From training NBA pros to guiding WNBA legends, his approach has always been the same: work harder, prepare smarter, and never settle. Recently featured in the Diana Taurasi documentary, Troxel’s story shows how behind every champion is a coach who refuses to cut corners.
When asked how he helped Taurasi, Troxel’s answer is as humble as it is revealing: “Honestly, I got more from her than she got from me. She showed me how the hardest worker in the world worked. It made me obsessed with studying the game, studying her, and constantly thinking of drills to maximize both of us.”
Their work together went far beyond physical training. “Over time, it evolved past skill set. Before games, I would talk to her about the opponent and areas I thought she could attack. Being on the coaching staff allowed me to always have her back and give suggestions to make her the most successful.”
The connection they built was rooted in trust and family values. “She could always count on me, and I could always count on her. Once we were family, I gave everything to be what she needed in a coach. In return, I got to be part of her success, and I also ended up with a sister for life.”
That commitment to players continues today at Oklahoma State University, where Troxel works alongside head coach Jacie Hoyt. His role is more than drawing up plays; he’s helping young athletes develop the same mindset that made Taurasi a legend. “Some people say they work hard, but you don’t know what that really is until you see it and do it,” Troxel says.
About Todd Troxel
Todd Troxel is a seasoned basketball coach and trainer whose career bridges the highest levels of men’s and women’s basketball. He spent over ten years training NBA players before transitioning to the women’s professional game, where his daily work with Diana Taurasi reshaped the way women’s basketball approached physical preparation and game strategy.
Known for bringing a level of physicality and innovation previously uncommon in the women’s game, Troxel integrates concepts from the NBA, Europe, and global basketball trends. His approach blends cutting-edge skill development with mental preparation, ensuring players are ready to excel under pressure.
Troxel has worked with some of the most driven athletes in the sport, consistently prioritizing honesty, accountability, and preparation. “Top athletes want to be coached, they don’t want a yes man, they want the truth,” he says.
Currently a member of the Oklahoma State University women’s basketball coaching staff, Troxel remains dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential while also valuing his role as a husband and father. His legacy is defined by an unshakable belief that champions are made in the unseen hours when no one is watching.
