Coach Bio

Tony 4th and 6th Gold

Bio:

Tony Locascio began his coaching career while attending high school in Sandpoint, Idaho, where he coached his younger brothers’ select basketball teams and launched the very first select basketball program in his hometown. After attending Boise State University, Tony returned to coaching after moving to Bainbridge Island, where he became heavily involved in youth basketball.

From 2013–2021, Tony coached within the Bainbridge Island Select Basketball program while also serving as a coach at Bainbridge High School, coaching both the freshman and JV programs for multiple seasons. His focus on player development, team culture, and building confident, competitive athletes has remained the foundation of his coaching approach.

Tony later joined the Mercer Island Select basketball program, where he has coached multiple youth select teams to four State Championships, including:

• 4th Grade Boys – 2022

• 5th Grade Girls – 2023

• 6th Grade Boys – 2024

• 7th Grade Girls – 2025

He has also coached teams to multiple ETL championships and has developed players who have gone on to compete at high levels throughout the region.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Tony serves as the Director of Northwest Storm Basketball, overseeing and coaching multiple teams within the program. Under his leadership, Northwest Storm has continued to grow, with a focus on player development, competitive opportunities, and creating a positive basketball environment where athletes learn to compete, work together, and love the game.

Tony is passionate about helping young athletes develop both on and off the court and looks forward to continuing to be part of the youth basketball community.

Gwen 7th Gold

Bio:

Former CCAA and NCAA Division II student-athlete. I recently finished my collegiate basketball career after competing at California State University East Bay and Simon Fraser University. I was raised in Snoqualmie and attended Mount Si High School. 

Throughout my playing career I’ve coached girls basketball through school, team, and community camps, working with athletes ranging from young beginners to collegiate players. Im very passionate about helping young athletes build confidence both on and off the court while developing their skills and talents. 

I strive to create a positive, supportive, and competitive environment where every player feels encouraged to grow, challenge themselves, and become the best version of themselves.

Chris 5th Gold

Bio:

Chris has been passionate about coaching for most of his life. While in high school and college, he coached youth summer sports camps, experiences that sparked his love for teaching and mentoring young athletes. He later earned a minor in Coaching, further strengthening his commitment to athlete development and positive leadership.

Today, Chris serves as the Director of Coach Development and Training for Issaquah Girls Basketball Academy (IGBA) and coaches the 5th Grade Gold team. He believes great coaching extends far beyond teaching basketball skills. Chris is passionate about creating positive, player-centered environments where athletes develop confidence, resilience, creativity, and a lifelong love of the game.

His coaching philosophy is heavily influenced by the Positive Coaching Alliance and the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA), an evidence-based framework popularized in basketball by Alex Sarama through Transforming Basketball. Chris believes athletes learn best by solving problems, making decisions, and competing in game-like environments that encourage exploration rather than memorization.

One quote has always resonated with Chris and serves as a daily reminder of his purpose as a coach: "A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life." — John Wooden.