Train First is a program that focuses on the basics and fundamental training before anything. We believe that in order to grow you must be prepared and be taught the proper way first. Our coaches are experienced and extremely knowledgeable about the game of basketball which allows our kids to blossom in a competitive basketball environment. We value teaching and helping kids to learn through intense drills, planning, routine and overall lessons that can be used in any faced of life. The close personal family environment separates us from other programs as we genuinely care about the development of our athletes and put our all into giving them the most memorable experience possible!

QUARAN JOHNSON

FOUNDER / Coach / trainer

Coach Qhas an extensive background in basketball as a player and personal trainer.  He played all 4 years of college basketball where he was a 4 year starter as well as a captain. During those 4 years he received several achievements such as tournament MVP, All Tournament awards, All League honors and College All-American. Coach Q is originally from Philadelphia Pa, from there he went on to play at Ohlone College leading them to an elite 8 appearance and finished the #1 ranked team in California. He then went on to play at Metro State College of Denver and finished his collegiate career at Benedictine college. Shortly after Johnson went on to play semi pro before ending his career and becoming a personal skills trainer and coach. Coach Q now does one on one and group training, runs camps and clinics and is the head Varsity coach at Granada High School in Livermore Ca.

willis gardner

coach / trainer

Coach Willis is a Graduate of Colorado State University with a BA in Liberal Arts and Sociology. He has extensive playing experience at the collegiate and professional levels as well as broad coaching experience at all age groups up through college and beyond. Coach Willis is currently the head coach and lead trainer for our varsity elite team that travels the country to play in showcase events.  

coaching experience

• 2013 to present - Head Trainer/AAU Coach, Team ELITE, San Jose, CA

• Jan 2015 - Coach at Australia-wide high school camp for highly skilled college prospects

• 2012 to 2013 - Head Coach, SV Nonnenreth Professional Germany 7th Division, Germany

•  2010 to 2013 - Summer Camp Director, Ohlone College, Fremont, CA

• 2009 to 2013 - Basketball Trainer, Germany

Playing experience

• 2009 to 2013 - Germany Pro-A  Professional Basketball

  • Point guard for Licher Basketbaren, BSW Sixes, and Frankfurt

• 2007 to 2009 - Colorado State University, Ft Collins, CO

  • Two year starter as guard; elected as team Captain

  • Honorable Mention Mountain West Conference

• 2005 to 2007 - Ohlone College, Fremont, CA : 28-4 record w/ Elite 8 in CA state jr. colleges

  • Male athlete of the year

  • Coast Conference MVP as starting guard (11 pts, 4 assists per game)

• 2004 to 2005 - Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke, PA

  • First team All-Conference; 24-3 record

STEVEN PANGELINAN

coach / Trainer

Steven Pangelinan (a.k.a. Coach Pange) is a 20-year resident of Livermore, attending Arroyo Mocho Elementary, Mendenhall Middle and Granada High Schools. Mr. Pangelinan played and excelled at high-comp club and school sports throughout his academic career.  He graduated with honors from Granada High School (Class of 2008), where he played both varsity baseball and basketball, and was named a North Coast Section California Interscholastic Federation (NCS-CIF) Scholar-Athlete. 

Mr. Pangelinan graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He has extensive experience working with and mentoring youth.  He is currently involved in different capacities with three philanthropic foundations serving the Tri-Valley community and youth. He is the youngest member of the Mario Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation Executive Board of Directors, a Foundation committed to providing financial assistance for high school graduates to pursue a range of post-high school educational options. Mr. Pangelinan is also the business representative and youth employment specialist for East Bay Counseling Services, a Foundation committed to providing and strengthening accessible support services to the safety net population. His concentration is on connecting with and empowering youth, through skill, education and workforce development. Mr. Pangelinan has also served as Interim Executive Director for the Mony Nop Foundation, which provides leadership development training and internship opportunities to youth with the objective of cultivating the next generation of civic-minded leaders.

Coach Pange’s love of the game of basketball inspired him to return in 2014 to his alma maters to coach the Mendenhall Mustangs 6th grade boys basketball team and to serve as the assistant Varsity and Junior Varsity boys basketball coach for the Granada Matadors.  Coach Pange is a positive role model for aspiring scholar-athletes. In his coaching capacity, he reinforces fundamentals, teaches advanced skills, and models self-discipline, always stressing the importance of individual contribution, self-discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and competitiveness with honor.  

training in livermore and throughout the tri-valley

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