James is an alumnus of Junipero Serra High School, the College of San Mateo, and Bemidji State University in Minnesota.

At Serra, he earned honors as a two-time First Team All-WCAL League player. He continued his football career at the College of San Mateo, where he was recognized as an All-Conference wide receiver and served as a team captain for the CSM Bulldogs. His performance at CSM earned him a football scholarship to Bemidji State University, where he continued to excel both on and off the field. James graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

With over 23 years of coaching experience across various roles in the community, James takes pride in being the kind of coach who understands the deep, lasting impact he has on young athletes—both on and off the field. His passion for leadership and mentorship has fueled his mission to inspire and empower the next generation.

This drive led to the creation of NEXT PLAY!, an organization built to cultivate leaders who share James’s commitment to growth, resilience, and purpose.

 

Through NEXT PLAY!, James lives out his mantra and extends his impact by equipping others to carry that same torch forward.