Coach Cotton

A basketball player wearing a white jersey with the number 42 jumps to make a shot near the hoop in a game, with spectators watching in the background.
A newspaper article with a photograph of a basketball player shooting a basket, with another player defending. The headline reads "Co-District 4-4A Champs" and the subheading states "Dragons secure share of district title for first time since 1988." The article discusses a basketball game and the team's championship victory.
Display case with a red Louisiana basketball jersey, number 42, and a photograph of two people shaking hands at an event.

The Heart Behind the RiverHawks

Born and raised in Louisiana, Coach Cotton fell in love with basketball early on. He played at every level except professionally, but it was what came after the final whistle that inspired the vision for the Triana RiverHawks.

"I know what it’s like to grow up in a single-parent home. I know what it’s like to not be in the position to afford what other players’ parents could. I know what it’s like to not fit in. I know what it’s like to fail. I know what it’s like to quit. And I also know what it’s like to win. Winning starts before the scoreboard reflects more points in your favor."

Basketball gave him confidence when he needed it most. It helped him find his identity and voice during a time when he struggled with bullying and low self-worth. But when the game stopped, he had to rediscover who he was—and that journey drew him closer to God and his true purpose.

Raised in a Baptist church, Coach Cotton has always had a relationship with God. Through prayer and personal experience, he discovered his calling: to prepare the next generation not just for the game, but for life.

Our Approach

At Triana RiverHawks, we train athletes to excel on the court while equipping them for the challenges beyond it. Our program emphasizes:

  • Defensive and Offensive Skill Development

  • Ball Handling, Court Awareness, and Conditioning

  • Mental Toughness and Leadership Training

  • Christian Character Growth through FCA Enrichment

  • Confidence Building and Positive Habit Formation

Age-Specific Training

Ages 7–9 (Introductory Stage)

  • Weekly Practice Time: 2–4 hours

  • Focus: Fundamentals, coordination, and fun.

  • Format: 45–60 minute practices, 2x per week. Optional light at-home practice encouraged.

Ages 10–12 (Development Stage)

  • Weekly Practice Time: 4–6 hours

  • Focus: Strengthening fundamentals — dribbling, passing, shooting, footwork.

  • Format: 60–90 minute practices, 2–3x per week. At-home drills (15–20 min/day) recommended.

Ages 13–14 (Competitive Prep Stage)

  • Weekly Practice Time: 6–10 hours

  • Focus: Advanced skills, conditioning, and team concepts.

  • Format: 90–120 minute practices, several times per week. Small-sided games (1v1, 2v2, 3v3) maximize touches and decision-making.

Enrichment Beyond Basketball

We’re not just building athletes — we’re shaping confident young men and women who are prepared for life:

  • Career Exposure: Tours and mentorship opportunities with professionals and organizations like Huntsville FC.

  • Community Service: Projects that develop empathy, responsibility, and leadership.

  • Faith-Based Mentorship: Guidance rooted in respect, perseverance, and faith.

  • Life Skills: Communication, teamwork, and resilience that transfer beyond sports.

Building Legacy

Our ultimate goal is to inspire every RiverHawk to succeed in life — and to one day create opportunities for others, just as they experienced here.

Faith. Focus. Finish. isn’t just a motto. It’s a way of life

“Faith. Focus. Finish”

Social Media Post:

