Staff

Chris Brazelton, AKA “Coach Braz,” originally from San Bernardino, CA, has 9 years of Division 1 Coaching experience and 3 years of Division 1 playing experience. Coach Braz concluded his playing career at Fresno State University, earning the scholar-athlete award in 2005. Upon graduation from Fresno State in 2006, Brazelton started Collegiate Coaching Summer 2006 at the University of New Orleans. Following a year at UNO, summer 2007 he was hired as an Assistant Coach at the University of California, Riverside. During a five year span at UC Riverside, Coach Braz developed both guards, as well as big men in the BIG WEST Conference. Spring 2012 he was hired as an Assistant Coach at Drake University in the Missouri Valley Conference. Following completion of a year at Drake, Brazelton was hired in Spring 2013 as the Associate Head Coach at San Jose State University. Concluding the 2014-15 season, Brazelton decided it was time to pursue his dream of creating his own company and pouring into the lives of young people around the Bay Area; BMG.

Following five years as CEO/Director of BMG Academy, the merge in 2021 with Nike EYBL Oakland Soldiers organization, put Coach Braz at the helm of the Silicon Valley Chapter and EYBL coaching.

Off the basketball court, Braz was recruited to be a part of Pepsi Cola’s college recruitment, business internship program in 2006. He then went on to complete a year of M.A. work at the University of New Orleans, and became an M.A. Strategic Communications Honors Graduate from National University in 2009

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Paul Simpson originally from Oakland, California is an experienced professional, both within business as well as the basketball realm. Paul played at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) from 1997-2000. As a freshman, he was voted Most Improved Player. From 2001-2003, he served as Assistant Coach, responsible for individual player development, recruiting, and operations management. Off the court at UCSC, Paul’s accomplishments included: • Serving as Chapter President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) • Participating as a member of the Black Men’s Alliance (BMA) • Being an INROADS scholar working for Hitachi Data Systems Paul graduated UCSC with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management/Economics.

In 2005, he founded SageTel Solutions, which later grew into SageTel International, a boutique international wireless consulting firm. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of SageTel International, which specializes in mobile network deployments/ managements and valueadded services including location-based services for wireless carriers across the globe. In 2007, Paul was recognized in the Cambridge Who’s Who of Technology for excellence in the wireless industry. That year, he also cofounded WiBlaze India Pvt Ltd, which is a metropolitan internet service provider (ISP) offering WiFi connectivity at affordable prices. In addition, Paul is on the Marin Academy Board of Trustees, and is an active member of both the Marin Academy and UCSC Alumni Associations. Paul’s experiences in both basketball and business allow him to effectively help student athletes achieve success on and off the court.

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Coach Kevin Bell "KB," orginally from Los Angeles, CA comes to the Soldiers with an extensive playing/coaching background. At Fairfax High School Coach KB achieved First Team LA City Section Western League and a number of Division 1 opportunities. While playing at Fresno State he was 1st Team All-WAC Conference averaging 18ppg and 5apg, leading the league in Assists 2005-2007.

Coach KB had an extensive Professional career over season in UK, Poland, Switzerland. Following his professional playing career he Coached in the Nike EYBL for Team Why Not, as well as in the Bay Area for Team Wright Legacy. We are excited to bring KB on board as a Soldier, a Leader, and player development professional. #SALUTE

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Ward Burton aka "Coach Ward," comes to Soldiers with 20+ years of coaching and training experience. A North Hollywood native, and local Los Altos High School product, competed for four years in the program and immediately began a coaching career. A 2009 Sacramento State Graduate with a B.A. in Early Childhood Development, Coach Ward is a very driven, motivated, talented teacher, Coach Ward brings a lot of substance and leadership to the Soldiers community.

