Built Through the Journey.Proven in the Work.
Purposeful basketball development built to translate when the game gets real.
Steve Johnston
Founder and Head of Player Development at NODAT Training, Coach Steve played Division I basketball at Fairfield University — earning his way from team manager to walk-on to scholarship starter to team captain — then played one year professionally in Canada. Today he coaches at South Kent School (AAA NEPSAC). That journey shapes how he coaches: develop skills that translate to games and turn potential into production. From youth to pro, he develops complete players — including Sonia Citron, the third overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
ATHLETES COACHED OR TRAINED
YEARS OF COACHING EXPERIENCE
OVERALL WNBA PICK DEVELOPED
Credentials, Experience and Development Impact
Steve combines an earned playing journey, high-level coaching experience, and methods shaped by respected basketball development leaders.
Development Impact
Developed Sonia Citron, third overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft
Playing Experience
Fairfield University Division I team manager to walk-on
Scholarship starter and team captain
Professional player in Canada
Coaching Experience
Founder and Director of Player Development, NODAT Training
Current coach, South Kent School (AAA NEPSAC)
10+ years coaching athletes from youth through pro
Methods & Mentorship
Studied under DJ Sackmann, Drew Hanlen, Phil Beckner & Alex Bazzell
Holistic approach to development
Network built to help athletes succeed (access to performance coaches, mental performance coaches, nutritionists and more!)
Jackson Ryan
Jackson Ryan is a NODAT skills trainer and incoming assistant coach at Greenwich Country Day.
- Two-time FAA and NEPSAC champion at St. Luke's
- Played college basketball at WPI and Haverford ('23)
- Signed professionally with the Killarney Cougars in Ireland
How NODAT Develops
the Complete Player
The standard is simple: purposeful work, real decisions, and habits that hold up when the game gets hard.
Game-Ready Skill
Every rep has a purpose and ends in a decision, so the work translates beyond an empty gym.
Complete-Player Development
Skill, basketball IQ, athleticism, strength, and mindset are developed together around the athlete in front of us.
Earned Accountability
Clear priorities, a development plan, and consistent standards help athletes turn potential into production.
Start With a Clear Evaluation
We will assess the athlete, understand their goals, and recommend the right coach, program, location, and development plan.
