Audio Only
Download Listen On Apple Listen On Spotify Listen On Amazon
▶️ Show Notes
In this compelling episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory sits down with Shavar Bernier, head basketball coach at the prestigious Taft School. Bernier shares his unique journey from being a first-team all-state player in New Hampshire to taking a gap year, attending Bridgton Academy, and eventually finding his way to Connecticut College before becoming a successful prep school coach. With remarkable candor, Bernier discusses his coaching philosophy centered on hard work, grit, and love for the game, while offering invaluable insights into how Taft prepares student-athletes for college basketball. Parents and players will appreciate his honest perspective on the importance of morning workouts, player development strategies, and how the right prep school environment can transform a young athlete’s future. This episode delivers practical wisdom for families navigating the complex prep-to-college basketball pathway.
⏱️Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction to Shavar Bernier and his background
1:30 Shavar’s journey from New Hampshire to Bridgton Academy
3:18 Taking a gap year before prep school and learning from mistakes
7:09 The perspective gained from taking time off before Bridgton
10:56 Choosing Connecticut College and trusting mentors
13:05 Experience coaching at St. Michael’s in Vermont
15:43 Transition from college coaching to prep school at Frederick Gunn
17:41 Shavar’s perspective on Taft School as an institution
21:13 Taft basketball program philosophy of hard work and grit
25:21 Morning workouts and preparing players for college demands
27:21 Navigating the changing college recruitment landscape
29:35 Identifying which players truly love basketball
31:36 Balancing basketball dreams with academic opportunities
36:58 Multi-sport requirements at Taft and afternoon activities
38:15 College coach visits and recruitment realities
40:30 The AAA vs. AA vs. A league debate in prep basketball
45:17 Player development approach and philosophy
48:27 College placement strategy for post-graduate students
51:04 Quick-hit questions and personal insights
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Shavar’s personal journey through gap year, prep school, and college basketball
📌 Taft School’s unique community and basketball program philosophy
📌 Morning workouts, player development, and college preparation strategies
📌 Navigating college recruitment and finding the right basketball fit
📌 The importance of genuine love for basketball in player development
📌 College placement strategies for post-graduate students
🗒️ About Shavar Bernier:
Shavar Bernier serves as the head basketball coach at Taft School, bringing his experience as a former first-team all-state player in New Hampshire, Bridgton Academy post-graduate, and Connecticut College standout. After coaching at the collegiate level with St. Michael’s in Vermont, Bernier found his calling in prep school basketball, where he’s built a program centered on developing complete student-athletes.
🔗 Connect with Shavar Bernier:
Website | SBernier@taftschool.org
X | https://x.com/shavmoney24
X | https://x.com/TaftBasketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/taftbvbasketball/?hl=en
🔗 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.
👉 Subscribe for insights, tips, and success stories in prep school athletics.
#PrepSchoolBasketball #PrepSchool #DrewDawson #ChoateRosemaryHall #D1Basketball #StudentAthlete #CollegeRecruitment #AthleteDevelopment #CollegeRecruiting #SportsEducation #BasketballCoaching