Coaches

Coach Volkan Levent started his basketball career as a 3 year player Schreiber High School Varsity basketball team in Port Washington. After High School, we went to Nassau Community College where he played 2 years on the Varsity team. At NCC, he got his associates degree in Business Administration. The past 5 years he has been building up his training clientele working with some of the next crop of basketball players in and around his hometown.

Coach Nick started his high school career at Plainview Old-Bethpage JFK HS where he was a 3-year Varsity starter, 2-year captain and led his team to a Conference Championship in his senior year. He was named All-Conference his Sophomore and Junior year and All Long Island Sophomore year. Nick was also named team MVP along with all-league player his senior year. After High School, he continued his playing career at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue where he played 2 years there. Nick spent 1 year as the Assistant JV Coach at St. John the Baptist High School. He is currently the Head JV Coach at LuHi.

Coach Javier Contreras started his High School career at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School where he was a 2-year Varsity player. He went on to play D2 University of Bridgeport for his freshmen year and transferred to D2 Queens College. At Queens, he was the starting point guard and was named ECC Conference Most Improved Player after his Sophomore year. Coach Javi recently finished his collegiate career at Queens College and is looking to inspire and help the younger generation in the basketball world.

Coach Ian Schultz started his high school basketball career at at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, NY. He was named to the section 2 All-Tournament team his Senior year. After high school, Ian went on the play at D3 SUNY Oneonta where he was a 3-year starter and a 2-year captain. He was a member of the winningest senior class in Oneonta Men’s Basketball History. He was also named National Coach’s Association Academic Award winner and finished top 10 in field goal percentage and rebounds in Oneonta school history.

Coach Michael Santarelli began his basketball career at Wheatley High School where he was a 2-year Varsity starter who earned All-State honors during his senior season, led Long Island in 3-pointers made, and was named Conference Player of the Year, averaging just under 20 points per game.

Michael brings energy, knowledge, and a passion for player development. As a proud Level Up alumni, Michael played 4 years with the program and helped his 16U team earn 5th place at the D2 AAU National Championships in Florida, scoring an impressive 27 points in the final game to secure the finish. During his time at Level Up, Michael played under Coaches Jesse Winter, Trevor Stark, and Carson Niehoff, and was coached in high school by Nassau County Hall of Fame coach Rich Slater. He has trained extensively with top-level coaches, sharpening his skills and understanding of the game. This year he will be the Head JV Basketball Coach at Wheatley High School.

Coach Kenny Rodriguez played high school basketball at East Islip where he was a 3-year Varsity starter and an All-League player his Junior and Senior Year. After High School, he is currently attending St. Joseph’s University of Long Island where he just finished his Junior season where he was selected as 1st Team All-Conference.

Coach Jakkie Tomlinson started her High School career at Sacred Heart Academy where she was a 3-year Varsity player with All-League recognition. She went on to play at Division 3 Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio for 4 years. At Kenyon, she was the starting shooting guard, and named to the NCAC All Academic Team and NCAC Academic Honor Roll. Coach Jakkie graduated from Kenyon College in 2022, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Fordham University.

Coach Zinnia Street developed a passion for basketball while playing at Nazareth Regional High School in Brooklyn. While attending the University of Central Florida to pursue a college degree, Coach Zinnia began coaching and training youth athletes, working with players ranging from age 5 years old through high school. With years of experience in coaching and player development, Coach Zinnia is dedicated to helping young athletes build their skills, confidence, and love for the game. Emphasizing fundamentals, discipline, and a competitive yet supportive environment. Coach Zinnia strives to develop well-rounded players both on and off the court.

Coach Alex Longworth started his basketball career at St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset where he played Varsity basketball for 2 years. After High School, he went to Nassau Community College where he played 2 years on the Varsity team. At NCC he got his associates in Psychology. The past 3 years he has been training and mentoring players on and off the basketball court.