As basketball season approaches, Coach Olivetti shared his thoughts on the upcoming season, his excitement, and the challenges he anticipates as he prepares to coach the Junior Mules. With a successful coaching career at Alamo Heights, including multiple winning seasons, playoff appearances, and tournament victories, Coach Olivetti is looking forward to leading his team to success again this year.

For Coach Olivetti, building a strong team means selecting players who are dedicated and contribute to the team’s overall success. “It’s not just about having stylish players or natural leaders on and off the court. We need hard workers who will help the team,” he said.

One key factor in creating a successful team, according to Coach Olivetti, is ensuring that all players are aligned with the team’s goals. “You can’t have players who think they’re better than everyone else. Everyone has to be on the same page. Either we’re all in, or we’re out,” he emphasized.

Coach Olivetti’s coaching style focuses on preparing his players to win and ensuring they’re ready for the challenges ahead. “We prepare them well. We over-prepare our players to get them ready for high school basketball, and we focus on every possible situation. It’s about knowing how to play the game, not just playing streetball,” he explained. While this approach may challenge players accustomed to a more casual style of play, Coach believes it’s essential for their growth.

To ensure his players are prepared for every game, Coach Olivetti runs rigorous practices that mirror the intensity of actual game situations. “We run a tight ship. We practice in-game situations, and I expect players to listen, pay attention, and know what to do—otherwise, they’re out,” he said.

Coach Olivetti believes that practice should be as intense as the games themselves. “I’m the super intense one, and they should match that intensity. It needs to feel like the game to really get them prepared,” he said, stressing the importance of preparing players to perform under pressure.

His goal is for the team to hit the ground running from day one. “I think we need to start strong. The first game is just a week after tryouts, so by midseason, we should be playing our best basketball,” he noted.

He expects to see his players’ effort right from the first tip-off. “Right when they step on the court, it’s game time. I can’t want it more than they do. Once the game starts, it’s over for the other team,” he said with confidence.

With all these expectations in place, Coach Olivetti believes his team will be successful if they embrace his coaching philosophy. He’s excited to work with the new Junior Mules and is eager to see how they develop throughout the season.