our coaches

 Coach Malia “Coach Posey” Posey leads within the PCE Girls program and brings a lifetime of experience, passion, and leadership to the court. A former standout athlete, she played four years of Varsity High School basketball, two years of CCCAA Junior College women’s basketball, and one year of NAIA women’s basketball. Her competitive background at multiple collegiate levels gives her a deep understanding of what it takes to compete, grow, and succeed in the game.

While this marks her first official travel coaching position, Coach Malia has been immersed in the game her entire life. She has spent years investing in the athletic development of her own children and supporting programs alongside her husband, Coach Posey. She also brings experience from three years of little league coaching, continuing her dedication to mentoring young athletes.

Her coaching philosophy centers around one core belief: Hustle & Heart. She strives to cultivate a passion for the game, foster relentless work ethic, and develop resilient individuals both on and off the court. Coach Malia prioritizes growth over results, effort over talent, and encouragement over criticism. She believes confidence is built through consistency, support, and learning to embrace challenges.

For Coach Malia, Pensacola Elite is more than a program — it is family. It is her favorite basketball community because of the love, commitment, and shared mission to build athletes the right way.

Some of her favorite basketball memories include scoring a career-high 38 points during her junior year in 2002, watching her husband throw down a collegiate dunk over taller defenders, and most importantly, watching her son grow in the sport she loves so deeply. She is a die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan and also supports the Las Vegas Aces. Outside of basketball, she enjoys spending time with family, shooting competitively with anyone who challenges her, arts and crafts, cooking, and encouraging others. She proudly shares the quote her mother often shouted from the stands: “The backboard is your friend!”

Professionally, Coach Malia has worked in leadership within the banking industry for the past 11 years. She and her husband both competed at the collegiate level, and their children are active in football, basketball, and volleyball — making their household one that truly lives and breathes sports.

Coach Jimmienekka “Coach Nekk” Harris serves as a coach for PCE 7th and 8th Grade teams. With playing experience from elementary through high school, Coach Nekk brings firsthand understanding of the game and the development process young athletes go through. She works closely with players in the 11–13 age range, focusing on building strong foundations both on and off the court.

As a coach, the values most important to Coach Nekk are respect, integrity, discipline, and leadership. She believes players gain these characteristics through consistent guidance, accountability, and personal development. To her, success is defined by hard work and earned accomplishments — whether big or small. Every milestone matters when it is achieved through dedication and effort.

Coach Nekk chose Pensacola Elite because she saw a group of young ladies eager to learn, improve, and grow in their love for the game. She values that PCE is a family-oriented program that prioritizes development and support, creating an environment where athletes feel encouraged to reach their full potential.

One of her favorite basketball memories is leading her team to a big win against a rival opponent — a moment that reflected preparation, heart, and teamwork. She is a fan of LSU Women’s Basketball and, outside of coaching, runs her own clothing brand business. Coach Nekk lives by the quote, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work.”

 Coach Leon Burns serves as Head Coach for PCE 2030. While his athletic background includes playing basketball in high school, his primary sport was football. However, his passion for basketball has always run deep. Coach Leon has spent years studying the game, competing in pickup games throughout the local community, and immersing himself in the culture of basketball in the Pensacola area. His love for the game is evident in the intensity, energy, and commitment he brings to every practice and game.

With over five years of coaching experience, Coach Leon has worked with age groups ranging from 10U through 13U. His previous coaching experience includes SYSA, Salvation Army programs, and coaching alongside Jose Stutts with the Gators organization. Last season, his 2030 team faced challenges but secured a championship in Elberta, Alabama. More importantly, he considers the visible development of his players — from where they began to where they finished in skill, IQ, and overall growth — as one of his greatest accomplishments.

Coach Leon leads with one mission: to develop young men, not just basketball players. He believes the court is a classroom where discipline, resilience, accountability, and character are built daily. He challenges his athletes to embrace adversity, push beyond their limits, and grow into better versions of themselves both on and off the floor. Under his leadership, players gain confidence, toughness, and life lessons that extend far beyond the final buzzer.

He coaches at Pensacola Elite because it is more than a basketball program — it is family. From the moment you step into PCE, there is a shared mission to develop young athletes holistically. Players are never treated like numbers; they are valued, invested in, and mentored. Coach Leon believes every athlete in the program has something special within them, and it is the responsibility of the coaching staff to help bring that out. The brotherhood among coaches and the commitment to accountability and growth are what make PCE different.

