About Us
The NLBT Story.
Why we do it?
We focus our attention equally on the naturally talented kids and the beginners barely able to do a layup. #believe
Our energy is endless. Over the years we have been fortunate to work with thousands of kids and have changed many lives both on and off the court, including our own. Kids continue to surprise and inspire us! #hardwork
Our team of certified and experienced coaches are passionate about raising the bar of basketball in our province, country and within our own program everyday. #together
How we do it?
Our program believes in a games approach to learning. Our coaches follow Transformational Basketball with a Constraints Lead Approach(CLA).
We are also heavily influenced by Canada Basketball and the
Long Term Athlete Development model.
Our Philosophy.
Making mistakes is encouraged. #process
At every session we put athletes at the edge of their skill sets both mentally and physically developing as much as possible in the time we have together. #skilldevelopment
Discipline, working hard and having fun are non-negotiable.
Welcome to NLBT!
For those who love the game, want to have fun, meet friends, work hard and grow as a player and person...you have come to the right place!
The Team
Angela Torraville
COB - Chief of Basketball
Director and Lead Instructor for NLBT. Angela is a NCCP Level 3 Train to Compete certified. Angela is the Head Coach for the Provincial U17 Women's team for competing at Nationals in August 2026. She was the Head Coach of Team NL 2022 Canada Games Women's Basketball Team and her dedication to NLBT and coaching in this province is next level. Angela also was the Head Coach of the Senior A Women's Basketball Team at Gonzaga High School 2015-2022.
A former standout athlete in track, soccer and hoops, Coach Angela brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and championship experience to our program. Coach Angela was part of history with Memorial athletics by playing an integral role in winning the first ever AUS banner for the Women's Basketball program in 1995.#SeaHawk#multisport
Coach Angela spent 17 years in Calgary, AB after graduating from Memorial University in 1996. She played in Div 1 Ladies League and coached at the Jr and Sr High school level as well as club in Calgary and Airdrie. Coach Angela's dream of becoming a Police Officer came true in 2001 and she served 12 years with the Calgary Police Service before her and her husband decided to move back to the Rock in 2013. Coach Angela is now back on the hardwood where it all began, fulfilling her first passion of molding and developing young basketball players in NL. #Persueyourdreams
In her free time Angela enjoys DIY projects, being on the river in a kayak, and hanging with friends probably listening to Pink.
Stephanie Walsh
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Steph is going into her 8th season with NLBT has coached from K-2 to U14. She plans to focus on the U12 and U14 Girls program for the 2026-27 season.
Steph is NCCP Level 2 Train to Train Certified and has aspirations to further her training. She was the recipient of the Karen Adams Memorial Award - NLBA Volunteer of the Year in 2025.
As a former St. Kevin's Maverick in the early 2000's, her biggest achievement was winning 3 back to back 4A Provincial Championships, finishing her 3 years of high school with a record of 114-0. Coach Steph continued her basketball pursuits at the University of New Brunswick, playing for the Varsity Reds in AUS action for 4 seasons.
Coach Steph has been teaching Physical Education and working as Athletic Director for the last 16 years at Queen Elizabeth Regional High School in Foxtrap. She also currently serves as the SSNL St. John’s Regional Director.
Coach Steph can be found at any QE Pioneers event or cheering on her daughters as they compete in their favourite sports.
Erin Critch.
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Erin has been involved with coaching for 12 years, helping out at several schools and club. As a result she has been involved with many different age groups, but is currently working with the U12, U14 and U16 girls. Coach Erin loves getting to know her athletes both on and off the court, as she believes the component of fun is key to development.
These hours put into the gym have helped her to be awarded volunteer of the year with NLBT and have also contributed in helping her achieve various levels of the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Coach Erin is certified in First Aid/CPR as well as the NCCP level 1 Learn to Train.
Coach Erin started playing basketball herself in 2009, making that 15 years of experience. For 3 years, Coach Angela coached her at Gonzaga High School where they travelled to Florida. In her senior year she was awarded the school sports NL sportsmanship award. Although Coach Erin is a university student now she continues to shoot hoops in her driveway and stay active everyday.
