Basketball

Jim has been the middle school head coach for the past two years. Jim played through the high school varsity level and is still an avid player today that loves the game. He has been playing for 45 years and has coached middle school programs on and off for four years out of eight. Jim is a great coach when it comes to teaching fundamentals and understanding of the game.

Ron coached at The Denver Waldorf School several years ago for a couple year stint and is now back helping out the program. He has been an avid lover of the game from childhood. Ron is a fundamentalist at heart that focuses on performing drills to improve skill level. Moreover, he believes that the game of basketball, and sports in general, develops life skills that prepares youth for real-world situations. Ron uses the rules of the game and the basketball court itself to teach teamwork, problem solving, boundaries, self-discipline, personal accountability, and how to manage stressful situations.

Hugo Vant-Veer is a graduate of The Denver Waldorf School who played high school basketball during his time here. He played four years of club basketball in college at the University of Colorado Denver. Hugo also coaches at a local basketball club, Hoops Academy, as an assistant for the middle school and high school (2021-current). He also began coaching at CU Denver as an assistant for the club program in 2022.

Current middle school math teacher, Iliana Flefel started playing basketball in 5th grade and continued on the court through high school as a varsity starter at the Washington Waldorf School. In college, she played club for two years, and has been playing recreationally since. She has a deep love for the sport, not only because she finds it thrilling and exciting, but because players must work together as a single unit. About the sport, Coach Flefel remarks, “Each player on the court needs to be aware and in tune with their teammates. They need to move and flow together as one being. As a team, every player learns every position, plays both defense and offense, and has the chance to score. This leads to a feeling of equality and accomplishment for each student that joins the team. I believe all sports are truly about sportsmanship, athleticism, teamwork, and fun, and hope that I can lead the middle school girls into a season full of exciting challenges. Go Spartans!”