Meet the Iron Courts Team
The Iron Courts team features multiple decades of extensive experience in sports training, medicine and coaching. Our team members and trainers cover both Iron Courts locations in Phoenix/Ahwatukee and Gilbert. We look forward to meeting you!
Diego Poore
Director of basketball operations
Diego Poore is originally from Crossville, TN. He spent five years playing at the NCAA D2 level at Tusculum University and Southern Wesleyen University. He graduated in 2020 with a Master’s Degree in Sport Management. Most recently, he spent the 2021 – 2022 season playing in Fondi, Italy averaging 16.5ppg. He is a 1 Percent Basketball Owner and Skills Trainer and assistant to NBA Trainer Vaughn Compton. He is a PGC Basketball Director and a PGC skills trainer.
For Iron Courts, he is excited about having the opportunity to develop players of all ages to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential within the game of basketball.
Chuck Howard, MS, CPT, CWPM
Director of Performance Training and iron prep academy
Chuck Howard, with 37 years of experience, has been a dedicated trainer for numerous athletes in the field of strength and conditioning. He obtained his Exercise Science degree from IU in 1986. In August 2009, he joined GCU and eventually became the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for all 22 teams. Chuck then established the Champions Training Center, where he motivated individuals of all ages to enhance their health and athletic performance through dedicated training in a Christian environment.
Chuck has trained numerous athletes, including high school and college All-Americans and Professional Athletes. Notable individuals include: Kayla Petersen (WNBA), Dalen Terry (Bulls), Ochi Abaji (Jazz), Jericho Sims (Knicks), David Roddy (Grizzlies), Dillon Brooks (Rockets), Markus Howard (Marquette and Big East All Time Leading Scorer), Jordan Howard (University of Arkansas All Time Leading Scorer) and Koa Peat #4 Ranked High School Basketball player. Football players include Josh McCown (Jets), LeGarrette Blount (Eagles), DeeJay Dallas (Seahawks), and Rashaad White (Bucs).
Chuck holds Philippians 4:13 as his most cherished Bible verse, which states, “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” He firmly believes that regardless of one’s current health condition, if they genuinely desire to honor God, they will prioritize taking care of their body as a way of honoring their temple.
Craig Brackins
Director of player development
Craig Brackins is a former NBA forward and international pro with over a decade of experience playing at the highest levels of the game. Drafted 21st overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets, Craig went on to play for the Philadelphia 76ers and competed professionally in top leagues across Europe and Asia. Before his pro career, Craig starred at Iowa State University, where he was a three-year standout and earned All-Big 12 honors. Craig made his mark as one of the most dynamic power forwards in school history and finished his college career among Iowa State’s top scorers and rebounders. A highly touted recruit out of Brewster Academy, Craig brought national attention to Iowa State with his commitment and on-court dominance.
Now as Director of Player Development at Iron Courts, Craig brings his deep basketball knowledge, global playing experience, and a player-first mindset to every session. His focus is on skill development, confidence building, and helping athletes unlock their full potential both on and off the court.
Outside of basketball, Craig enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and exploring new culinary experiences. His passion for the game, commitment to personal growth, and dedication to developing others make him a trusted mentor and a powerful presence in the gym.
MJ Moler
Director of Leagues and Tournaments
MJ is a Charles Wright Academy alumna (Tacoma, WA), where she was a three sport Varsity athlete (basketball, soccer, and track & field). She began her collegiate basketball career at Northwest University in Kirkland, WA and finished it at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, OR. Throughout her career at Chemeketa CC, MJ worked at a well-known basketball facility, “The Hoop” in Salem, OR. From 2018 to 2024, MJ traveled the West Coast to partner and collaborate with other Event Directors such as The Hoop Circuit, Hoopsource, West Coast Elite, Vegas Elite Basketball Club, and more. Her most memorable experience thus far is working with the Jr. NBA and Spalding alongside Cherokee Parks for the 2018 Northwest Region World Championships. MJ is heavily involved in the Arizona basketball community, she began coaching youth club basketball in 2022 and she will be the Varsity Girl’s Head Coach at San Tan Charter High school for the 2025-2026 school year.
