Coach Cotton

A basketball player wearing a white jersey with the number 42 jumps to make a shot near the hoop in a game, with spectators watching in the background.
A newspaper article with a photograph of a basketball player shooting a basket, with another player defending. The headline reads "Co-District 4-4A Champs" and the subheading states "Dragons secure share of district title for first time since 1988." The article discusses a basketball game and the team's championship victory.
Display case with a red Louisiana basketball jersey, number 42, and a photograph of two people shaking hands at an event.

The Heart Behind the RiverHawks

Born and raised in Louisiana, Coach Cotton fell in love with basketball early on. He played at every level except professionally, but it was what came after the final whistle that inspired the vision for the Triana RiverHawks.

"I know what it’s like to grow up in a single-parent home. I know what it’s like to not be in the position to afford what other players’ parents could. I know what it’s like to not fit in. I know what it’s like to fail. I know what it’s like to quit. And I also know what it’s like to win. Winning starts before the scoreboard reflects more points in your favor."

Basketball gave him confidence when he needed it most. It helped him find his identity and voice during a time when he struggled with bullying and low self-worth. But when the game stopped, he had to rediscover who he was—and that journey drew him closer to God and his true purpose.

Raised in a Baptist church, Coach Cotton has always had a relationship with God. Through prayer and personal experience, he discovered his calling: to prepare the next generation not just for the game, but for life.

Our Approach

At Triana RiverHawks, we train athletes to excel on the court while equipping them for the challenges beyond it. Our program emphasizes:

  • Defensive and Offensive Skill Development

  • Ball Handling, Court Awareness, and Conditioning

  • Mental Toughness and Leadership Training

  • Christian Character Growth through FCA Enrichment

  • Confidence Building and Positive Habit Formation

Group Training Sessions (Ages 8–12)

At the Triana RiverHawks, all athletes train together in structured group sessions focused on building skill, confidence, and character.
Our goal is to create an environment where every player, regardless of age or experience, learns to compete, grow, and have fun.

Current Schedule

Practice Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Weekly Training Hours: Approximately 4 hours

Training Focus

Our sessions are designed to balance development and intensity with encouragement and teamwork.

Core Areas of Focus:

  • Fundamentals: Dribbling, shooting, passing, and defensive footwork

  • Game IQ: Understanding spacing, movement, and decision-making

  • Conditioning: Building stamina, coordination, and body control

  • Character & Leadership: Accountability, attitude, and respect

Training Format

  • Dynamic group warm-ups and individual skill stations

  • Partner and team drills that emphasize communication and spacing

  • Controlled scrimmages for live game application

  • Light at-home practice encouraged (20–30 minutes daily)

Enrichment Beyond Basketball

We’re not just building athletes — we’re shaping confident young men and women who are prepared for life:

  • Career Exposure: Tours and mentorship opportunities with professionals and organizations like Huntsville FC.

  • Community Service: Projects that develop empathy, responsibility, and leadership.

  • Faith-Based Mentorship: Guidance rooted in respect, perseverance, and faith.

  • Life Skills: Communication, teamwork, and resilience that transfer beyond sports.

Building Legacy

Our ultimate goal is to inspire every RiverHawk to succeed in life — and to one day create opportunities for others, just as they experienced here.

Faith. Focus. Finish. isn’t just a motto. It’s a way of life

“Faith. Focus. Finish”

Social Media Post:

