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▶️ Show Notes
Join us as we sit down with Billy Thom, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Millbrook School, for an insightful discussion about prep school basketball, college recruitment, and holistic student development. We explore Billy’s journey from being a student manager during Davidson’s historic Elite Eight run with Steph Curry to building a unique basketball program that emphasizes both athletic excellence and personal growth.
⏱️Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction and overview of Billy Thom’s background at Davidson and Millbrook
1:34 Billy discusses growing up in Cold Spring, NY
2:46 Discussion of Billy’s experience as a student manager at Davidson
5:19 Detailed conversation about Davidson’s Elite Eight run with Steph Curry
10:17 Transition to discussing Billy’s role at Millbrook School
16:30 Overview of Millbrook School’s program and philosophy
24:05 Discussion about high academic recruitment and prep school choices
33:37 Post-graduate program details at Millbrook
41:15 Future of prep school basketball
43:05 Billy’s role as a social worker and its impact on coaching
45:40 Post-COVID mental health discussion
47:14 Requirements for D1 level guards
48:18 Quick-Hitters
📌 Key Topics:
✅ Davidson Experience: Detailed behind-the-scenes look at the 2008 Elite Eight run with Steph Curry
✅ Millbrook Philosophy: Innovative approach combining basketball with holistic education, including their unique campus features like an accredited zoo
✅ College Recruitment: In-depth discussion of how Millbrook helps student-athletes navigate the recruiting process
✅ Mental Health: Integration of social-emotional wellness into coaching practices as a licensed clinical social worker
🗒️ About Billy:
Billy Thom is a multifaceted educator and coach who serves as Millbrook School’s Head Boys Basketball Coach, Director of Affective Education, and Assistant Director of Counseling. After graduating from Davidson College in 2011, he served as Director of Basketball Operations at Davidson from 2011-2013. Since joining Millbrook in 2013, he has developed a comprehensive program that has placed students at prestigious institutions including Dartmouth, Williams College, and Colgate University. A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), Thom brings a unique perspective to coaching by integrating mental health and wellness into his basketball program. His coaching philosophy emphasizes character development alongside athletic achievement, reflected in Millbrook’s “Be a Blessing” program objective.
🔗 Connect with Billy:
Email | wthom@millbrook.org
X | https://x.com/billy_thom?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachthom12/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brookhoops/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast
Website | https://prepathletics.com/prep-athletics-podcast/
🏀About Us:
PREP Athletics is your trusted partner in navigating the prep school journey for your family. With over a decade of experience, I’ve successfully placed players in top prep schools, leveraging my own post-grad year experience and deep family ties to the world of prep school and professional basketball. Our mission is to guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring if prep school is the right path for you, we find the perfect fit to achieve your academic and athletic aspirations.
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