Our coaches

A youth basketball team called the Gladiators posing with their coach in a gymnasium. The team members are wearing black jerseys with their team name and numbers, and the coach is in a black T-shirt with the team name. The background includes a basketball hoop and gymnasium walls.

coach chris lehman

Founder/ CEO of Gladiator Basketball. Coach Chris' passion for basketball is undeniable. After a 15-year playing career, he turned to coaching. He co-founded 5 Star Sports Academy, in which he has coached over 8,000 basketball players. He co-founded the Lakes Jr. Eagles girls feeder program and coaches for St. Gilbert's school in Grayslake. Chris' knowledge and communication allow his players to grow as individuals on and off the court.

Young basketball players wearing black jerseys with yellow and red lettering listening to coach on a basketball court.

Coach Destiny (Dez) Dickson

Coach Dez has an incredible passion for coaching basketball. He played throughout highschool and has been coaching since 2019. Coach Dez specializes in training, conditioning and working with kids individually. He connects and truly cares about every athlete he coaches

A youth basketball team called the Gladiators, consisting of young boys and their coaches, posing for a team photo in a gymnasium with a large Gladiators logo on the wall behind them. Some players are holding a basketball.

Coach Gabby Swinson

Youth basketball team with medals and two coaches in a gymnasium after a game

After playing basketball for many years and being a former Division-1 and Semi-Pro basketball player, I am happy to be in the position to coach and give back to the next generation. My goal is to push every player to become the best players they can be.  I am excited for what the future holds with Gladiator Basketball. 

Coach Walter Puterbaugh

Coach Walter cares for every player he coaches and makes sure that everyone is getting involved. He has been coaching for two seasons and loves his time with the Gladiator players. Coach Walter teaches the youngest generations as well to prepare them for travel and school basketball.

A man with a short hairstyle and beard, wearing a black Nike polo shirt, poses in front of a cloudy background.

coach brent jones

Coach Jones played high school and college level basketball and has been coaching since 2019. He was also an all-state track athlete and has also coached 6 seasons of high school track & field specializing in jumps & sprints. His favorite aspect of coaching is helping kids build self-confidence through sports. 

Coach donte N. Bland

Coach Donte played high school basketball in Cleveland, OH. He went on to play while in the military. He went on to coach at Kinnick High School in Yokosuka, Japan. He ran the Ultimate Hoops program in Vernon Hills, where he coached 6th to 10th grade teams.

Coach Donte believes basketball is about competing, not against others, but against the player you were yesterday. At the end of the day, basketball is a game, and games are meant to be enjoyed. If you’re not having fun, you’re not playing right.

A group of five people, including four young boys and one adult man, standing on a basketball court. The boys are wearing basketball uniforms, with two holding basketballs, and the adult man is standing beside them. The background features a gym wall with a banner showing a lion's face and paw prints, and a sign that says 'Be Responsible' about wearing a mask.