Bio
John Nakpodia was named the Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of the District of Columbia back in May 2017. Prior to that he served as the Assistant Women's Basketball Coach, Recruiting Coordinator and Video Coordinator at UDC since October 2015.
Since taking over, Nakpodia has led the Firebirds to three back-to-back-to-back post season appearances in the ECC tournament including a semi-final appearance during the 2023-24 season. He had his first winning season as a head coach back in the 2022-23 season where they posted a 15-13 overall record and 10-6 in conference play.
During the 2023-24 season the Firebirds opened with an 11-0 record which allowed them to crack the D2CSC National poll, ranking #25. They spent a total of 4 weeks in the regional rankings peaking at #4. The Firebirds closed out the season with a 20-10 overall record and 12-5 in conference play- their best record since the 2015-16 season.
Nakpodia has coached multiple All-Conference student-atheles , including ECC First-Team standouts, Latavia Jackson and Destiny Ryles. Both Jackson and Ryles also earned D2CCA All-East Region honors.
Nakpodia also brings to UDC a wealth of prior basketball coaching experience, including coaching at the highest level. Before UDC, he was on staff at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas, NV where he served as an Associate Head Coach/Trainer from August 2014 through June 2015. Nakpodia assisted in the planning and implementation of customized performance programs for all Impact clients, including, but not limited to NBA players, international players, NCAA collegiate athletes and high school athletes. He also organized and facilitated individual and small group practices, fulfilled managerial office and operational duties, and assisted the head trainer with daily tasks including event execution.
Prior to his stint at Impact, Nakpodia was Director of Basketball Operations for the men's basketball team at Howard University. His responsibilities included game preparation oversight related to video, scouting and other statistical forms of analysis, administering recruiting activities and acting as a liaison between the men's basketball program and the compliance department, monitoring student-athletes' academic progress, assisting with team travel logistics, facilitating equipment orders, and helping operate summer basketball camps.
Nakpodia also interned with the National Association of Basketball Coaches at its annual convention in April 2014 and served as Assistant Director of Basketball Operations/Assistant Men's AAU 16-17 Coach for the Charlotte Reign in 2013.
"John's prior basketball experiences on the AAU level, with Impact Basketball, as well as on the NCAA Division I level are impressive," Thomas said. "Also, his steadfastness reminds me of [former UDC head women's basketball coach] Jay Butler…he will lead our women's basketball program to the highest levels."
In addition to his prior coaching work experience, Nakpodia took part in the Jay Bilas Skills Camp Young Coaches Program in 2014 and 2015. The focus of the camp, led by experienced, active coaches, is to provide hands-on, practical instruction to student-athletes looking to elevate their game.
Bilas, who competed for Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke University, served as an assistant coach on the Blue Devils' back-to-back National Championship teams in 1991 and 1992, and then went on to launch a successful law career before becoming a popular analyst on ESPN's coverage of college basketball, worked with Nakpodia during both of those camps.
"He is an outstanding young coach. John has a great knowledge of and passion for the game, and he's a hard worker with high standards for himself and his players, on and off of the floor," Bilas said. "I believe he will do a terrific job as the Head Women's Basketball Coach of The University of the District of Columbia."
Also, co-owner of the Jay Bilas Skills Camp and Camp Director, John Searby, had this to say about Nakpodia:
"John has been a part of the Jay Bilas Camp family from day one, and we have enjoyed watching his development as a coach. He is going to bring an energy and enthusiasm to the Firebirds' women's basketball program that will be contagious. We are very proud to call John Nakpodia a Jay Bilas Skills Camp Young Coaches Program alum."