Coach Leon is currently a fan of the Detroit Pistons, appreciating their hard-nosed, team-first mentality. Outside of basketball, he enjoys listening to 90s music, cooking, bike riding, and spending time with his blended family of seven children. Two of his sons currently play within the PCE program, and he looks forward to watching his youngest daughter and sons grow through the organization as well. Professionally, Coach Leon works full-time for the State of Florida in Payment Processing and Funding Distribution within the Child Support Department.

Coach Mat Taylor serves as the 10U Head Coach and 7th Grade Assistant Coach for Pensacola Elite. A former player at Tate High School, Coach Mat brings over 20 years of coaching and player development experience, working with athletes from Kindergarten through 12th grade. His coaching background includes time with the Pensacola Flames, serving as League Director for Pine Forest Methodist League, Assistant Coach at Ransom Middle School, and Assistant Coach at Tate High School.

Coach Mat believes basketball is a powerful tool for teaching life skills such as time management, dedication, work ethic, respect, and mental toughness. He defines success not simply by wins, but by growth — asking whether players are improving each time they step into a workout, practice, or game, and whether they are becoming more prepared for the challenges of life beyond the court. His players gain confidence, independence, and a strong understanding of accountability through his leadership.

He coaches at Pensacola Elite because the program prioritizes development and preparation over trophies. PCE is committed to setting athletes up for success at the next level, particularly in making their school teams, and provides opportunities for players of all skill levels who are willing to put in the work.

One of Coach Mat’s favorite basketball memories is attending the 2004 Olympics, and he enjoys anything involving Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. A Florida Gators fan at heart, he values family time outside of basketball and lives by the quote, “What you permit, you promote.” Professionally, Coach Mat serves as the Principal at Acceleration Academy.

Coach Kyle Knowles serves as Head Coach for PCE 9th Grade Boys Blue. A graduate and former player at Milton High School (Class of 2013), Coach Knowles went on to serve 10 years in the United States Air Force, where he competed on military travel teams playing in Guam, Germany, and Korea. His experiences competing internationally helped shape his understanding of basketball culture, discipline, and leadership on a global level.

Coach Knowles has coached athletes ages 10 through 18 and has worked with programs including Catholic High School, Pine Forest High School, and AAU organizations such as Gulf Coast Hoops. While he has been part of many competitive accomplishments, he believes his greatest achievement is being part of programs that prioritize developing young men beyond the gym doors. He firmly believes basketball has an expiration date, but becoming a better husband, father, and man does not. His mission is to use the game as a platform to teach life lessons that extend far beyond the court.

As a coach, his top priority is ensuring every player he mentors has someone to turn to when adversity arises. He understands that challenges are inevitable, and he prepares his players not just for competition, but for life’s obstacles.

Joining Pensacola Elite felt natural to Coach Knowles. After connecting with Coach Posey and aligning on core principles centered around putting kids first, he quickly recognized that PCE was a place where he could grow as a coach while continuing to invest in young athletes. He believes the program’s ceiling is higher than many can see and is proud to be part of a staff committed to excellence and development.

Some of his favorite basketball memories include traveling with his high school AAU teammates and competing in an 18-team international tournament across Korea — experiences that left a lasting impact on him through the brotherhood and culture of the game. A fan of Kobe Bryant, Coach Knowles enjoys working out and spending time with his daughter, Kyhlani Jae Knowles, who he considers his world. He lives by the mindset, “Adversity is coming — what will you do? Because I can assure you, it’s around the corner.” Professionally, he currently serves on active duty at Eglin Air Force Base.

Coach Anthony “Coach Ant” Harrison serves as Head Coach for PCE 2028 16U. A proud Pensacola High School alumnus, Coach Ant brings over 15 years of coaching experience working with athletes ages 8 through 18. His extensive coaching background includes six years at Pine Forest High School as Assistant Coach and Head Freshman Coach, two years with EAD UA RISE, five years with Brent Youth Football and Basketball, and three years with NEP Youth Football. His broad experience across multiple programs has allowed him to mentor and develop athletes at every stage of their growth.

Throughout his coaching career, Coach Ant has helped lead teams to a State Championship Final Four appearance, earned three District Championships, and captured countless AAU tournament titles. More importantly, he has played a role in helping over ten players continue their careers at the collegiate level, with one former player advancing to play overseas — a testament to his commitment to long-term development.