Coach Erin graduated from MUN with a HKR co-op degree. She intends to become a physio or occupational therapist, however, she is still considering pursuing medicine. #dreambig
Amy Manning
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Amy has been a member of NLBT for 14 years and was one of the first players in the club. She played with NLBT club teams from U14 to U18 and was a member of several travel teams.
Coach Amy is a certified Learn to Train coach and was a volunteer coach with NLBT for several years. She is currently a part of the U14 girls and U16 girls programs.#giveback
Amy was a member of the 2022 Canada Games team coached by Coach Angela and they attended Canada Games in Niagara Falls this past summer. She was also a member of the PWC (pdub!) Cavaliers senior A team from grades 10-12 and was awarded MVP for the team in her senior year.
Coach Amy is now in her 4th year at Memorial University pursuing a bachelor of science.
In her free time she enjoys playing basketball with NLBT Div 2 team and spending time with her family. She spends time with her dog and enjoys hiking, biking and other outdoor activities.
Karla Yepez
20
Karla Yepez brings a wealth of experience and passion for athlete development to the basketball community. A former U SPORTS athlete at the University of Prince Edward Island, Karla was named an AUS All-Star and AUS All-Rookie Team selection during her university playing career. She also helped lead UPEI to a U SPORTS National Championship bronze medal and represented her national team at the U15, U17, and senior FIBA levels throughout her playing career.
Karla has built an impressive coaching résumé across both school and high-performance environments. She has served as Head Coach at Halifax Grammar School, spent three seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Dalhousie Tigers Women's Basketball, and two seasons as an Assistant Coach with the UPEI Panthers Women's Basketball. She also served as Head Coach with the Halifax Hornets and as a Provincial Team Coach with Basketball Nova Scotia.
In addition to her coaching experience, Karla is also a trained basketball referee and has held leadership positions in sport administration, serving in Operations and Technical roles with Basketball Nova Scotia. She is currently completing advanced training through the NCCP Master Coach Developer pathway, with a strong focus on coach education, athlete-centered development, and advancing women in sport.
Known for her energy, leadership, and commitment to creating positive learning environments, Karla is passionate about helping athletes grow both on and off the court.
Melanie Whyte
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Melanie is from Placentia and coached at Laval for several years with the Junior and Senior Girls team. Under her guidance they won several School Provincial Tournaments, including Grade 7, 8 and 9 Provincials in 2013.#Triplecrown. In 2016-17, Coach Melanie lead the Laval Senior Girls team to a 3A Provincial banner.
Coach Melanie joined our NLBT coaching staff in 2020 and is currently with our U14 Girls Program. Coach Melanie is a certified NCCP Level 1 Learn to Train and is working towards her train to train certification.
Coach Melanie also coached boys and girls at St Annes Elementary from 2015-2019 and brought home their first ever banner in 2017 for Gr.5 Girls Provincials.
In her free time, Coach Melanie enjoys spending time with her family in the outdoors, Atv/skidoos, kayaking, hiking and camping.
Victoria Strickland
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Victoria was the first female athlete to join NLBT and has been a valued member of the club for the past 15 years. From her early days as a player to her role as a coach today, Victoria has grown alongside NLBT and continues to give back to the club and the next generation of athletes.#Giveback#NLBTlifer
Coach Victoria graduated from Gonzaga High school where she was coached by Coach Angela, and also played on the U14, U16 and U17 provincial teams. She graduated in April 2026, from Mount Saint Vincent University with a degree in Biology and Psychology.
During her time at MSVU, she also played on the Varsity Basketball team where she was awarded several awards including Female Athlete of the Year, First Team ACAA All-Star and CCAA All Canadian.
Coach Victoria will begin her Masters at Memorial University, and plans to study Medicine in the future. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, and several other outdoor activities.
Caroline Jardine
COB - Chief of Basketball
As both an educator and coach, Caroline Jardine is passionate about creating positive learning environments where athletes can develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the game. A former provincial team athlete, Caroline represented Team Newfoundland and Labrador at three Canada Basketball National Championships before continuing her playing career at the USport Level with the Memorial University Seahawks. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in 2025 and is currently entering the final year of her Bachelor of Education (Primary/Elementary).
