Coaching impact
Coaches play the most important role in an athlete’s experience and development. At Ignite, our coaching staff is intentionally selected for both expertise and character. Each coach is committed to teaching the game the right way—setting high standards, building confidence, and creating a positive, competitive environment where athletes are challenged, supported, and prepared to grow.
Coach Kolleen Bourdage
Coach Kolleen Bourdage has played basketball for most of her life, including at the Division I level with the Washington State University women’s basketball team. She brings a deep understanding of the game, shaped by both competitive experience and years of teaching and coaching.
Her coaching career began in 2012 as an assistant coach at Mount Rainier High School, where the team finished third in the state in her first season and second in the state the following year. She later coached at Enumclaw High School, contributing to significant team growth, and has since trained athletes ranging from third grade through high school.
As her experience expanded, Coach Bourdage became focused on creating a more intentional and athlete-centered competitive environment. After observing gaps in many AAU programs—particularly in consistency, development, and player relationships, she set out to build something different.
In Spring 2024, Coach Bourdage founded PNW Ignite. The program has quickly established a strong foundation through disciplined coaching, competitive growth, and meaningful team development, both on and off the court.
Trainer - Coach Ben Muhammad
Coach Ben brings an elite playing and training background, with experience at the highest levels of the game. A High School All-American at DeMatha Catholic High School, one of the nation’s premier basketball programs, he went on to play collegiately at North Carolina State University under legendary coach Jim Valvano.
Following college, Coach Ben was drafted by the Golden State Warriors and enjoyed a long professional career overseas, competing in France, Italy, Australia, the Philippines, Russia, and Estonia. His global experience gives him a unique perspective on the technical, mental, and competitive aspects of the game.
With more than 30 years of experience in player development, Coach Ben has trained over 100 current and former college and professional athletes, including NBA players. His training emphasizes skill mastery, basketball IQ, confidence, and preparation for the next level.
Known for his ability to connect with youth athletes, Coach Ben runs high-energy, engaging sessions that challenge players while keeping the environment positive and motivating. Athletes leave the gym focused, confident, and excited to improve.
PNW Ignite players will benefit greatly from Coach Ben’s experience, passion for teaching, and commitment to athlete development.
trainer - Coach Pam DANIS
Coach Pam brings an elite background in basketball as both a player and coach at the collegiate and national levels. A former point guard and team captain at the University of Winnipeg, she helped lead her program to three Canadian national championships and was later inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame as part of that championship team.
Following her playing career, Pam spent 12 years as head coach at the University of Manitoba, where she also taught in the Faculty of Kinesiology. She later joined the Simon Fraser University women’s basketball program as a full-time assistant coach, bringing deep experience in high-level player development.
As a trainer, Pam is known for high-energy, fast-paced workouts that keep athletes constantly engaged. Her sessions are challenging, purposeful, and fun, helping players build confidence, competitiveness, and a strong feel for the game.
Beyond the court, Pam is the founder of Big Country Basketball Academy and is passionate about leadership, education, and community impact. She has been recognized for her work with youth and for her advocacy for women in sport.
PNW Ignite players will benefit from Pam’s intensity, experience, and commitment to athlete development.
Coach Pen
Coach Pen brings extensive playing and coaching experience shaped by competition at the AAU, high school, and collegiate levels. He began playing AAU basketball in fifth grade and competed every summer through his freshman year, later playing three years of varsity basketball and graduating in 2004.
At the collegiate level, Coach Pen played three seasons at Eastern Washington University, redshirting his freshman year due to injury, before transferring and completing his college career with two seasons at Central Washington University.
Following his playing career, Coach Pen transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the JV and varsity boys basketball teams at Auburn Mountainview High School from 2014 to 2016. He most recently joined the coaching staff at Enumclaw High School, continuing his commitment to developing athletes through the game.
Coach Pen believes basketball is a powerful teacher of discipline, accountability, and resilience, and is passionate about passing those lessons on to the next generation. He is committed to creating a positive, competitive environment where athletes grow both on and off the court.
Coach Scarpaci
Coach Scarpaci is a Tacoma native and a graduate of Washington State University. He brings a strong background in both education and basketball, currently serving as a math teacher at Glacier Middle School.
With four years of coaching experience in the Sting feeder program, Coach Scarpaci helped lead teams to three state championships in Spokane. He is currently completing his fourth year as a coach at Enumclaw High School, continuing to develop athletes at the middle school and high school levels.
Coach Scarpaci brings energy, positivity, and a genuine passion for teaching the game. He is committed to making a meaningful impact on each athlete he coaches by fostering confidence, effort, and a strong understanding of the game in a positive, supportive environment.
Coach christina
Coach Christina brings a strong competitive playing background and a passion for developing athletes through the game of basketball. She played for the Seattle Magic AAU program before continuing her collegiate career at Portland State University, where she graduated from the School of Business with a degree in Finance.
Following her playing career, Coach Christina transitioned into coaching and has assisted multiple high school programs, including contributing to a 3A State Championship team. Her coaching approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the game.
Coach Christina values using basketball as a tool to teach life lessons such as work ethic, accountability, resilience, and supporting teammates. She is committed to creating a positive, empowering environment where athletes grow both in skill and self-belief.
Coach Erin
Coach Erin brings a deep love for the game and years of coaching and playing experience to the court. She played basketball at Auburn High School before continuing her career at Highline Community College, where she further developed her understanding of the game and what it takes to compete at a high level.
Following her playing career, Coach Erin spent 11 years coaching at Auburn High School, working with athletes at various stages of development and helping players grow both on and off the court. Her coaching style emphasizes effort, accountability, and learning to enjoy the process of competing and improving.
Coach Erin is passionate about helping the next generation of athletes build confidence, teamwork, and resilience through basketball. She is committed to creating a positive, supportive environment where players are challenged to grow and develop a lasting love for the game.
COach Julie
Coach Julie brings an elite playing background and more than two decades of coaching experience. In her first season at Seattle University, she earned First Team All-Conference honors and led her conference as a top rebounder, three-point shooter, free-throw shooter, and shot blocker. She was named an NAIA All-American in 1997, earned two NAIA All-District selections, and was inducted into her college’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.
Over the past 20+ years, Coach Julie has coached at every level of the game, from youth to college, and was named NPSL 4A Coach of the Year in 2025. She is passionate about developing confident, skilled athletes and is committed to helping girls and young women grow, compete, and find joy in the game both on and off the court.
Contact us
Have a question about PNW Ignite? Reach out for program information, tryout details, or general inquiries. We’re happy to provide clarity and help determine if Ignite is the right fit.