What do you think your strength is as a coach?

"I think I have a knack or passion for watching you play or watching you on video, then taking your game apart and looking at ways to improve your ballhandling, strength, conditioning, speed and other physical and individual skills that can turn you in to a top notch player!  Of course you have to want to be in the gym, be open to coaching and really enjoy the process...Sometimes it takes time to develop but I love that part as it's the most fulfilling aspect of coaching I think."

Where can I find you on social media?

Of course I'm on Instagram, but I honestly believe that coaching and helping athletes improve their basketball skills goes a lot deeper than posting clips, pics or videos daily!! I believe that my passion is on the court working and teaching,  and not on social media!!  Oh...you can find me on Instagram at coachstrong

Other ways to find us on Instagram:

instagram.com/coachstrong

instagram.com/smcedu

instagram.com/smccorsairs

instagram.com/smc_strength

instagram.com/smcwbb

How can I apply to SMC and how much does it cost?

SMC is free to all California High School students who graduate and come right to SMC!  Click here for more information

What is your philosophy on coaching and teaching student-athletes?  

My style or philosophy is to treat each player with honesty and respect.   I look to get to know players as people first.  I feel that it's important to know my players, so I know how to coach them.  The goal is to make sure each player is comfortable enough to either come into the gym or office to talk about life as well as basketball.   I always want the doors to be open to them.  Basketball wise I would love for my teams to play fast and aggressive both offensively and defensively.   I also think that player development is a huge component here as well.   

What type of student-athletes are you looking for?  

First off SMC is the #1 transfer JC to UCLA, USC and the CSU system for 30 years straight!!   I am looking for student athletes who love that we are a great academic school and also have a hunger and desire to improve themselves both on and off the court.  My goal is to prepare each athlete so they can excel and move on to the next level.   It would be great if they are also honest, hard-working individuals who love the game of basketball and love being successful!

More information on Coach Strong 

Name: Lydia Strong

Coaching Experience: 39 years

High School: Newark High School (Newark, CA), 

College: BA (Spanish) Chapman University; MA (Athletic Administration), St. Mary’s College.

Inducted into the Newark High Ring of Honor hall of fame

Hall of fame acceptance speech

Coach Strong as a Basketball Player: Newark High School,  Chapman University.  Chapman played in the NCAA tournament...."Elite 8!"

 Coaching Awards: 2008 and 2017 Western State Conference Coach of the Year, Western State Conference Champions 2008 and 2017. 

Over 400 wins at the California Community College level and among the top 15 coaches in the state with career wins.

Certificates/Credentials: Lifetime Community College Teaching Credential, Certified Boxing Coach

Other Info: Lifetime Golden State Warrior fan, Loves USC Football and The Raiders, Fell in love with basketball as a kid, still loves it, and works daily to improve as a coach.  

Coaching Experience