Caroline has coached at the school, club, and provincial levels throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Her provincial coaching experience includes serving as Head Coach of the Newfoundland and Labrador U15 Girls Provincial Team in 2025 after previously working as an Assistant Coach with the program in 2024. Most recently, she was an Assistant Coach with the Newfoundland and Labrador U17 Girls Provincial Team, helping guide the team alongside fellow NLBT coaches Angela Torraville and Michelle Bartlett at the Canada Basketball U17 National Championships in Sherbrooke, Quebec.
At the school level, Caroline spent three seasons as Head Coach of the St. Peter’s Junior High Pythons Girls Basketball team before moving up to the High School level of play and will return to the O’Donel High School Patriots Girls Basketball program this upcoming season. She has also coached numerous club teams, working with athletes across a variety of ages and skill levels.
An NCCP Learn to Train (Trained) coach who is currently completing her Train to Compete certification, Caroline is committed to helping athletes grow both on and off the court. She believes basketball provides opportunities to develop leadership, character, and teamwork while building the skills needed to succeed in sport and in life. By emphasizing strong fundamentals and game understanding, Caroline strives to provide athletes with a foundation that supports long-term growth and success at every stage of their basketball journey.
Known for her positive energy and athlete-centered approach, Caroline strives to create an environment where every athlete feels supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Maureen Miller
COB - Chief of Basketball
Maureen has been involved in the sport of basketball for more than 30 years as a player and over 25 years as a coach. A certified Learn to Train coach, she is entering her third year with NLBT. She has dedicated much of her career to athlete development and has coached at virtually every level of the game, from elementary and high school programs to university athletics.
Maureen's playing career began in Grade 7 when she started competing at the provincial level. She continued to play provincially until earning the opportunity to represent Newfoundland and Labrador at the Canada Games during her first year of university. She played one season at Memorial University before transferring to Cape Breton University, where she competed for four years and helped her team compile an impressive record of 104 wins and 19 losses. During her university career, Maureen earned numerous individual and team honours, including, multiple AUS All-Star selections, AUS Defensive Player of the Year, two AUS Championships, a USPORTS Silver Medal and Academic All-Canadian.
Maureen spent one year as an Assistant Coach with the Cape Breton University women's basketball program, gaining valuable experience at the university level. She has also coached both boys and girls basketball at Gonzaga High School, where she led the Gonzaga girls team to the school's first-ever 4A Provincial Championship for Girls Basketball.
Today, Maureen remains actively involved in the basketball community, coaching youth athletes, including her own children, at Cape St. Francis Elementary and Juniper Ridge Intermediate. Her passion for the game, combined with decades of playing and coaching experience, has allowed her to positively impact athletes of all ages while promoting teamwork, leadership, confidence, and a lifelong love of sport.
Lauren Bill
Coach Lauren has been a basketball coach for 9 years, helping out with various school, club, and development teams. She has been a part of various age groups with NLBT, and is currently
working with the U16 girls program. She is a certified Learn To Train Coach.
Lauren played basketball for 10 years, starting in club basketball and progressing to school and provincial basketball. She has participated in various tournaments across Atlantic Canada and
was part of Team NL’s U16 group that travelled to Saskatchewan with Coach Angela in 2018.
Lauren is a strong believer in the importance of teamwork, and encourages sportsmanship and strong communication with her athletes.
Lauren graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. She is currently working as a Registered Nurse in the areas of Pediatric emergency and adult
medicine.
In her free time, she can be found outdoors hiking, at the gym, or spending time with family and friends.
COB - Chief of Basketball
Nathan Childs
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Nathan is a former member of the Memorial Men's Basketball Program and a Gonzaga Viking graduate. Coach Nathan had a standout basketball career at Gonzaga receiving several awards including MVP in grade 12 and Most Outstanding Contribution. Coach Nathan has played in several off island tournaments including one in Florida. He is a firm believer in " Teamwork makes the Dream Work".
Coach Nathan is currently coaching with the U16 and U18 Boys Programs and has his NCCP Learn to Train Certification.
Coach Nathan is studying nautical science and pursuing a career as a sea captain. In his spare time he can be found playing basketball or enjoying the outdoors hiking or fishing.
Corey Ford
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Corey started his basketball career in Brampton, Ontario as a dual athlete with their football program.
Upon returning to Newfoundland, in the early 1990’s, Coach Corey continued his training and playing through the Mount Pearl Senior high school system. He went on to become an allstar in Men’s Division 1 and one of the top scoring forwards for several years. He continued his playing at various Mens Division leagues and tournaments earning multiple wins, awards and scoring titles.