While attending Foothill Junior College, Coach Ward was the Youth Sports Coordinator at the Mountain View YMCA. In 2010 he was named Head Coach at Saint Andrews in Saratoga California, leading the program to a winning record in back to back seasons. Following Saint Andrews, he spent two years as Head Coach at Rolling Hills Middle School in Los Gatos California. From 2015-19 Coach Ward led Fisher Middle School to three undefeated seasons and league titles. He has transitioned to Soldiers Academy and brings this level of quality experience and success. In conjunction, Coach Ward spent time in the South Bay Area with several AAU Programs and helped developed a tremendous amount of talent.

In his spare time, Coach Ward enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and playing in adult league basketball. We are excited to have Ward as a Soldiers Coach and leader in our community.

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Isaac Walker, originally from Oroville, CA, brings a strong basketball pedigree to the court. A standout at Las Plumas High School, he averaged an impressive 22.7 points per game, earning All-Section Second Team League honors and being named Butte View League MVP. He also showcased his talent as a starter in the Paul Bryant Northern Section All-Star Game. Following high school, Isaac continued his basketball journey at Butte College and San Jose City College, where he further honed his skills and developed as a player. Currently, he is in his second season with the San Jose Wolfpack, formerly known as the Panthers, competing in the ABA professional basketball league. With a high basketball IQ, relentless work ethic, and a passion for the game, Isaac continues to make an impact on and off the court. #SALUTE

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Brandon Boyd aka "Coach B," comes to Soldiers after a three year professional basketball playing career in Puerto Rico for the Arecibo Capitanes Club, and a decorated Division 1 playing Career. As a Division 1 basketball player at Idaho State and California Baptist University, he achieved Freshman of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, and was apart of the All-Big Sky Conference Team three straight years. At Cal Baptist University Brandon won Newcomer of the Year in the Western Athletic Conference; scoring over 1500 points and over 300 assists.

Coach B has a BA from Idaho State and MA in Kinesiology and Sports Management from Cal Baptist University. He has been fortunate enough to learn under mentors such as, Kenny "The Jet" Smith, Rick Croy and Bill Evans both Division 1 Head Coaches, and is excited to give quality mentorship back! We are excited to have Brandon as a part of the Family!

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Kodie Spearman comes to the Soldiers program with a passion to grow our players both on the court and as wholistic athletes. While competing in a variety of sports throughout his life he knows you are only as good as your mind and body allow you to be. This idea was solidified through his high school basketball career. By focusing on both nutrition and strength training, along with basketball skill work, he went from a JV bench player to Most Improved Varsity Player from his freshman to sophomore year. While attending Santa Clara University, on a full academic scholarship, he ran and was part of the officiating crew for the intramural basketball program.

Kodie has always had a passion for giving back to the children of the community. He volunteered over 2,000 hours at his local Boys & Girls Clubs in Rhode Island and was a volunteer for the Special Olympics program coaching his team to a state championship.

While basketball is a life long love his other passions include fitness, pickleball, cars and collecting records. He’s also excited to welcome his first child with his wife and pup this year!

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Donovan Plunkett aka "Coach D" comes to the Soldiers program originally from Oroville, CA after having a quality Collegiate and professional playing career. A 2011 Graduate of Dixie State University, Coach D names Second Team Pacific West All Conference, and Conference Top 10 player of the week twice. Donovan shot 44% from 3pt line in College, 2nd highest percentage in the league, and was top 10 honor role four times. A transfer from Butte College and Las Plumas High School, Coach Donovan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Soldiers program. As a mature, level headed, players coach and trainer, we are excited to have Coach D on board!

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John Scholl, AKA “Coach Jack”, a basketball junkie originally from Fairfield, Connecticut comes to the Soldiers program after 3 years at Santa Clara University, and one year at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island competing within the programs. With experience coaching younger players since his early teenage years Coach Jack began professionally training players in 2021 through KMK Training in Fairfield, CT. Ranging from overseas professionals to NBA G-league guys to collegiate athletes of all levels, high school, middle school, and elementary school players as well- Coach Jack works with all ages and brings the same uplifting positive spirit each day focused on encouraging everyone around him to push ourselves to the best of our ability in pursuit of our common goals & to maximize our potential both as a team and individually. Coach Jack is a life-long student of the game, constantly seeking to build on his 15+ years of experience & dedication to basketball.

