Directors

Don Burgess, and Stephanie Burgess

About Us:

I was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley and I married my High School Sweetheart.   I am married to Stephanie Burgess who is also a HHS & Radford University graduate.  She has been an elementary school teacher for 20+ years.  She will begin her 13th year as a Kindergarten teacher at Spotswood Elementary. She is the co-camp director & “backbone” of the Little Hooper Camp. 

We are the proud parents of two children Kaley (TA class of 2019, 3 year captain of TA Cheer, student athletic trainer & is a Freshman at the University of Delaware, majoring in Athletic Training) and Jadon a Freshman at HHS where he is a SCA Officer and a member of the Football, Basketball, and Baseball team.

 I graduated from Harrisonburg High School where I played baseball and basketball.  I then attended Radford University (Division 1) on a FULL basketball scholarship and earned my degree in Business Management.  I was selected into the HHS and Radford University Hall of Fame. Was a four-year letterman during my playing career  at Radford (where I played with some very talented teammates) 1st Team All – Big South performer during senior season & served as team captain.  Averaged 12.4 points and 5.2 rebounds while at Radford.  Finished my career ranked among Radford’s all-time leaders in points (1,452), rebounds (614), steals, (162) and blocks (84).

Once graduating from Radford University I had opportunities to play professional basketball in Europe but decided to enter the coaching profession. My first coaching position was as a student – assistant coach at Radford University. I served as an Assistant Coach at the University of Central Florida, Coastal Carolina University, VMI (Virginia Military Institute), and High Point University. I was a Head Coach at Bridgewater College for 7 years. This allowed my family & I the opportunity to return to the Shenandoah Valley and become active members in our community.  During this time I was able to recruit, develop, & coach:

  • Two players who played in the NBA  Reggie Williams (VMI) & Mark Jones (UCF)
  • Several Division 1 Player of the Year recipients
  • 15+  players who have played professionally in the NBA or in Europe
  • Harlem Globetrotters member Corey Law (High Point Univ.) aka  “Thunder Law”
  • Many ALL CONFERENCE  & All ACADEMIC conference selections
  • 100+ student-athletes who have graduated college & are leaders in their community
  • 1st ever Ireland Victory Scholars recipient   from Bridgewater College or ODAC conference

After 20  years as a collegiate coach I am now the Head Coach at Harrisonburg High School.  I  teach Economics and Personal Finance & Mentorship / Leadership classes.   In just 5 short years we were 5A State Tournament Final 8, Valley District Champions, had several to become student-athletes at the collegiate level, and established a READ & LEAD w/ a Blue Streak program.

I have been very fortunate and blessed to have played for many legendary and awesome coaches such as Roger Bergey (HHS), Oliver Purnell & Ron Bradley (Radford University).  I have worked with many outstanding coaches whom I have been able to collaborate with and learn from to create my own style of teaching and coaching.

The game of basketball and education has provided me & my family with so many opportunities and connections all over the WORLD.  This is one of the main reasons we are active in the Shenandoah Valley Community & provide a very affordable camp.  The youth are our future and through basketball we can “give back” lessons on important “LIFE SKILLS” to OUR youth.