Outside of basketball, MJ enjoys spending time with her family, playing pickleball with her fiancé, and traveling the world.
MJ is looking forward to being a small part of a very impactful and passionate community at Iron Courts. She is excited to watch Iron Courts grow and reach people further than Arizona. MJ is thrilled to lead the Iron Court’s Recreational leagues, as well as ‘ICONIC’, which will serve as the Event Director for Iron Court’s competitive Tournaments, Men’s and Women’s Leagues, and basketball events for all ages.
Parker Saunders
Basketball Trainer
Born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, Parker Saunders developed his passion for basketball at an early age. He attended Campo Verde High School, where he played three years of varsity basketball before graduating in 2021. Following high school, Parker spent two years in England doing volunteer work through his church, an experience that helped shape his leadership, discipline, and commitment to serving others.
In 2023, Parker began training and coaching youth athletes, quickly building a reputation for his ability to connect with players and drive real results. He is passionate about helping athletes grow not only in their skills, but also in their confidence, work ethic, and character.
Parker is currently attending Arizona State University, where he is pursuing a degree in Business Management.
At Iron Courts, Parker focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the game while helping players understand how to play winning basketball. He is dedicated to developing well-rounded athletes and instilling life skills that translate beyond the court.
Taylor “TK” Kirkham
Basketball Trainer
Originally from Oxnard, California, he was a four-year varsity basketball player and went on to compete at the collegiate level at Moorpark College. He also gained professional experience playing in the Junior Basketball Association (JBA) and internationally in South America.
With over eight years of high-level training experience, ranging from youth athletes to the professional level, he specializes in developing elite guards through advanced shooting and ball-handling.
Beyond skill development, he is passionate about mentoring athletes and helping them grow in confidence, discipline, and work ethic. His goal is to develop well-rounded players who not only excel on the court but carry winning habits and strong character into every area of life.
Jassem Cumlat
Basketball Trainer
Originally from Kaua’i, Hawai’i, he was a three-year varsity basketball player and earned Conference Player of the Year honors, along with All-State recognition as a senior. He went on to play at the collegiate level at West Hills Community College and Shoreline Community College.
He brings over four years of coaching and training experience, including working alongside NBA trainer Brendon Lavender. He has also served as an assistant coach with Iron Prep and currently coaches the Gilbert Icons.
He specializes in player development and is passionate about helping athletes grow both on and off the court. His focus goes beyond skill work, emphasizing discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic to help players reach their full potential in basketball and in life.
Najeal Young
Basketball Trainer
Sean Ladd
Basketball Trainer
Alex Scales
Basketball Trainer
Julliaan Irvin
Basketball Trainer
Phreddie Minnifield
Performance Trainer
Phreddie Minnifield will lead Adult Fitness classes at Iron Courts.
Phreddie is a Certified Personal Trainer, a 5th Degree Black Belt, and an Ordained Pastor. Phreddie and his wife Terrilyn have been married for 28 years, they have 6 children and 6 grandchildren. They are the founders of WordLife Church in Chandler, AZ. Phreddie has been inspiring, teaching and training people for over two decades.
Phreddie combines the scientific approach of Performance Training with the Ancient Art of Tang Soo Do. The combined skills allow him to coach with maximum results.
Rochelle Clendenin
GENERAL Manager
Rochelle is from Gilbert, AZ. She is interested in anything that has to do with her family. She has a huge love for watching her boys play sports and watching her daughter dance. She enjoys reading and has a love for cooking and baking.
For Iron Courts, she is excited that her kids can have a home base for training. She believes in kids having stability and an outlet which Iron Courts provides. Iron Courts gives them something to be excited about and gives them a place to grow. She is excited to be a part of this amazing opportunity and feels blessed to be a part of the Iron Courts family.
Diane Amini, FNP
Sports Medicine Nurse Practitioner
Diane grew up in Chicago but has lived in Chandler for the last 9 years. She loves dogs and has three of them. She enjoys volunteering and loves helping people. As a nurse and now nurse practitioner, her favorite part is building relationships with people and helping them achieve their health goals. She believes knowledge is power, so it is really important to take time educating patients.