Coach Ant’s philosophy centers on developing young men beyond the game. He emphasizes accountability, structure, and consistent hard work. He believes that success is built through discipline and daily commitment, both on and off the court. His players learn that effort is non-negotiable and that growth comes through perseverance and resilience.

Having been part of Pensacola Elite since 2017, Coach Ant has witnessed the program’s growth firsthand. His connection to PCE runs deep, and he values being part of an organization committed to building competitive teams while shaping strong, disciplined young men.

One of his favorite basketball memories is being part of a state championship run. A fan of Florida State University athletics, he enjoys football outside of basketball. He lives by the motto, “No Grind, No Shine.”

Coach Neal Croom Jr. serves as Head Coach for PCE 8U. A former high school player, Coach Neal brings valuable experience coaching youth athletes ages 8 through 13. His coaching background includes work with Pensacola Elite, as well as programs in Savannah, Georgia and SYSA. Throughout his coaching journey, he has led teams to significant accomplishments, including a Georgia Recreation Quarterfinal appearance, Middle School League Championships, and multiple tournament championships.

Coach Neal believes attitude and effort are everything. He is committed to developing young athletes into responsible, respectful, and accountable individuals who take ownership both on and off the court. To him, success is not measured solely by wins, but by growth in character, strong fundamentals, a defensive mindset, and learning how to build and function as a team. He emphasizes that practice does not start in the gym — it starts at home — and together with families, he works to instill discipline that carries far beyond basketball.

He coaches at Pensacola Elite because the program’s leadership is dedicated to developing youth both on and off the court. That mission aligns with his own belief that basketball is a tool for life lessons and long-term growth.

One of his favorite basketball memories was being the underdog in a Georgia District Championship game, winning in overtime to advance to state. A fan of the Florida Gators, Coach Neal enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities. He lives by the quote, “Challenge your limit, don’t limit your challenges!” A faith-based family man, he has been married for 21 years and is the proud father of three children — two boys and one girl.

 DeMarcus Glover, known as Coach D, serves as a coach for PCE 2030 Boys and brings high-level athletic experience and leadership to the program. He was a four-year varsity starter in high school basketball and went on to play Division I football at Western Kentucky University. His competitive background, discipline, and work ethic shape the foundation of his coaching approach today.

For Coach D, the most important part of coaching is the opportunity to serve as a positive role model within the community. He believes in impacting young athletes far beyond the court by teaching them how the real world works — emphasizing that consistent effort, discipline, and doing your best every time will lead to success. Through in-depth training and detailed skill development, players not only improve physically but also gain a deeper understanding of accountability and perseverance.

Coach D defines success differently than most. Wins and losses do not determine achievement in his program. Instead, success is measured by what his players accomplish in the classroom, at home, and in the community. Watching young men grow into responsible, disciplined leaders is what he considers the greatest reward.

His connection to Pensacola Elite is personal. As a member of the very first PCE basketball team, he feels a strong responsibility to give back to the program that helped shape him. He believes what makes PCE special is its unwavering standard and the true family atmosphere shared among coaches, players, and supporters.

One of his favorite basketball memories is helping lead Pine Forest High School to a third consecutive district championship. Outside of basketball, Coach D enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and reading. Professionally, he works in transportation and logistics. He is also a proud father to his one-year-old son, Daxon.

“It’s not the hours you put into something, but what you put into the hours.”

 Jerome Williams, known to many as Coach Rome, serves as the Head Coach for PCE 2030 Green (14U). A former three-year High School Varsity player, Coach Rome has continued his passion for youth development through coaching with organizations such as the Perdido Bay Bucs, working with athletes ages 10–15.

For Coach Rome, developmental growth is always the primary focus. He believes in building players not just for the season, but for life — emphasizing leadership, life skills, commitment, and accountability as athletes mature both on and off the court. Success, in his view, is measured by growth over time and the progress players make in character and discipline.

His connection to Pensacola Elite runs deep. Having experienced mentorship from the founders at a young age, Coach Rome understands firsthand the impact strong leadership can have. Being able to now coach within the same organization and continue fostering personal growth in the next generation is something he considers a true privilege. What makes PCE special to him is simple — it’s family.

One of his favorite basketball memories includes hitting a personal game-winner, along with the unforgettable experience of witnessing an NBA game courtside. He is a Lakers fan and enjoys traveling in his free time. Professionally, Coach Rome works as a Car Sales Manager.

“If you’re ready, you never have to get ready.”