February 08, 2017
Getting to Know: Jeff Skaggs, San Domenico Nike Basketball Camp Director
Welcome to the #CoachesCorner where you get to know the coaches at our Nike International Sports Camps.Today we’ll talk with Jeff Skaggs, San Domenico Basketball Director and Nike Basketball Coach. Jeff oversees the basketball program for the combined ELS and Nike Basketball Camp at San Domenico. Located near San Francisco, CA, this unique camp program is one of eight in the U.S., offering international campers balanced instruction and discipline in both sports and language. International participants live and train alongside American kids, and are encouraged to develop their personal skills in a multi-cultural atmosphere of camaraderie, discovery and growth.
2017 marks Jeff’s 16th year as founder and director of the San Domenico Basketball Camps and the 4th year working with Nike Basketball Camps. Jeff has been a teacher and coach at San Domenico for more than ten years. He was a high school basketball standout and later became a college player and coach at Southern Utah University.
How long have you been coaching basketball?
I started coaching as an assistant at the University of Southern Utah at age 22, directly out of college and have been coaching ever since. So that makes it almost 35 years. As a PE and Athletic Director, I enjoy working with AAU and high school players because they are so pure in their love and passion for the game. My goal as a coach is to help players experience the magic and power of what happens when five players on the court work as one.
What do you expect from players at Camp?
They should expect to play hard, listen, share the ball, and be a good teammate.
What is your favorite sport team, player and why?
My favorite basketball team would be the Golden State Warriors. I started going to their games when I was ten years old in San Francisco and have always been a fan. It’s crazy how talented the Warriors are. Yet, Steph Curry, Clay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, who are all stars in their own right, work so well together as a team. It’s fun basketball to watch.
Which college or pro player do you make it a point to watch play?
My favorite player would be Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs because he is such a team player, is humble, and plays great defense on a great team.
Favorite Camp Drill?
I have more than one. Full court layups, full court ball handling, and full court movement into jump shots.
How did you get in shape for basketball?
My favorite way to get in shape as a player, was to play one on one full court games to 100 against someone who was better than me.
What is the most important thing you tell your players?
Believe in yourself. Never stop learning or practicing. You can always get better.
How are language and sports combined in this program?
ELS certified teachers run the language program from 8am to 9:45 Monday through Thursday. The ELS students join the Nike basketball camp starting at 10:00 am and train until about 2:45 pm. Except for the time that they are in language classes, international kids live and train with the other local American campers attending camp. Every evening there are fun activities, like BBQ's, camp fires, soccer games or open gym time when campers can play recreational basketball, or hang out in the dorms with their new friends. All evening and weekend programs are organized and supervised by the residential staff.
What can an international camper expect from their summer at camp?
On the basketball side, great energy from the coaches, excellent teaching, competitive games, and the chance to play lots of basketball with American kids. Also, our campus is beautiful with nice dorms, hiking trails, great athletic facilities and a swimming pool the kids swim in each day. You’ll also get to visit lots of cool places in San Francisco and pretty much just have a great time!
What’s your favorite part about the area in which the camp is located?
The San Francisco Bay Area, and San Anselmo, (the city where our camp is held,) are some of the most beautiful places anywhere in the world. The weather is great (always sunny,) and we are surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains, yet the beach and water are close by.
What message would you like parents to understand prior to camp?
My co-directors, Mike Fulton and Buck Chavez, have co-directed these camps for 15 years now and our main goal is to give each camper the tools they need to become a better player. We all deeply love and respect the game and want to share our passion for the sport. We will also keep your children safe and provide a positive environment in which they can develop.
For more information about our Nike Basketball Camp programs at San Domenico, visit www.ussportscamps.com/international/nike/, or contact 1-800-NIKE-CAMP (645-3226). We also offer Nike Tennis, Soccer and Swim Programs combined with ELS classes at this location.