This month’s professional spotlight features Alexander Loul Syum, Head Basketball Coach at Mt. Hood Community College and owner of Coach Loul LLC, a Sports Mental Skills & Performance Training Program (CoachLoul.com). Read on to learn more about Coach Loul’s path to becoming a college basketball coach while leveraging his education in sports psychology.
Could you briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role.
My current job is coaching and performance training. As the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, I am responsible for leading the men’s basketball program and developing young athletes to extend their educational and athletic career. This is my first head college coaching position, and I am entering my second season and super excited about the current group that I recruited.
In addition to my coaching duties, I also run my own sports mental training and performance program. This program places a strong emphasis on the comprehensive development of athletes, both physically and mentally. Leveraging my educational background in sports psychology, I work with athletes to enhance their mental toughness, confidence, and overall performance. This mental training complements the physical aspects of their preparation, helping them succeed not only on the basketball court but also in their personal growth and development.
What motivated you to pursue a career as a college basketball coach?
Honestly my journey toward pursuing a career as a college basketball coach was somewhat funny, but I learned a lot about myself and what I can do for athletes. My deep passion for the game and a desire to work with young athletes made me think bigger and how I can use my gift to work with people to get them to the next level. This role allows me to work with college athletes, helping them navigate the challenges of higher-level competition and personal growth. In fact, it allows me to bring international kids into my program and give them a chance to play college basketball. My aspiration is to continue progressing in my coaching career is built on relationships, motivation to become better at what I do and ideally reaching the highest levels, whether that be in the professional ranks or at the Division I college level.
Ultimately, my motivation as a college basketball coach stems from a genuine love for the game and a desire to mentor and inspire young athletes to reach their full potential, both in their athletic pursuits and in life.
What was your path to becoming a basketball coach?
It began during my own college basketball career when I was a player. After my playing days, I initially gravitated towards a career in counseling, where I could work with young people and make a positive impact on their lives.
However, my path took an unexpected turn when I had the opportunity to coach 7th-grade girls. I can’t lie, it was hard! They were young and had a lot of attitude, which I enjoyed and made me realize that they learned a lot from me and what I could do as a coach. It was during this experience that I discovered my genuine passion for coaching. Working with these young athletes, helping them develop their skills, and witnessing their growth both on and off the court ignited a newfound motivation within me. As time went on, my coaching journey took me to the high school level, then a new opportunity working abroad in South East Asia, where I had to chance to sharpen my skills and do a lot of traveling. After that I took a flight straight to Eritrea where I started building a strong relationship with the Eritrea basketball federation and ran a basketball camp in Asmara. Shortly after my trip, it led me to the college level, where I currently serve as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Mt. Hood Community College.
Can you talk about your background in sports psychology? How does that background play a role in your coaching?
Sometimes I don’t realize I’m using my sports psychology tricks until it happens! Without realizing it, my background in sports psychology serves as the cornerstone of my coaching philosophy, enabling me to nurture not only the physical skills of my players but also their mental resilience, confidence, and overall well-being. When I originally went back to get my masters in science and sport psychology, all I wanted to do was help people. But over a period of time, I realized that I could show different ways to build yourself mentally. I’m a high energy person, I’m always talking, always enthusiastic and excited for people and I get that type of energy back from others. By integrating sports psychology principles into my coaching and fostering a healthy culture not only for my players but for myself, I aim to empower my athletes to perform at their best, both on and off the court, ultimately contributing to my college basketball program’s success.
Can you share more about what you have worked on in Eritrea related to basketball?
My camp experience in Eritrea was quite spontaneous. During my visit in 2019 to reconnect with family and get to know more of my cousins, I had a strong desire to establish a connection with the Eritrean National Basketball Federation, although I wasn’t sure how to go about it initially. After four weeks, I had the opportunity to meet Henok, who oversees the program, and Robel, who manages the basketball league in Asmara. The idea for a basketball camp took shape rapidly, and we were able to gather nearly 60 enthusiastic young participants. While organizing the camp with just two basketball hoops posed challenges, we quickly devised a plan and divided the participants into morning and afternoon groups to make it work. I have a cool video on my YouTube page of the camp. Weeks after, I gave the blueprint to my friend Manny who was also visiting family and ran a women’s camp.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your career?
As I continue my journey, the most rewarding aspect of my career as an up-and-coming college basketball coach is the opportunity to build strong and meaningful relationships, not only at the college level but within the African basketball community. As I strive to build strong roots everywhere I go, the connections not only enrich my understanding of the sport but also allow me to contribute to its growth and development on a broader scale. Witnessing the positive impact on young athletes and the different communities that I can connect with. However, the challenges will be there, continue to have balances is key. Integrating mental conditioning and psychological support into my coaching approach requires careful time management and continuous learning. Yet, overcoming these challenges strengthens my coaching skills and allows me to offer a more comprehensive and holistic experience to my players.
Is there a philosophy that drives your career?
“Stack days and continue to strive towards that 1%.”
I use this with my players and myself. Understand that every day counts and you should always work towards building healthy habits daily. I also say “Lets GOOOO” a lot haha.
To date, what is your greatest professional accomplishment?
I have two! My first would be working with the Eritrean National Basketball team this summer and attending the Afro-FIBA cup in Tanzania! The summer of 2023 was great for me and getting a chance to be with the national team and wear those colors was a humbling experience. Excited to continue working with them and bringing more Diaspora into the mix and growing the game of basketball while connecting the bridge.
My second would be my first year (2022-2023) as a head college basketball coach at Mt. Hood CC. We made the playoffs, and I recruited the MVP of the league. I had a lot of doubt going into the season but the success at the end made me realize that there are more accomplishments ahead of me. I am excited for the future!
What advice would you give someone looking to transition into your line of work?
Here’s my advice to young basketball coaches and players: It’s crucial to work on building connections and meaningful relationships within the basketball community. Being good to others, whether teammates, coaches, or opponents, creates a positive and respectful environment. Equally important is working hard to continually improve your skills and sharpen your tools. Dedication, adaptability, and a growth mindset are your keys to success on and off the court. Embrace these principles, set goals, and dream big, because in basketball and life, they can guide you toward greatness.
Outside of all of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun? Hobbies?
My girlfriend and I are usually busy with our two dogs, Congo and Penny. I spend time with my family, I cherish moments drinking boon with my mom and grandma, watching their favorite shows. Living in Oregon, I often find myself outdoors, taking in the sights and exploring the beautiful surroundings. Lately, I’ve developed an interest in golf, so you might spot me at the driving range, working on my swing and enjoying the game.