Todd Troxel has spent decades shaping the careers of elite athletes, blending precision, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. His journey reflects the philosophy that greatness is not achieved in a single moment but is built through countless hours of dedication when no one is watching. From NBA training gyms to international championships, Troxel’s influence has consistently been about elevating players to their fullest potential.
What sets Troxel apart is not just his technical expertise but his holistic approach to coaching. He has long believed that developing athletes requires more than skill work—it also demands mental resilience, trust, and accountability. This philosophy has guided him through a career filled with unique opportunities, global experiences, and partnerships with some of the sport’s most iconic figures.
A Foundation in Elite Player Development
Troxel’s professional roots began with over a decade working alongside NBA players. These formative years were marked by grueling workouts, detailed instruction, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. He became known for designing sessions that demanded both physical and mental toughness, instilling habits that translated to success on the court.
Among the athletes he worked with during this period were NBA draft picks and seasoned professionals who valued his no-nonsense approach. Troxel quickly earned a reputation as a trainer who demanded the best while also respecting the individuality of each player. This ability to connect personally while maintaining high expectations became a defining trait of his coaching career.
Global Experience and Championship Success
Troxel’s career soon expanded beyond the United States, taking him to international leagues where he adapted his methods to new environments. His time abroad included coaching roles with prominent organizations in Europe and Asia, where he guided teams to championships and playoff runs.
One of the most notable chapters came during his tenure with UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia, a powerhouse in women’s basketball. Troxel contributed to Euroleague victories and multiple finals appearances, proving that his principles of preparation and intensity translated seamlessly across borders. Later, in China with the Shanghai Sharks, he helped both junior and senior squads find success, further establishing his reputation as a coach who could deliver results in any setting.
These international experiences deepened his perspective, exposing him to diverse basketball philosophies and cultures. They also reinforced his belief that while strategies may vary, the universal key to success remains the same: consistent hard work and relentless attention to detail.
Partnership with Diana Taurasi
Perhaps the most defining relationship in Troxel’s career has been his long-standing partnership with Diana Taurasi, widely regarded as the greatest women’s basketball player in history. Their journey began overseas, where daily training sessions became the cornerstone of Taurasi’s preparation.
Troxel brought an NBA-inspired physicality and structure to her workouts, emphasizing constant improvement rather than titles or accolades. He often recalls that their focus was never on being “the best” but on putting in the effort every single day, every single drill. That shared commitment created a bond built on trust, accountability, and mutual respect.
Beyond the court, Troxel became a sounding board for Taurasi, offering insights into opponents and strategies before games. During competitions, his presence on the sideline was a steady source of guidance and reassurance. Their partnership produced championships, MVP seasons, and most importantly, a friendship that transcended basketball. Troxel has described Taurasi as “like a sister,” a testament to the deep personal connection forged through years of shared sacrifice and success.
Coaching Principles
Troxel’s coaching philosophy can be distilled into a few key principles that he applies consistently across all levels of basketball:
- Never stop learning – The game is constantly evolving, and a coach must evolve with it. Troxel studies basketball across leagues and continents, always searching for new ways to gain an edge.
- Outwork everyone – He demands energy, precision, and full effort in every practice and expects his athletes to embrace the same standard.
- Tell the truth – For Troxel, honesty is non-negotiable. He believes top athletes don’t want flattery; they want accountability and the truth that will help them grow.
By blending these principles with his technical expertise, Troxel creates an environment where players not only improve but also feel supported and challenged. His emphasis on honesty and trust has made him a mentor whose influence extends far beyond the basketball court.
Influence Beyond Training
What makes Troxel unique is his ability to prepare athletes not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. He emphasizes confidence, strategic awareness, and resilience—qualities that separate great players from good ones. His input during games often provides the small but crucial adjustments that allow athletes to perform at their peak under pressure.
Troxel’s story also highlights the often unseen role of coaches in shaping champions. The spotlight may shine brightest on the athletes, but behind the scenes, figures like Troxel are driving the discipline, preparation, and strategies that make excellence possible.
Personal Perspective
Troxel’s years of coaching across the NBA, WNBA, Euroleague, and Chinese leagues have given him a broad perspective on the sport and its global community. Off the court, he is a devoted husband and father who credits his family for keeping him grounded. His experiences abroad not only sharpened his professional skills but also enriched his appreciation for cultural diversity and human connection.
He has often said that his greatest lessons in work ethic came from Diana Taurasi, whose relentless drive pushed him to match her intensity day after day. Now, those lessons live on in the athletes he continues to mentor, as he instills in them the same values of discipline, respect, and constant improvement.
A Lasting Legacy
Troxel’s journey is far from over, but his legacy is already secure. His influence has touched players across multiple continents, from NBA draft picks to WNBA legends, from junior squads in Asia to championship teams in Europe. What unites all of these experiences is a commitment to the unseen hours of hard work—the belief that true greatness is forged long before the lights and cameras arrive.
As the game of basketball continues to evolve, so too will Troxel’s methods and teachings. His story serves as a reminder that behind every championship banner and every celebrated career is a coach who demanded more, believed deeply, and never stopped working.
About Todd Troxel
Todd Troxel is a veteran basketball coach and performance trainer whose career spans NBA, WNBA, NCAA, and international leagues. He began by working with NBA athletes for over a decade, developing a reputation for intense, detail-oriented workouts and a relentless commitment to improvement.
His career reached a turning point when he partnered with Diana Taurasi, widely considered the greatest women’s basketball player of all time. Their decade-long collaboration produced championships, MVP seasons, and a bond built on mutual respect and shared discipline. Troxel introduced NBA-style physicality and innovation to the women’s game, helping redefine preparation and strategy at the highest levels.
Over the years, Troxel has coached athletes across the globe, from Russia to China, guiding teams to championships and shaping the development of countless players. Known for his honesty, intensity, and dedication, he continues to inspire athletes with a philosophy rooted in hard work, constant learning, and the pursuit of excellence.