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Daryl Pegram, AKA "Coach DP," is the current Head Coach at Aquinas High School, in San Bernardino California. 2025 Aquinas lost in the CIF State Division III Championships, First Round Game; Coach Pegram's First Year as Head Coach.

Coach Pegram as a player was at the college level for four seasons including 2005-06 at D1 Loyola Marymount University, after spending his true freshman season at the University of Indiana. Finished fifth on the team in scoring with 6.5 points per game... added 4.3 rebounds per contest. A second-team All-New England Prep School Class A selection at Worcester Academy.. one of six members of Worcester Academy's Class of 2002 to accept a Division I basketball scholarship offer, joining Worcester teammates Craig Smith (Boston College), Jarrett Jack (Georgia Tech), Jason Chappell (Wisconsin), Brendan Winters (Davidson) and teammate Wes Wardrop... averaged 15.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and three blocked shots per game... hit 42 three-pointers as a senior... played on the Purple team at the Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic.

Coach Pegram is a High Level Coach and Leader, with incredible character. We are honored and proud to have him a part of the Silicon Valley Soldiers Organization. #SALUTE

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Coach Cristo Ortega comes to the Soldiers family after having spent ten years as a Collegiate Assistant and Head Coach at San Francisco State University. Coach developed Midnight HOOPS league in San Francisco having served over 800 kids in the process. Cristo directed several basketball camps while in professional coaching, while additionally being heavily involved in the Pete Newell Big Man Camp.

Coach is a huge asset to the Soldiers basktball program on both the player and coach developmental side! #Salute

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Joe Mentillo aka "Coach Joe" comes to Soldiers with 20+ years of basketball knowledge and Head Coaching experience. Most recently, Coach Joe spent four years as the Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Harbor High School in Santa Cruz, CA. Prior to Harbor, Coach Joe spent nine years as the Varsity Coach at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Jose. In the summers Coach supported Bald Eagle Sports Camps as a director and coach. A strong visionary of the game and mentor of many, he has establish a strong position in the Soldiers program aiding in both team and Coach development.  

Joe has a B.S. from San Jose State Univ., along with a M.A. in healthy and physical education/fitness from Madison Univ. We are excited to have Coach be able to give back to the South Bay Area community, along with the joining the Soldiers Family!

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Kemit Mawakana aka Coach Kemit, comes to the Soldiers with a decorated Division 1 playing background and high academic honors. A member of the Georgetown Hoyas 1986-1990 team, the 6-9 center saw action in 114 games over four years, starting in 17 games amidst a rotation of big men that variously included Johnathan Edwards, Anthony Allen, Ben Gillery, Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo. Named the team co-captain as a senior.

An outstanding student, Coach Kemit was named the recipient of the Raymond Medley Memorial Award, presented to the model student athlete of the 1989-90 season. He went on to attend law school at Georgetown, graduating in 1994 and serving as a civil and corporate litigator in the Washington area for nearly a decade. He returned to Georgetown and served a fellowship at the Law Center while earning a postgraduate degree in 2006.

We are excited to have Coach as a part of our Soldiers Coaching Staff, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program! #Salute

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Elijah Harrell aka “Coach EJ” comes to the soldiers with 10+ years coaching and training experience. Harrell was a 3 year Varsity player at Gilroy High leading his team and league in steals & assists in back to back seasons. Coach EJ went on to pursue his education at San Jose City/Central New Mexico in Behavioral Science and Hospitality & Tourism. In 2014, Coach EJ return to the Silicon Valley and founded The Guard Academy basketball development program. With a detailed and mental approach, he has helped many players from middle school to the D1 level on their developmental journey as a skills trainer and defensive specialist. He coached 8th grade boys and girls at Brownell Middle School to championship seasons. Coach EJ has helped other organizations as a team skills trainer for AAU programs such Oakland Soldiers 11U Elite and Arsenal 13U Elite.

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