Michael O'Connell demonstrating how to shoot a basketball
Abstract illustration with pink and yellow geometric shapes on a pink background.
Black background with white text reading 'MEET COACH MIKE' in bold, curved lettering.
Golden star-shaped ornament on a dark background.
Michael O'Connell and his daughter Kelly, who got a basketball scholarship to Cal Berkeley
Black background with white bold text that says "HE'S MY DAD" in a curved arrangement.

This is my dad and he’s the guy behind the Edge Basketball. He’s my best friend, my number one fan, and someone who I’ve learned a WHOLE lot from over the years.

I’m Kelly by the way, and if you’ve talked to my dad, he may have mentioned me. (He does that a lot).

I kind of inspired the Edge way because my dad learned so much from my basketball career, watching me grow to play at Mullen High School, win two state championships, and get a basketball scholarship to Cal Berkeley.

My dad decided to take his love of basketball and use his gift of teaching, coaching, and being a positive influence to help kids reach their own bball goals.

Michael O'Connell and Kelly O'Connell at the Mullen basketball state championship
Michael O'Connell of The Edge Basketball and his daughter Kelly, a collegiate athlete
A woman and a man standing on a basketball court outdoors, smiling and making peace signs.
Kelly O'Connell and Michael O'Connell, the basketball playing father-daughter duo
Little baby Kelly O'Connell of Kind & Funny Brand Shop and her dad Michael O'Connell of The Edge Basketball

Here are a few other things that make him a great coach

  • Amazing Style

    I Love his Amazing Style

    Yes, my dad has a great fits, but even cooler than his fashion style is his approach to coaching. He meets every kid where they are and he uses kindness, humor, joy, and fun to create a safe space to learn and PLAY.

  • A person taking a selfie on a red basketball court, with a large, colorful rainbow-patterned basketball hoop and backboard, and scenic mountains and clouds in the background.

    I love his Positivity & Joy

    I grew up with coaches who screamed and yelled, and to be honest, it really sucked. My dad’s gym is the antithesis of that. He encourages, goofs, makes jokes, allows kids to make mistakes, and that kind of positivity in sports is special and rare.

  • Michael & Heather O'Connell wearing Denver Nuggets hoodies stand together at a basketball game in an arena, with a crowd in the background and colorful rainbow outline overlay.

    I love my dad's Enthusasism

    My dad cares so deeply about things. He loves the Nuggets, he LOVES my mom, he loves ice tea, sweets, his family, and a good J. Crew sale. More than almost anything else, his love for basketball and working with kids and families brings him great pride and joy.

Other People Really Like Coach Mike too... 

Edge Testimonials

  • “If you want your kid or any players on your team to get better and get better quick, then I recommend Mike O’Connell and Edge Basketball.

    From high speed spins to learning the Euro step, I’ve seen Mike's students master these moves and more. As a coach, I’ve learned that it is not too early for the kids to be making these moves, It only leads them to mastering them sooner and having early success.

    Besides mastering ball handling skills, kids gain a higher basketball IQ with other programs offered like Point Guard U. I have sent my kids and numerous others to Mike’s Edge program over the years and I’ve watched them all play and compete at a high level in club basketball and high school basketball.

    Edge kids stand out!”

    —Jim Archibald

  • “Coach Mike really is the best!

    He provides such a needed service to our community for young ballers. I have sent four of my boys through his program over the years and each one has come out with a strong “bag” of offensive skills that has given them an advantage in the highly competitive high school basketball and club basketball environments.

    He loves the kids and pushes them to be their best. Thanks Mike!”

    —Mike Jones

  • “My wife found Edge Basketball on the internet and we reached out for my twin boys Alex and Jacob. We immediately felt a connection with Coach Mike and signed up!

    Wow, what an incredible program he runs.  Coach Mike is real and genuine, you can see and feel how much he loves to coach and connect with kids.

    Our boys love him and the program. They have learned so much over the past year and their skills have improved dramatically. For the boys, they love it because they have fun!

    We highly recommend Coach Mike and will be going to him for years to come. We have connected with the other parents and this summer several kiddos from Coach Mike's program played in a ton of 3v3 and 5v5 tournaments. 

    Your kid will meet friends from all over and the connections are real. Coach Mike is incredible, if you want results, give him a shot ... because he never misses!!!!!!”

    –Joe Harvey

  • “I have been coaching youth basketball for almost a decade, and my son has been with Coach Mike for almost two years. 

    Coach Mike has single-handedly improved both his confidence and his game. He is definitely one of the top shooting coaches in Colorado and worth every penny.  I have now sent between 10-15 kids to Coach Mike, and all parents have said the same thing – there is no one better to teach basketball skill than Coach Mike. 

    I have seen him transform many kids’ games and they are better athletes, basketball players, and people for it. I tell every kid I coach to go see Coach Mike as he is the best in the business and I could not recommend him more!”

    –Chris McNicholas

  • “We call Coach Mike's gym 'The Lab' because it's a tremendous place for our son and his teammates to experiment.

    They have the freedom to be creative, and importantly, to make mistakes in an environment that's a great mix of rigorous instruction and fun.

    His individual skills have consistently progressed in a way that wouldn't have happened with just team practices or playing on his own.”

    –Ethan

  • “My son has been a part of the Edge program for almost a year now and the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.

    He is a great athlete but was missing some of the shooting and scoring skills to get to the next level. What we like most about Mike's Edge program is that it focuses more on development than winning and kids in his gym are allowed to fail as long as they are working hard and learning in the process.

    Mike's encouragement and positivity radiates throughout the gym making it a special environment for each kid. My favorite memory is Mike showing up at my kid's game to cheer him on. He is a great coach and an even better person.”

    –Brian McClain

  • “There’s no one like Coach Mike! He has helped develop my boys’ skills over the years and has prepared them for more competitive ball.

    He not only loves the game of b-ball but he loves his kids. I can count many times where he’s taken time out of his weekend to come watch one of our boys games.  You can tell he loves what he does!! I highly recommend coach Mike!!”

    –Deb Jones

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Group of youth basketball players in Colorado at The Edge Basketball Training
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