Northwest Magic family in 2024.

Off the court, Coach Mike is a Chef and restaurant manager, overseeing 15 restaurants across three different concepts. He thrives on the parallels between sports and his career — teamwork, communication, and the shared pursuit of excellence.

Married to his wife Chelsea for 8 years, and proud dad to Mason (9) and Livie (2), Coach Mike is passionate about helping young athletes grow. His coaching philosophy is simple yet powerful:

“Let’s have fun and help the next generation be life ready.”

Coach Harris Bauer

Assistant Coach – Girls 7th Elite

Coach Harris brings over a decade of experience working with youth, both in middle school classrooms and as a counselor for teens ages 13–17. His career in the Juvenile Judicial system showed him firsthand how powerful sports can be in shaping young lives. By incorporating athletics into his programming, he helped at-risk youth channel their energy in a positive way, seeing real growth and positive change.

His coaching journey began with his daughter’s Metro Parks Community League team, and he quickly discovered his passion for teaching the game. Now entering his second season with Northwest Magic, Coach Harris is eager to continue developing and encouraging young athletes.

For Coach Harris, basketball is about more than wins and losses. He emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and camaraderie, while helping players build confidence both on and off the court. His passion and positive approach make him an invaluable part of the Magic family.

“Sports are more than a game — they’re a tool to build confidence, teamwork, and character.”

Contact Info

marcus2m.harris@icloud.com

425-426-4311

Coach AMY HANDER

Head Coach Boys 4th

Coach Amy has been coaching since 2006, working with players from preschool all the way up to high school—serving in roles from C team coach to varsity assistant. A former high school player herself, she brings both experience and heart to the court—passionate about helping young athletes pair their love of the game with hard work and high-level skill development.

She believes basketball is more than just a sport—it’s a space to build grit, camaraderie, and life skills. As one of the few women coaching boys at this level, she brings a unique perspective and a whole lot of energy (even if her knees occasionally disagree).

She shares co-head coaching duties with Coach Mike, whose basketball IQ is top-tier, whose knees are somehow still intact, and whose sense of humor keeps things interesting. Together, they’re committed to helping young athletes grow on and off the court—and have a great time doing it.

Contact Info

handerae28@gmail.com

Coach Heidi Grace

Heidi Grace brings over 32 years of coaching experience in youth sports to the Northwest Magic family. Throughout her career, she has coached a wide variety of sports including Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, and Track & Field.

Her diverse background has sharpened her ability to recognize and develop athletes’ foundational movement patterns, focusing on speed, agility, strength, and endurance. This approach not only elevates performance but also helps prevent injury.

With Northwest Magic, Coach Heidi will be assisting with practices, leading youth development and speed/agility training, and contributing to content creation for our Magic Girls program.

Coach Heidi values a principled work ethic, respect for self and others, and relentless determination as the keys to excellence in both practice and play.

“Success is built on discipline, respect, and the daily pursuit of excellence.”

Contact Info

heidi_grace@aw.org