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 Basketball Immersion’s ZeroSeconds and Basketball Decision Training methods. #nextlevel
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 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.
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.
Dedric Boyd
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Dedric joined the NLBT Coaching staff this summer and has proven to be a great fit with the culture at NLBT.
Former NCAA Division 1 basketball player at the University of Tennessee and current professional shooting guard with the Rogues, he comes with a wealth of experience.
Transitioning into coaching, his background is in player development, mentorship, and leadership. Proven success in training athletes from youth to professional levels, leading camps, and fostering positive team culture. Passionate about teaching the game, building athletes' confidence, and serving as a role model in the community.
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 U14 and U16 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.
Melanie Whyte
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Melanie is from Placentia and has been coaching at Laval since 2010 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 and U16 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.
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.
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 U14 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 can be seen on the bench with the Gonzaga Girls Senior B teams this season as well..#vikingforever
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
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 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.
Lincoln Addison
COB - Chief of Basketball
Lincoln Addison coaches with the NLBT u12 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.
Stephanie Walsh
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Steph is going into her 5th season with NLBT and is an integral part of the coaching staff for both U10 and U12 Girls. Steph is NCCP Level 2 Train to Train Certified and has aspirations to further her training.
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.
After graduating from UNB in 2009, she returned to NL to begin her teaching career as a high school Physical Education teacher. Coach Steph has been teaching and working as Athletic Director for the last 13 years at Queen Elizabeth Regional High School in Foxtrap. She has coached just about every sport there is at QE, but her main focus is on boys basketball.
Coach Steph can be found at any QE Pioneers event, coaching her kids in any sport they are interested in, or hanging out with her dog Tully.
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 U14 and U16 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.
Bob Mahon
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Bob is entering his second year with NLBT, bringing a strong multisport background and a commitment to athlete development. He currently coaches soccer and baseball at both the club and school levels and grew up competing in high school hockey, junior baseball, and provincial rugby.
A registered NCCP coach with extensive training and Standard First Aid certified, Bob believes in the power of sport to build physical fitness, mental resilience, and lifelong character. His coaching focuses on skill development, teamwork, and fostering a lasting love for the game.
A Dale Carnegie graduate, Bob has a personal passion for developing leadership skills and abilities in young athletes, helping them grow both on and off the court. His goal is simple: to inspire every player to be their best self — as an athlete, a teammate, and a person.#youthdevelopment #leadershp
Connie Costigan
COB - Chief of Basketball
Coach Connie has been coaching basketball for the last several years. She is very committed and dedicated in encouraging young players to reach their potential and be confident on the court. Coach Connie is in her second year of coaching with our NLBT Programs in Bay Bulls and can be found on the court molding our young athletes in the U12 Girls Programs.
Coach Connie has completed her NCCP level one learn to train and is continuing building her training.
Coach Connie played high school basketball for five years which her team brought home a 4A championship and many wins over the years. She is involved in building up sports in her community by coaching and volunteering in basketball softball and soccer.
When Coach Connie is not coaching or volunteering in school and in her community you will find her working in her hair salon and spending time with her family.
