Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominic Priestley.
Hi Dominic , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in California’s High Desert, and that’s where I really fell in love with the game. Some of my best memories are from my time at Silverado High School, where we went 29–3 and made an incredible run to the CIF Division 1AA Championship. Along the way, I was fortunate to earn Defensive Player of the Year and be selected as a three-time All-Star, but what I remember most are the relationships, the work we put in, and the lessons the game taught me.
Looking back, basketball has opened so many doors for me, but the biggest gift has been the people I’ve met and the life lessons I’ve learned along the way. That’s a big reason why I coach today. I want young athletes to experience more than just wins and losses. I want them to build confidence, learn how to be great teammates, develop discipline, and discover what they’re capable of when they commit to something bigger than themselves.
Today, I get to live that mission at Train at the PAC. Every day, I have the opportunity to work with young athletes who are chasing their own goals, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be a small part of their journey. Watching them grow—not just as basketball players, but as confident, disciplined young people—is what makes coaching so meaningful to me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a straight path. Like most athletes, I’ve had my share of tough losses, setbacks, and moments where I had to fight for playing time or prove I belonged. There were times when things didn’t go the way I had hoped, whether it was falling short in the high school playoffs, competing for a spot at the college level, or carrying the responsibility of being a team captain.
Looking back, I’m grateful for those challenges because they taught me far more than the victories ever could. They taught me resilience, accountability, discipline, and the importance of showing up every day, even when things aren’t going your way.
Those experiences have shaped the coach I am today. I always tell my players that basketball is about so much more than wins and losses. It’s about how you respond when you face adversity, how you treat your teammates, and the habits you build through hard work and consistency. Those are the lessons that stay with you long after the final buzzer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
rain at the PAC is more than a basketball training facility—it’s a place where athletes of all ages can grow, compete, and build confidence. From the beginning, the goal has been to create an environment where players are challenged, supported, and given the tools they need to reach their full potential, both on and off the court.
What I love most about being part of Train at the PAC is that the focus goes beyond developing better basketball players. We emphasize fundamentals, discipline, accountability, and building habits that carry over into school, work, and everyday life. Whether someone is stepping into the gym for the first time or preparing to compete at the next level, every athlete is treated with the same level of commitment and respect.
The culture we’ve built is one where hard work, consistency, and a positive attitude matter just as much as talent. We celebrate improvement, encourage healthy competition, and believe that the best coaches are mentors first. Seeing athletes gain confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve goals they didn’t think were possible is what makes this work so rewarding.
At the end of the day, basketball is simply the vehicle. The real mission is helping people become more confident, resilient, and prepared for whatever comes next, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that’s committed to making that happen every day.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’ve never really thought of myself as someone who takes big, reckless risks. For me, it’s always been about betting on myself and being willing to step outside of my comfort zone when an opportunity feels right.
One of the biggest risks I took was continuing to chase basketball beyond high school. There are no guarantees when you decide to play at the next level. I had to earn my spot at Barstow College, compete every day, and trust that the work I was putting in would eventually open doors. Fortunately, it did, and it led to a full scholarship at the University of Jamestown. Looking back, that decision changed the course of my life.
Coaching has been another leap of faith. Transitioning from being a player to helping develop the next generation came with its own challenges. You’re no longer focused on your own success—you’re responsible for helping others grow. That’s a different kind of pressure, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
What I’ve learned is that growth usually comes with a certain amount of uncertainty. If you’re always waiting until you feel completely ready, you’ll probably miss opportunities. At the same time, I don’t believe in taking risks just for the sake of it. I believe in preparing, putting in the work, and then having the confidence to take the next step when the opportunity presents itself.
That’s something I try to pass on to the athletes I work with at Train at the PAC. Whether it’s trying out for a new team, taking the last shot, or setting bigger goals for themselves, I want them to understand that growth often starts the moment you’re willing to believe in yourself, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
Pricing:
- Free trial available for new athletes.
- Rookies Program (Ages 5–8): Monthly: $159 (2 sessions per week)
- The System (Ages 9+): Monthly: $239 (2 sessions per week)
- Semi-Private Training (2–4 athletes): Monthly: $489 (2 sessions per week)
- Shooting Lab: $25 for a 30-minute session.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trainatthepac.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainatthepac
