Pete Rivas

Pete Rivas, founder of The Works Basketball Academy, boasts a basketball coaching career spanning over four decades. With a wealth of experience in coaching boys and girls at the youth, high school, and college levels, Rivas has become a respected figure in the basketball community and has established himself as a prominent authority in player development. He holds a USA Basketball coaching license, has served as a long-time Nike Basketball Camp Director, and co-directs the Snow Valley Basketball Schools.

In 2006, Rivas founded The Works Basketball Academy with a mission to provide high-quality instruction to youth basketball players across Southern California. Operating in various formats (e.g., Academy, Camps, Clinics, School, and Elite Teams), The Works Academy achieves Rivas' overarching goal of elevating players' skills and capabilities.

During his 20 years with Nike Basketball Camps and Snow Valley Basketball Schools, Rivas has positively impacted thousands of boys and girls, guiding them to realize their full athletic potential. While working with campers of all levels at Nike Basketball Camps, he concentrates on intermediate to advanced participants at Snow Valley Basketball Schools' overnight programs in Santa Barbara, CA. Recognized for his role as a skills and team developer for local high schools in Southern California, Rivas has also directed Nike Basketball Camps in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Boise, Idaho.

Known for his innovative coaching techniques, he employs a holistic approach to player development, emphasizing not only technical proficiency but also mental resilience and teamwork. Committed to staying up to date on the latest trends and methodologies in the sport, Rivas balances innovation with a continued loyalty to the fundamental principles that have defined his success. This commitment has resulted in the production of multiple high-level athletes.

Coach Rivas has impacted local high school teams, particularly at Fairmont Preparatory Academy, where beginning in 2008 he served as the Head Varsity Assistant Girls Basketball Coach. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, securing ten consecutive league titles, one CIF Championship, and one CIF appearance. Beyond local borders, Rivas has extended his influence, collaborating with high school and club basketball players in Asia, Mexico, and South America.

Having joined the coaching staff at Orange Lutheran in 2022, Rivas has played a pivotal role in elevating the girls’ basketball program to new heights. and his contribution to a coaching staff that secured back-to-back CIF championships in 2022 and 2023.