For Iron Courts, she looks forward to helping people feel their best and to helping them achieve their health and athletic goals with all we have to offer.
Stefanie Dawson, BSN, RN
Hydration / Recovery, Nurse Coach, Pickleball Coordinator
Stefanie moved to Gilbert in 2020 from Texas. She is a wife, a mother of 3 humans, 2 dogs, 1 cat, &, lastly, a bearded dragon. She has been a nurse since 1992, working primarily in neonatal ICU. She LOVES starting IV’s and has been actively starting them for over 30 years. She enjoys health and nutrition and helping people achieve their wellness goals through diet and lifestyle changes. She is very passionate about learning new things every day. Stefanie is a podcast junkie, learning about health, fitness, marriage, parenting, & the Bible.
For Iron Courts, she is excited about helping people feel better & supporting their bodies through IV hydration and cryotherapy. If you are hesitant about needles or IV’s, she would love to support you through that!
Keaton Harris
Athletic Director
Keaton was born and raised in Gilbert, AZ. He played collegiate basketball at Chandler-Gilbert community college before getting injured. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in sports management from Grand Canyon University. He has been coaching and training youth basketball since 2021. Keaton enjoys working out, watching tv series, spending time with family and all things basketball!
For Iron Courts, he is excited to build a positive and impactful culture at Iron Courts as we continue to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports and fitness.
Arielle Taggert
Assistant manager and volleyball Director
Luke Urban
Front Desk Staff
Luke was born in Indianapolis, Indiana but was raised in Queen Creek, Arizona. He loves to lift weights, play basketball, and hang out with friends.
For Iron Courts, he is super excited to be around basketball and loves what the Iron Courts mission is and excited to see it grow.
Autumn Lucero
Front Desk Staff
Autumn was born and raised in Chandler, AZ. In her free time, she likes to dance, play sports with her siblings, volunteer at her church, and to go on hikes with her family.
For Iron Courts, she hopes to meet and interact with new people as well as grow in her knowledge of sports and sports medicine.
Grace Beckler
Front Desk Staff
Grace has lived in Arizona her whole life and has loved every minute of it. She is currently a junior in high school and spends much of her time playing varsity basketball at Basha High School, where she is captain of her team. When she is not playing basketball, Grace enjoys learning new things in school, serving at church, and exploring God’s amazing creation through outdoor adventures.
For Iron Courts, Grace is excited to work in an environment that provides an outlet for athletes to learn, play, and recover from the sport she loves in a way that honors and worships God. She hopes to grow as an employee and player while working at Iron Courts, as well as meet more of the Arizona basketball community.
Jonas Cederlind
Front Desk Staff
Artesian Kirksey (Coach AK)
Mental Skills Trainer
Artesian Kirksey (Coach AK) is a transformational speaker and mental skills coach who helps people marry their potential to the right mentality. Artesian has a unique background that spans well over two decades in educational leadership, instruction, organizational management and strategic planning.
A United States Marine and active member of the community, Artesian is the Founder and CEO of Artwork, LLC—the leading content provider in mindset development training and curriculum. Artesian uses the techniques taught in his curriculum to help athletes of all ages reach their potential on and off the “field”. His clients range from student athletes to professionals and his program can be tailored to meet each individual’s needs. Artesian is also the author of The Art of Transformation.
Sean Greene
Martial arts and Fitness instructor
Sensei Sean is a Christian, husband, and father. He is a former Division I track athlete at Arizona State University. After his collegiate career ended, his desire to continue to compete athletically drove him to pursue martial arts. After years of competition and training, he was able to be selected to the U.S. Karate Team under the International Olympic Committee (IOC). To date Sensei Sean is the oldest individual to have made the U.S. National Karate Team at age 51.
Sensei Sean has over 30 years experience in the martial arts and utilizes his background in education to aid in the cognitive and physiological development of his students; he holds a Master’s degree from both Arizona State University, and Dartmouth College.
His passion is to help students improve and take them as far as they desire by collaborating with the best coaches in USA Karate; and the UFC; and keeps up with the latest developmental studies from the Olympic Training Center. Sensei Sean is also a striking coach for UFC gym Ultimate Kombat.