About HCTC
Elite Off-the-Court
Professional Development
Who We Are
Inspiring growth. Building lasting success - both on and off the court.
Celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2027, Head Coach Training Center® is the premier annual off-the-court professional development and networking event for college basketball coaches. HCTC empowers aspiring and current head coaches with practical strategies to pursue highly coveted head coach positions and excel in those roles, while offering candid, behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
Current and former head coaches share the pivotal moments and hard-earned lessons that have shaped their careers, while collegiate athletic directors, athletic administrators, search firm executives, industry leaders, and leadership experts.
The Assistant Coach Training Center (ACTC) Track features focused breakout sessions that equip assistant coaches with proven strategies to make a greater impact in their current roles and position themselves for future opportunities. Along the way, participants build valuable relationships with current and aspiring head coaches, expanding their networks and gaining insights to advance their careers.
210+
Previous Attendees
have secured a first-time or new collegiate Head Coach position, including over 70+ at the Division I level!
UNPARALLELED LEARNING
Examples of Topics Covered
Résumés & Application Materials • Networking • Pursuing Coaching Opportunities • Interview Portfolios • Interview Preparation & Tips • Contracts & Negotiations • Benefits of Agent Representation • Leadership Skills • Your First 30 Days as a Head Coach • Lessons Learned • Building & Sustaining Program Culture • Hiring & Managing Staff • Recruiting • Navigating the Transfer Portal • Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) • Revenue Sharing • Fundraising • Maximizing a Limited Budget • Self-Evaluation • Scouting • Analytics & Technology • Building Strong Relationships with Athletic Administrators • Mental Health • End-of-Season Surveys • Navigating Student-Athlete Complaints • Transitioning from Assistant Coach to Head Coach • Transitioning Between NCAA Levels as a Head Coach • Lessons Learned After Year One as a Head Coach • And More!
Check out highlights From HCTC26
NUMBERS THAT MATTER
Since 2016...
1,000+
Coaches In Attendance
200+
Administrators In Attendance
450+
Different Colleges & Universities Represented
210+
Previous attendees have secured a first-time or new collegiate Head Coach position (70+ at the DI level)
What Some Previous Attendees Say
“If you want REAL answers to what it takes to become a Head Coach, the HCTC is the place for you.”
Erin Batth
Head WBB Coach at Providence College
“Where was this 20 years ago when I was starting out in the profession?!? The HCTC would have saved me so many sleepless nights, losses and mistakes made as a first time head coach. Brian did a great job of providing speakers with insights on various topics that all coaches NEED. This is a must-attend event for anyone wanting, not only to be a head coach, but a better coach in general.”
Jamy Bechler
Author & Host “Success is a Choice” Podcast
“Basketball Coaches: Whether you’re seeking the latest information or looking to connect with other coaches, ADs, and search firms, be sure to attend Head Coach Training Center. Brian Stanchak leads this outstanding professional development event.”
paul Biancardi
Analyst & National Recruiting Director at ESPN
“HCTC was nothing short of amazing. The amount of knowledge shared from the various speakers was not only very eye-opening but encouraging. I am already looking forward to next year and learning more!”
Jesyka Burks-Wiley
Head WBB Coach at Florida International University
“Thankful for being included in this elite event with such a dynamic lineup of speakers/presenters. This is definitely a must attend for coaches at all levels to learn, grow and fellowship! S/O to @BDStan @TheBDSAgency”
jason Crafton
Former Division I Head MBB Coach
“The HCTC was a great experience from start to finish. Unlike other large conventions, the intimacy the HCTC provides allows for candid discussions & authenticity. This opportunity was a great way to network and create long lasting relationships within the industry.”
Natalie Marlow
Head WBB Coach at Saint Martin’s University
“Once in a lifetime opportunity at the @HeadCoachTC. So incredibly grateful to all of the speakers. I learned more than I ever thought I could in two days… Need to review these pages of notes for weeks to come to really digest all of the invaluable info shared. So thankful.”
Chandler McCabe
Head WBB Coach at Robert Morris University
“The professional development is unlike anything you ever experienced. This weekend was 1st class. I have been to six Final Fours, and I gained more knowledge this weekend than all six Final Fours combined.”
Marc Mitchell
Head WBB Coach at Indiana State University
“I 100% recommend attending Brian Stanchak’s Head Coach Training Center to anyone with an interest in becoming a Head Coach. He strategically lined up speakers that talked through many different aspects of the job, which helped me think through things I hadn’t before. His panels were knowledgable, vulnerable, professional, and I learned a ton!”
Joanna Reitz
Head WBB Coach at University of West Georgia
“Overall, I would rate my experience an 11 out of 10 on a scale of 10. This was a first-class event that I would definitely attend again in the future. I would also recommend any other coach in the profession to attend this event if they are looking for a solid professional development opportunity. Each speaker was full of knowledge, unique, transparent and full of useful information, and I can’t wait to attend HCTC17!”
Grahm Smith
Head WBB Coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University
“The EXPERIENCE was just that…a total intertwined experience with all senses involved and my boundaries pushed! I am very thankful for INTENTIONALLY of everything you and your team did. HOWEVER, most important – it was truly the PEOPLE.”
Julia Tucker
Head WBB Coach at Lynn University
“@HeadCoachTC continues to raise the bar in self & professional development.”
Tiffany Tucker
Director of Athletics at UMBC
HCTC Alumni Have Obtained Head Coach Positions In Some of The Following Conferences
With the Assist Scholarships cover Head Coach Training Center® registration fees for individuals enrolled in a master’s degree program and part-time assistant coaches at non-Division I institutions. These scholarships support coaches seeking to further their professional development and grow as leaders and mentors of student-athletes.
To help fund additional scholarships, please email brian@thebdsagency.com.
With the Assist is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, EIN 86-2217795. Scholarship donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Please consult your tax preparer for further information.
“HCTC was one of the most inspiring and motivating experiences I’ve been apart of. I am an aspiring Head Coach, so the information and insight I received while attending the HCTC was second to none. The speakers and presenters were amazing and shared their stories and experiences transparently. I look forward to attending this year’s conference.”
Corin “Tiny” Adams
Morgan State University & Previous HCTC Scholarship Recipient
“Head Coach Training Center is the flagship of coaching development. I have attended clinics all over, and Brian Stanchak and his team brings together a diverse mix of speakers and activities that just feel right. I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship from Brian to attend the HCTC in May. This was a great help to me and I would encourage any student who is serious about coaching to apply and attend. As a Doctorate student, my research focus is on coaching efficiency and the HCTC opened the door to so many wonderful people.”
Richard Jowers
Graduate Student-Assistant at University of Alabama & Previous HCTC Scholarship Recipient
“HCTC has given me tips, valuable information, and contacts that can help me now and years down the road. As someone brand new in the coaching world, I felt this was very valuable despite being many years away from being a Head Coach!”
Brooklyn Taylor
Graduate Assistant at Mercer University & Previous HCTC Scholarship Recipient
Who Is Eligible: Students currently enrolled in a master’s degree program.
What Is Covered: HCTC27 conference registration. Recipients are responsible for hotel and travel expenses.
How to Apply: Email the following to admin@headcoachtc.com:
- A one-page essay explaining your motivation to become a coach and the steps you are taking to pursue that goal.
One letter of recommendation.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2027.
Additional partial With the Assist scholarships may be available to part-time assistant coaches at non-Division I institutions. Email admin@headcoachtc.com for more information.
Your seat is waiting!
Join college basketball’s leading minds for three unforgettable days of elite professional development, stories you won’t hear anywhere else, and career-defining connections!