Dribble the ball when it’s needed, not just because. The why is just as important as the what. 🏀 Focus on purpose, not just action! 💥 5 spots available for boys and girls ages 7-12 – don’t miss out! Reach out now to secure a spot. #BasketballSkills #PurposeOverPractice #YouthBasketball
📣 We’ve teamed up with Little Caesars! 🍕🏀 Just in time for football season and with fall basketball right around the corner… deliciousness is on the way! From September 1st – October 1st, we’re running a fundraiser to support the Triana RiverHawks Youth Basketball Club. 🔥 Exclusive Alert: These are special pizza kit deals you can’t get anywhere else—only through our fundraiser! Every kit sold helps us fuel our mission of mentorship, enrichment, and skill development for our youth. We can’t do this without you — stay tuned for how you can join in on the fun and take advantage of these limited-time deals. Faith. Focus. Finish. ✨
Start low— Go high 🙏🏾💯#trianariverhawks #faithandbasketball #nodaysoff #builtnotborn #faithandfocus
Hey there 👋🏾 Still thinking it over? Feel free to reach out — or click the link below to check out answers to our most frequently asked questions: 👇🏾 www.trianariverhawks.com/faqs 🎉 And in the spirit of back-to-school season, registration fees are waived for the entire month of August! Now’s the perfect time to join the movement 🏀🔥
Hey friends 👋🏽 There’s a whole community of families out there who haven’t heard of the Triana RiverHawks yet—and we’re hoping you can help us change that. 🙏🏽 Our mission goes beyond basketball—we’re mentoring kids through faith, discipline, and exposure to real-life opportunities. Every follow, like, or share helps us reach one more parent, one more child, one more future leader. So here’s the ask: ✅ Follow our page 💬 Drop a kind comment if you feel inspired 🔁 Share this post—you might help us reach someone who’s been praying for a program just like this We're not trying to go viral— We're trying to make a difference. 💙 Thanks for being part of the journey! #TrianaRiverHawks #FaithAndFocus #SupportYouth #HoopsAndHabits #ReachOneTeachOne
Live it. Love it. Grind for it. The journey > the destination.
I push them because I love them. Watching them rise after every challenge—man, it gets me every time. They’re becoming something powerful. #CoachLife #TheyDontQuit #ToughLove #YouthDevelopment #ProudMoments
Go hard. Focus on you. The rest will catch up when you get there. Tunnel vision. No distractions. 🎯 #LockedIn #GoHardOrGoHome #FocusUp #BuiltNotGiven
Pressure makes players. Reps make winners. 🏀💥 Who’s staying sharp this summer? #TrianaRiverHawks #ShootingClinic #DrillWork #BuiltNotGiven
Two balls. Full focus. Summer isn’t for rest — it’s where you get better. Every rep counts. 🏀🔥 #TrianaRiverhawks #StudentAthlete #SummerWork #HandleSeason #InTheLab #YouthBasketball
Something exciting happened yesterday… One of my players made the life-changing decision to give his life to Christ and was baptized this past weekend! And another player—who’s been struggling to fully buy in—showed up and gave 100% effort. Overall, each player is budding in their own way, and it’s been powerful to witness their growth both on and off the court. ⚠️ Registration Update: Ages 7–10: Currently full, but a waitlist is available on the site Ages 11–14: 5 slots remaining Let’s keep building—spiritually, mentally, and physically. www.trianariverhawks.com
Did You Know?🏀🦅 Players in the Triana RiverHawks Basketball Club complete weekly Flight Reports every Sunday on the team page! These reports usually include a video and a few questions to help players reflect on: 📌 Skills we've worked on during training sessions 📌 Bible study opportunities 📌 Life lessons and personal growth It's all part of our mission to develop well-rounded athletes — on the court, in their faith, and in life. 💪 📖 #TrianaRiverHawks #FlightReport #BiggerThanBasketball #FaithFocusFlight
More than a coach. More than a mentor. I thank God for the opportunity to govern the little that’s available and use it to bless a few kids who love this game just like I once did. It’s never been about posting to say, “look what I did.” It’s about honoring the chance to show God’s love and grace whenever I can. Big thank you to Yolanda King of King Management Services, LLC for collaborating and helping make this possible 🙏 More to follow — we’re just getting started. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." — Luke 16:10
As a coach, you watch the seasons change—some players move on, some stay, and new ones arrive and bring fresh energy that reminds you why you love this work. This group right here… they’ve come so far in such a short time. This morning’s workout, just before the storm, was one of those sessions that sticks with you. Focus, effort, growth—every single one of them got better. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23 Grateful for the grind. Grateful for these kids. 💪🏽🏀 #RiverHawks #HeartAndHustle #FaithAndBasketball #KeepWorking
Most of these kids are new to the game, but you can’t teach heart and hustle! 💪🏀 'Slide & Seek' is building their footwork, and you can see their confidence growing with every rep. Technique comes with time — and they’re putting in the work! #SlideAndSeek #TrianaRiverHawks #YouthBasketball #HeartAndHustle #DefenseWinsGames #ConfidenceInTheMaking
🏀 Good Morning, RiverHawks Family! 🌅 Last session was all about the details that make champions — we locked in on quick feet and defensive slides. The team brought great energy and focus, working hard on mastering the footwork that forms the foundation of both offense and defense. Why feet matter: From explosive first steps on offense to staying in front of your man on defense, it all starts with your feet. Good footwork means better balance, quicker reactions, and smarter positioning. It’s not the flashiest skill, but it’s one of the most important for becoming a complete player. Let’s keep building from the ground up — strong feet, strong fundamentals, strong future. 🙏 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” – Psalm 37:23 Let’s keep putting in the work — one step at a time! See you tomorrow! #RiverHawksRise #FundamentalsFirst #FaithAndBasketball 🦅⛹️‍♂️⛹️‍♀️
They fall. They miss. They try again. Every stumble is part of the story. Every step forward is victory. This is the beauty of the journey. 🏀🔥 #TheBeautyOfTheJourney #YouthBasketball #KeepGoing #Resilience #HardWork #TrianaRiverHawks
If your child has even a spark of interest in learning basketball, now is the time to get them in the game. Whether they’re brand new or looking to build on their skills, we’re here to teach, develop, and inspire. Don’t let money be the reason you hold back. Seriously. We never want finances to be the barrier that stops a child from growing, learning, and having fun through sports. We have tuition assistance available thanks to generous donors—and as support comes in, spots will open up. Get your child’s name on the list today. Communication is key—reach out, sign up, and we’ll walk you through the process. 📌 Visit our team website for the tuition assistance form and details. Let’s build confidence, character, and community—one dribble at a time. 🏀 #YouthBasketball #NoBarriers #AllKidsWelcome #Teamwork #GrowthThroughSports
In every bounce of the ball, there’s a dream being chased. Watch this young Triana RiverHawks player put in the work when no one’s watching—grinding through tough ball-handling drills with heart, focus, and unshakable determination. It’s not about being the best yet—it’s about being better than yesterday. This is where greatness begins: in the early mornings, late nights, and every drop of sweat in between. Want to be part of the grind? Join the movement. Register today at www.trianariverhawks.com and take the first step toward becoming your best. Stay hungry. Stay humble. The journey starts here. 🏀💪 #TrianaRiverHawks #NoDaysOff #BuiltNotBorn #chasinggreatnessproductions #basketball #youthbasketball #alabama #lockin #hoopmixtape #supportouryouth