Meet Mike Reynoso | Coach, Mentor & Leadership Educator (Cali Gold Basketball Club)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Reynoso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what matters most to you?
The value that matters most to me is rooted in my philosophy of service and giving back. Basketball has given me so much, it has provided life lessons, mentorship and lasting relationships. I believe it is my purpose to pay that forward. My goal is to help young athletes succeed not just in the game, but through the process of growth itself. I want them to understand that failure is part of the journey, and that it’s okay to stumble and fall as long as they keep learning and pushing forward.

I’m committed to fueling their passion for the game and not just the wins, but the deeper values it teaches. For example, building lifelong friendships, handling adversity, and approaching both success and failure with respect and a positive attitude. What matters most to me is the ability to teach and impact the next generation. Our time here passes fast, and when it’s over, our individual impact fades. But if we invest in teaching others, we create a ripple effect that can last far beyond our time. That’s the true legacy we can leave behind.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is really about service, the service to others, and service to something bigger than myself. I’m in a unique position where I wear a few different hats: I’m a TK-5 PE teacher at South Elementary, the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Foothill College, and I run my own business, Cali Gold Club Basketball. It’s a lot, but what I feel truly sets me apart is how much I care about the people I work with. I’m not just there to teach basketball or coach teams, I’m there to help these kids and families grow in every way possible.

I care deeply about the development of others, not just their athletic abilities, but their character and their joy. I believe in making things fun and engaging while teaching values that help kids grow as people, not just players. When they look back on their experience, I want them to remember the lessons, the friendships, the excitement and happiness they felt, not just the wins or losses.

I’m very excited about the growth of Cali Gold and the positive impact we’re having on the youth basketball community. We’ve built something special and continue to do so, and to me, it’s much more than just a basketball program. It’s a place where kids can learn life lessons, build relationships, and create memories that will stay with them long after the season ends. The friendships and community we are building is what will last, far beyond the wins and losses. I’m proud of what we’ve created, and I’m excited to keep growing it.

The journey to get here hasn’t been easy. Far from it. I’ve faced challenges, doubts, and moments where I wasn’t sure I could keep going. But those hard times have shaped me. One of my mentors once told me, “Nothing worth having is easy,” and that’s something I carry with me every day. I’ve had plenty of moments where I doubted myself, where I felt unsure of the path ahead. But I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible support system. My family, my friends, my mentors and people who have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. They’ve been my rock, reminding me to stay true to what I believe and not settle for anything less than striving to make a difference.

What I’ve learned through it all is that the awards, the recognition, none of that matters in the long run. What really matters are the relationships you build, the stories you create, and the impact you have on others. Moments are what last, the moments with the kids, the families, and your teammates, that’s what stays with you. Trophies collect dust, medals get lost, but the memories and the connections, those last forever. I’ve come to realize that as much as I’ve called myself a basketball coach, what truly drives me is helping people grow, seeing them develop into better versions of themselves. That’s the real reward for me.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and Cali Gold, it’s that we are about more than basketball. We’re about building character, forging lifelong relationships, and making a positive, lasting impact on every life we touch. That’s the heart of what we do, and that’s what excites me the most.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for the week, here’s how we would do it. We would kick things off with the Golden Gate Bridge because it’s a must see. Then we’d hit up Espetus, a Brazilian steakhouse, for an unforgettable meal. After that, catch a Warriors game at Chase Center; the energy and new arena is a must experience.

We would take a relaxing day trip to Napa Valley for some wine tasting. It’s peaceful, scenic, and the wine is top notch. Then another day in San Francisco, we’d explore the Mission District, grab some clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf, and check out the famous Lombard Street. As our week get’s to its end, we’d drive down to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea for a laid back day trip.

For some chill time, you have to hit up Baker Beach for views of the Golden Gate, then grab a bite in Sausalito or North Beach. To wrap it all up, we’d take a drive out to Muir Woods, it’s one of the most peaceful spots, with views that’ll leave you in awe. Then finish the night with a dinner at one of the city’s top rooftop bars.

A solid mix of adventure, great food, and the best spots that make the Bay Area unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow, there are so many people I could give a shoutout to, it’s honestly hard to narrow it down. But first and foremost, I have to thank my mom. She’s the reason I have the strength to chase my dreams. She’s shown me time and time again what it means to be resilient, loving, and strong. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have so many people along the way who’ve helped me get to this point, and I want to mention a few who’ve been especially important. My family, especially my wife, she has been the backbone of our family and everything I do, and allowed me to pursue greatness in my career and my business. She’s pushed me when I have doubted myself. My kids are a constant reminder to me every day that what I do goes far beyond just coaching basketball. They keep me grounded and focused on the bigger picture of impacting young lives, not just the scoreboard.

Rich Kelley is one of the main reasons I’m where I am in my career today. He took a chance on me when I was just 23, when I got hired as the Woodside High School head coach when I had zero head coaching experience. I remember the principal calling to tell me I got the job, and she said Rich was the one who stood behind me, even when others questioned my youth and inexperience. That changed the trajectory of my career right there. Rich has taught me more than just basketball, he’s shown me what it means to be a mentor, a leader, and a better person. He’s introduced me to so many others who have had a huge impact on my life.

Mike Garcia, my former Athletic Director at Cañada College, also took a huge chance on me when I was only 29 with no college head coaching experience. Mike took me under his wing, and always gave me the freedom to be myself as a coach. His belief in me gave me the confidence I needed to move forward in my career.

The Tinson family deserves a special mention, too. They were my first clients, and I coached their son Drew, who I taught in middle school. Their trust in me pushed me to keep growing my business. They have been instrumental in helping me expand my reach by spreading the word and introducing me to other families, and those connections have been a huge part of getting Cali Gold off the ground.

Ben Macuga, who was introduced to me by the Tinson’s, is another key person who pushed me to expand my vision. Ben believed in my values and my approach long before I felt ready to take things to the next level. He was instrumental in helping me see that I could turn my passion into something bigger. His support, along with his family’s, has been important in Cali Gold’s growth.

And of course, to all the families who trust me with their kids, I can’t thank you enough. Your belief in my process and in what I’m trying to do means everything. To all my players, past and present, who push me to be better every day, and to my unbelievable staff, each of you has helped shape Cali Gold into what it is. You’re a big part of this mission to help shape young lives.

Honestly, I could go on and on. There are so many people who’ve helped me along the way. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me and believed in me and my vision. Without you all, this wouldn’t be possible.

Website: https://www.reynosobasketballtraining.com

Instagram: @reynosobasketballtraining

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@reynosobasketballtraining

Other: https://foothillowls.com/sports/mbkb/coaches/index