Coach Corey is a Learn to Train Certified Coach and is currently working with our U12, U14 and U16 Boys Programs.
Coach Corey has been fortunate to play all 5 positions on the court and finished his career as a long time contributor and player for basketball in Newfoundland and Labrador. With over 20 years of experience playing the game, he has an eye for detail and holds a high standard to playing the game the right way, out working the opponent and having his teammates back whether you win or lose.
Coach Corey has also coached at the Jr. High School level and has also reffereed Jr. and Senior High School games.
When not at basketball, you will find Coach Corey usually at the hockey rink and loves hiking with his family.
Sheldon Bishop
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Sheldon has over 30 years of playing experience and 10 years as a head coach. Coach Sheldon is a part of our U10, U14, U16 and U18 boys coaching staff.
Coach Sheldon is a certified NCCP Learn to Train coach and is currently working towards the train to train certification. Sheldon brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the game and is known for his dedication to player development and empowers athletes with the skills, mindset, and confidence to compete at the highest level—earning multiple Provincial Championships along the way.
Off the court, Sheldon’s competitive spirit continues on the golf course, where he’s always ready for the next challenge.
David O'Keefe
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach David brings over 25 years of international playing, coaching, and athletic administration experience to NLBT, paired with a lifelong passion for physical literacy and athlete development.
A former varsity standout with the Memorial University Seahawks, Coach David continued his athletic career on the international stage as a semi-professional player for TG Hitachi in Landshut, Germany, and the Galway Titans in the Irish National League.
Coach David is NCCP certified through Canada Basketball, holding Learn to Train (Trained) status in the Instruction Beginner pathway and Train to Train (Trained - Transferred) status in the Competition Introduction pathway.
Holding a Master of Physical Education, a Bachelor of Education (Primary/Elementary), and a Bachelor of Recreation Co-op from Memorial University, Coach David has dedicated his career to education both in the classroom and on the hardwood. Currently serving as the Physical Education Teacher at Cape St. Francis Elementary and St. Francis of Assisi Elementary, he pioneered grassroots basketball in the province by organizing and coaching Newfoundland’s first-ever Jr. NBA program (K–Gr. 2) and leading local Steve Nash Basketball initiatives.
His extensive coaching résumé spans all levels—from directing elementary school basketball programs across Newfoundland, including Cape St. Francis Elementary and Virginia Park Elementary, to coaching collegiate men’s and women’s teams at National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). In addition to his work with NLBT, Coach David serves as the founder, administrator, and head coach of the North East Basketball Club.
Coach David is deeply committed to building inclusive, community-focused athletic environments. His diverse leadership background includes managing sports initiatives for at-risk youth and asylum seekers in Ireland, working as a specialized youth care worker, and organizing community trade-in programs to keep youth sports accessible to local families.
Lincoln Addison
COB - Chief of Basketball
Lincoln Addison coaches with the NLBT u14 boys group and coaches the basketball team at Bishop Feild Elementary. He played high school basketball in Lakefield, Ontario and in recreational leagues in Ottawa, New Jersey, Halifax and St. John's.
Coach Lincoln is a certified NCCP learn to train coach and is working towards the train to train certification. Lincoln is a professor of Anthropology at Memorial University.
In his spare time he enjoys playing guitar, hiking, hanging out with family and friends, and shooting hoops.
Steve Torraville
20
Coach Steve has been playing and coaching the game of basketball for approximately 30 years. Coach Steve played high school basketball and trained with the provincial programs in the early 80’s. Coach Steve was also a successful rugby player with the Dogs Rugby Club. #multisportathlete
Coach Steve is NCCP Level 1 trained and is working with our U10-U16 Boys Programs. He focuses on the fundamentals of the game and outworking the competition.
Coach Steve was the head coach of the Boys MDJH Grizzlies when they won Gr. 7 and 8 Provincial Championships in 2012 and 2014. He also assisted younger sister, Coach Angela with the Gonzaga Girls Senior Basketball Team.#familytagteam
Coach Steve was also involved in the Provincial Program with the U14 and U15 Girls program in 2018 and 2019.
In his free time, Coach Steve enjoys cooking, hiking and spending time with his family.
