Coach Winn
Meet Coach Winn
The Griot of the Court | Builder of Champions | Voice for Youth Sports Done Right
With over 50 years in youth sports—as a player, coach, parent, and nationally certified leader—Coach Fentriss Winn has become one of California’s most respected and decorated high school coaches. A 16-time Coach of the Year, 8-time Section Champion, and State Champion, Coach Winn is more than just a winner—he’s a pioneer dedicated to shaping the future of youth athletics with purpose, integrity, and heart.
But his impact goes far beyond the scoreboard.
Coach Winn is the creator of the Youth Sports Toolkit, a revolutionary resource empowering families, coaches, and organizations to build inclusive, character-driven programs rooted in Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD). His popular children’s eBook, “Ice Cream Win or Lose,” turns post-game moments into powerful life lessons, reinforcing values like resilience, empathy, and sportsmanship.
As a USA Basketball Gold Licensed Coach and Nationally Certified Youth Sports Administrator, Coach Winn brings a unique blend of elite experience and real-world wisdom to every gym, classroom, and community he serves. He doesn’t just coach the game—he protects its spirit, elevates the standard, and brings families along for the journey.
At Gotham City Hoops, Coach Winn’s mission is simple:
To raise champions in life, not just on the court.
what makes us different
The values we live by
Experience
With over 50 years in youth sports as a coach, player, parent, and mentor, Coach Winn brings unmatched experience to every court. His journey has spanned generations, producing champions in both life and sport—and his influence continues to shape the future of youth basketball with wisdom and heart.
Innovative Approach
As the creator of the Youth Sports Toolkit, Coach Winn redefines how we approach athlete development. His methodology integrates modern research, character education, and long-term growth strategies—turning every gym into a launchpad for greatness.
Family-First Mindset
At the core of Coach Winn’s philosophy is a simple truth: parents are the real superheroes. Gotham City Hoops is built around partnership, keeping families involved, informed, and empowered. When families thrive, athletes soar.
Complete Development
Coach Winn’s approach develops the whole athlete—mind, body, and spirit. From fundamentals to leadership, from game IQ to emotional intelligence, his programs are designed to build strong athletes and even stronger young people.
Expert Credentials
A USA Basketball Gold Licensed Coach, Nationally Certified Youth Sports Administrator, and 16-time Coach of the Year, Coach Winn doesn’t just talk excellence—he lives it. His proven track record and national recognition reflect a career built on results, respect, and relentless dedication.
Long-Term Vision
True greatness isn’t built overnight. Coach Winn champions a Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) approach that emphasizes age-appropriate growth, multi-phase progression, and sustainable success. It’s not just about winning today—it’s about building champions for life.
It Starts with Family, It Ends with Legacy
Fentriss Winn
A Journey of Basketball Excellence
Coach Winn's career in youth sports spans over 50 years, beginning as a player at just 8 years old. His extensive club coaching career has seen him coach well over 5,000 games.
Major Achievements
Head Coaching Record Highlights
Official wins are counted only at the varsity high school and college levels. Coach Winn's extensive club career and youth coaching experience has included thousands of additional games.
Championship Legacy
Coach Winn has earned over 25 league, conference, and CIF section championships, along with a State title during his decorated career.
- Over 25 combined championships including league, conference, and CIF section championships, plus a State title in 2001
- 8 CIF San Diego section championships (6 girls, 2 boys) with The Bishop's School
- All-time win leader at Saddleback College in women's basketball history with 239 career wins
- Over 365 wins coaching high school basketball (Boys at Bishop's La Jolla, Vista High School, Bolsa Grande High School, and Girls at Bishop's School and Vista High School)
- Over 600 total career wins at high school and college levels
- Only coach in San Diego section history to win section championships coaching boys and girls varsity basketball in the same season (accomplished twice)
- Named 2003 Orange Empire Coach of the Year in first season at Saddleback College
- San Diego County Coach of the Year (2002)
- California State Coach of The Year by Cal Hi Sports (2001)
- Coached over 5,000 games across all levels including club, AAU, and youth programs
Basketball Journey Begins
From Player to Coach
Started in basketball as a young player at age 8, eventually graduating from Bolsa Grande High School in 1979.
- Developed passion for the game from an early age
- Built foundation as a player at Bolsa Grande High School
- Began coaching career at Parks and Recreation level in 1982
- Accumulated over 50 years of basketball knowledge as player and coach
Bolsa Grande High School
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Returned to coach at his alma mater, where he graduated in 1979.
- Currently in second year leading the program
- Bringing career experience full circle at his high school alma mater
- Developing next generation of student-athletes
- Implementing proven coaching philosophy and development strategies
Basketball Club Management
Director of Instruction
Led several basketball clubs including Future Stars (1987-2000), Top Ten (2000-2004), and 80/20 (2009-Present).
- Developed training programs for teaching basketball fundamentals
- Created year-round instructional travel team organization
- Attended eight AAU national championship tournaments since 1994
- Led teams to 13 different states with over 150 different boys and girls
The Bishop's School
Head Girls' Basketball Coach
Directed the Girls basketball program to become the number one rated program in San Diego County.
- Career record of 256 wins against 57 losses
- Won 6 CIF San Diego section championships with girls program
- Won state championship in 2001 with girls program
- Elevated program to the highest level both county and statewide
The Bishop's School
Head Boy's Basketball Coach
Led program to county and state recognition.
- Won 2 CIF section championships in 1997 and 1998
- Elevated program to the highest level both county and statewide
- Became the only coach in San Diego section history to win championships with both boys and girls teams in the same season
The Bishop's School
Diversity Coordinator / Community Outreach
Assisted financial aid students and families dealing with psychosocial issues.
- Made presentations to administration and introduced programs to area high schools
- Acted as a liaison between families and the school
- Eased transitions in a highly competitive environment
San Diego State University
Assistant Coach
First assistant coach with significant responsibilities.
- Built recruiting base on the West Coast
- Implemented defense rated at the top of Mountain West Conference
- Worked with post players to develop individual skills
- Coordinated marketing and attendance building efforts
Vista High School
Head Girls/Boys Basketball Coach
Led Vista High Boys and Girls programs to winning seasons.
- Managed program development and player development
- Responsible for hiring assistant coaches
- Handled scouting, practice preparation, and game management
24 Hour Fitness
Manager Basketball Development
Developed basketball training program in Southern California.
- Created youth-based program for proper training and body care
- Managed different locations and training partners
- Developed group training strategies
Saddleback College
Head Coach Women's Basketball
Built one of the elite women's basketball programs in California.
- Record of 239 wins as head coach at community college level
- Became all-time win leader in school history (2009-2010)
- Named 2003 Orange Empire Coach of the Year
- Renowned for player development and recruiting skills
Professional Development
Education
Bachelor of Science - Art Institute of California, San Diego (2002)
Professional Affiliations
- Certified and approved NCAA coach (event operator and coach)
- Certified double goal coach (PCA)
- Member of Positive Coaching Alliance
- California Community College Women's Basketball Coaches Association
- Former Women's Basketball Coaches Association member (2004-2008)
Camps & Clinics
- Summer Camp Director for Basketball for the City of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation (2008-Present)
- Personal Touch Success Clinics (1995-2010)
- Fantastic Footwork at Point Loma Nazarene University (2001)
- Hoops for You at YMCA/Boys and Girls Club (2001)
- We Got Skills - Fundamentals Camp (1997)