We slow things down and focus on the details—the mechanics and small movements that build the foundation for the bigger picture. I started the treadmill at a speed of 1 and gradually increased it to 3, encouraging them not to change their stance but to move their feet faster while maintaining the same form. #Riverhawks #riverhawks #triana #alabama #youthdevelopment #ChristIsKing
🚨 It’s the perfect time to join the RiverHawks family! 🚨 Boys and girls ages 8–12 are welcome to register now and be part of a program built on growth, teamwork, and fun both on and off the court. 🏀đŸ’Ē 👉 Got a child a little younger or older? Go ahead and register anyway! Once we have enough in those age groups, we’ll expand the program to make sure everyone has a place to play and grow. Come be part of something bigger than basketball — Faith. Focus. Finish. 💙 📲 Register today at www.TrianaRiverHawks.com/registration
People ask me why I decided to go full speed with the Triana RiverHawks program. Truth is, the version most people hear—that basketball saved my life—isn’t even 20% of the reason. For years I’d been training kids across Huntsville. But when my nephew was diagnosed and after his remarkable fight gained his wings, everything shifted. Not long after, I was at Flamingo Park. My son played one-on-one with another kid—same nickname as my nephew, same mannerisms, same fire in his eyes. I watched him, not just hooping, but trying to escape something. And that’s when it hit me: I saw me. I know what it’s like when you’re just trying to escape, but in the process the wrong people and wrong things can find you first. This program isn’t just about basketball. It’s about structure. Discipline. A safe place to grow, to belong, to build character through the game. I’ve heard parents say their kids are different because of me. But let’s be real—that’s all God. I’m just showing up, trying to help further the great work you’re already doing as parents. Last night, a young man I had just met texted me—opening up about a tragedy in his life. Though hurting, he still felt the need to reach out. I don’t take that lightly. That tells me this program is bigger than drills and games. It’s about being present when someone needs it most. Faith. Focus. Finish. That’s our mantra. But behind those words is a mission bigger than basketball. ✊đŸŊ For the kids. For the community. For the Bird. #TrianaRiverHawks #FaithFocusFinish #BeyondTheCourt
Dribble the ball when it’s needed, not just because. The why is just as important as the what. 🏀 Focus on purpose, not just action! đŸ’Ĩ 5 spots available for boys and girls ages 7-12 – don’t miss out! Reach out now to secure a spot. #BasketballSkills #PurposeOverPractice #YouthBasketball
đŸ“Ŗ We’ve teamed up with Little Caesars! 🍕🏀 Just in time for football season and with fall basketball right around the corner… deliciousness is on the way! From September 1st – October 1st, we’re running a fundraiser to support the Triana RiverHawks Youth Basketball Club. đŸ”Ĩ Exclusive Alert: These are special pizza kit deals you can’t get anywhere else—only through our fundraiser! Every kit sold helps us fuel our mission of mentorship, enrichment, and skill development for our youth. We can’t do this without you — stay tuned for how you can join in on the fun and take advantage of these limited-time deals. Faith. Focus. Finish. ✨
Start low— Go high đŸ™đŸžđŸ’¯#trianariverhawks #faithandbasketball #nodaysoff #builtnotborn #faithandfocus
Hey there 👋🏾 Still thinking it over? Feel free to reach out — or click the link below to check out answers to our most frequently asked questions: 👇🏾 www.trianariverhawks.com/faqs 🎉 And in the spirit of back-to-school season, registration fees are waived for the entire month of August! Now’s the perfect time to join the movement 🏀đŸ”Ĩ
Hey friends 👋đŸŊ There’s a whole community of families out there who haven’t heard of the Triana RiverHawks yet—and we’re hoping you can help us change that. 🙏đŸŊ Our mission goes beyond basketball—we’re mentoring kids through faith, discipline, and exposure to real-life opportunities. Every follow, like, or share helps us reach one more parent, one more child, one more future leader. So here’s the ask: ✅ Follow our page đŸ’Ŧ Drop a kind comment if you feel inspired 🔁 Share this post—you might help us reach someone who’s been praying for a program just like this We're not trying to go viral— We're trying to make a difference. 💙 Thanks for being part of the journey! #TrianaRiverHawks #FaithAndFocus #SupportYouth #HoopsAndHabits #ReachOneTeachOne
Live it. Love it. Grind for it. The journey > the destination.
I push them because I love them. Watching them rise after every challenge—man, it gets me every time. They’re becoming something powerful. #CoachLife #TheyDontQuit #ToughLove #YouthDevelopment #ProudMoments
Go hard. Focus on you. The rest will catch up when you get there. Tunnel vision. No distractions. đŸŽ¯ #LockedIn #GoHardOrGoHome #FocusUp #BuiltNotGiven
Pressure makes players. Reps make winners. 🏀đŸ’Ĩ Who’s staying sharp this summer? #TrianaRiverHawks #ShootingClinic #DrillWork #BuiltNotGiven
Two balls. Full focus. Summer isn’t for rest — it’s where you get better. Every rep counts. 🏀đŸ”Ĩ #TrianaRiverhawks #StudentAthlete #SummerWork #HandleSeason #InTheLab #YouthBasketball
Something exciting happened yesterday… One of my players made the life-changing decision to give his life to Christ and was baptized this past weekend! And another player—who’s been struggling to fully buy in—showed up and gave 100% effort. Overall, each player is budding in their own way, and it’s been powerful to witness their growth both on and off the court. ⚠ī¸ Registration Update: Ages 7–10: Currently full, but a waitlist is available on the site Ages 11–14: 5 slots remaining Let’s keep building—spiritually, mentally, and physically. www.trianariverhawks.com
Did You Know?🏀đŸĻ… Players in the Triana RiverHawks Basketball Club complete weekly Flight Reports every Sunday on the team page! These reports usually include a video and a few questions to help players reflect on: 📌 Skills we've worked on during training sessions 📌 Bible study opportunities 📌 Life lessons and personal growth It's all part of our mission to develop well-rounded athletes — on the court, in their faith, and in life. đŸ’Ē 📖 #TrianaRiverHawks #FlightReport #BiggerThanBasketball #FaithFocusFlight
More than a coach. More than a mentor. I thank God for the opportunity to govern the little that’s available and use it to bless a few kids who love this game just like I once did. It’s never been about posting to say, “look what I did.” It’s about honoring the chance to show God’s love and grace whenever I can. Big thank you to Yolanda King of King Management Services, LLC for collaborating and helping make this possible 🙏 More to follow — we’re just getting started. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." — Luke 16:10
As a coach, you watch the seasons change—some players move on, some stay, and new ones arrive and bring fresh energy that reminds you why you love this work. This group right here… they’ve come so far in such a short time. This morning’s workout, just before the storm, was one of those sessions that sticks with you. Focus, effort, growth—every single one of them got better. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23 Grateful for the grind. Grateful for these kids. đŸ’ĒđŸŊ🏀 #RiverHawks #HeartAndHustle #FaithAndBasketball #KeepWorking
Most of these kids are new to the game, but you can’t teach heart and hustle! đŸ’Ē🏀 'Slide & Seek' is building their footwork, and you can see their confidence growing with every rep. Technique comes with time — and they’re putting in the work! #SlideAndSeek #TrianaRiverHawks #YouthBasketball #HeartAndHustle #DefenseWinsGames #ConfidenceInTheMaking
🏀 Good Morning, RiverHawks Family! 🌅 Last session was all about the details that make champions — we locked in on quick feet and defensive slides. The team brought great energy and focus, working hard on mastering the footwork that forms the foundation of both offense and defense. Why feet matter: From explosive first steps on offense to staying in front of your man on defense, it all starts with your feet. Good footwork means better balance, quicker reactions, and smarter positioning. It’s not the flashiest skill, but it’s one of the most important for becoming a complete player. Let’s keep building from the ground up — strong feet, strong fundamentals, strong future. 🙏 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” – Psalm 37:23 Let’s keep putting in the work — one step at a time! See you tomorrow! #RiverHawksRise #FundamentalsFirst #FaithAndBasketball đŸĻ…⛚ī¸‍♂ī¸â›šī¸‍♀ī¸