Skip To Main Content

Basketball

Building Skill, Confidence, and Cougar Spirit

Basketball at Academia Cotopaxi is a dynamic, fast-paced program where students develop athletic skill, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Whether athletes are new to the sport or competing at advanced levels, our basketball program offers opportunities for every player to grow, challenge themselves, and thrive. Through expert coaching and a supportive team culture, student-athletes build confidence, resilience, leadership, and a lifelong love for the game.

At AC, we believe that sports should empower students — on the court and beyond it. Our basketball program focuses on skill development, character building, and healthy competition while fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and Cougar pride.

Our Philosophy

Our basketball program is built on developing strong fundamentals, teamwork, and confidence on and off the court. We believe athletes grow through purposeful practice, competitive challenge, and positive coaching that nurtures discipline and resilience. Whether students are new to the sport or competing at higher levels, we help them strengthen their skills, communicate effectively, and embody Cougar spirit with integrity, effort, and pride.

Basketball Achievements & Tournaments

Our basketball program has a strong presence across AC athletics, with teams consistently performing and improving each season. Our athletes proudly represent Academia Cotopaxi in Quad School competitions, demonstrating commitment, discipline, and competitive growth. Many players are regularly recognized for their leadership, teamwork, and outstanding sportsmanship—reflecting the values that define our basketball community.

A basketball player is seen jumping and dunking the ball through the hoop in a brightly lit indoor basketball court, with spectators and other players visible in the background.

Meet Our Basketball Coaches

Varsity Boys and Girls – Ben Wiggins

Ben Wiggins brings years of coaching and athletic experience to Academia Cotopaxi. A former basketball player at Crescent Valley High School in Oregon, he later coached youth camps and clinics across the United States. Ben is also a three-time U.S. Ultimate Frisbee champion and previously coached Team USA at the High School World Championships. From 2006 to 2016, he trained athletes and coaches internationally, specializing in a constraints-led approach to player development.

Varsity Girls

2025-2026 coach announced soon.

JV Boys – Isaac Lara

Isaac Lara is a former national basketball player who began competing at age 16. He became a four-time National Champion representing Pichincha (2017–2020) and won the Calderón League title in 2019. Isaac was pre-selected for Ecuador’s National Team in 2019 and is also a U-12 and U-14 National Club Champion. Alongside his competitive career, he has coached Mini, Kids, and Youth divisions, bringing strong technical skill and developmental experience to our JV Boys program.

JV Girls

2025-2026 coach announced soon.

Practice & Season Information

  • Boys Information

Season: January - February

Practices: Monday - Thursday (Friday-Saturday according to needs)

Games: Monday and Tuesday from 2nd week of January until the end of February

  • Girls Information

Season: March - April

Practices: Monday - Thursday (Friday-Saturday according to needs)

Games: Monday and Tuesday from 2nd week of March until the end of April

A basketball player in a blue uniform is jumping up to dunk the ball through the hoop in a brightly lit indoor basketball court with spectators in the background.
A basketball game is taking place on a court, with players in blue and yellow uniforms competing and a basketball hoop visible in the background.
A group of basketball players engaged in a game on a brightly lit indoor court, with a basketball hoop and backboard visible in the background.
The image shows a basketball game taking place on a hardwood court, with players in blue and red uniforms dribbling and passing the ball. The court is surrounded by blue dividers, and a %22Notice%22 sign is visible in the background.
A group of young athletes in blue uniforms gathered in a circle, surrounded by blue padded walls in what appears to be a sports facility or gymnasium.
A basketball game is taking place on a brightly colored indoor court, with players in red and blue uniforms competing and spectators visible in the stands above.
A group of basketball players competing on a court, with a basketball hoop and backboard visible in the background.
A group of basketball players engaged in a game on a court, with various equipment and spectators visible in the background.
A group of young basketball players in blue uniforms standing together with their hands raised in a huddle, with a basketball court visible in the background.