MEET OUR STAFF
CORNELL PILLOW
Founder of NeverSleep Athletics | Elite Basketball Coach | Elite Player Development Specialist
Cornell Pillow is a Minnesota-based basketball coach, entrepreneur, and player development specialist whose passion for basketball extends far beyond the game itself. As the founder of NeverSleep Athletics, Cornell has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for young athletes through skill development, mentorship, leadership, and personal growth.
A former collegiate-level basketball player, Cornell attended St. Cloud Technical and Community College before earning an opportunity to continue his playing career at Graceland University (NAIA D1). Growing up around high-level basketball talent, including future NBA players Tyus Jones, Tre Jones, and Gary Trent Jr., Cornell developed an understanding of the opportunities, preparation, and guidance required to compete at the highest levels. His playing background and personal experiences helped shape his approach to coaching and athlete development.
Cornell's coaching experience spans middle school, high school, travel basketball, and AAU competition. He has served as the Owner and Director of the Minnesota Magic AAU Basketball Organization and as the Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Twin Cities Academy. His experience overseeing basketball programs has provided him with a broad perspective on athlete development, team culture, program leadership, and the college recruitment landscape.
Other coaching experience includes, Benilde St Margeret Youth Travel Coach , Edina High School Youth Travel Coach , Apple Valley High School youth travel coach, Roseville High School Girls basketball varsity assistant , Eagan High School Boys varsity assistant, West Coast Elite Camp coach , Minnesota Timberwolves/Lynx academy director.
Noteable Athletes of cornell's career;
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Briggs Sheridan | Mankato State Mens Basketball D2 NCAA '27
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Grant Tully | Montana State Billings D2 NCAA
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Adam Holod | American University D1 NCAA
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Ben Sieben | Luther University D3 NCAA '26
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Both Gach | LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Euro League - France
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Trey Parker | Sioux Falls University D2
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Deng Deang | MBK Handlova, Slovakia
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Ethan Igbanugo | Fyllingen Lions - Bergen , Norway
DAMIAN GALLAGHER
General Manager of NeverSleepAthletics Apple Valley | Basketball Coach | Player Development Specialist
A dedicated basketball coach and player development specialist with five years of coaching experience. A graduate of Apple Valley High School, Damian brings a strong understanding of the game and a passion for helping athletes develop the skills, confidence, and basketball IQ necessary to compete at a higher level.
Specializing in shooting, ball handling, scoring, and offensive reads, Damian focuses on developing complete offensive players who can create opportunities for themselves and their teammates. His training emphasizes the importance of mastering fundamentals while learning how to apply those skills in real-game situations.
Damian believes becoming an effective offensive player requires more than just the ability to score. Athletes must develop the confidence to attack, the awareness to recognize defensive coverages, and the basketball IQ to make the right decisions under pressure.
Coaching experience includes, high school and youth head national team coach for minnesota magic AAU club , Apple Valley High school travel basketball coach, Minnesota AAU events fall bash head coach, Bloomington Jefferson high school travel basketball coach.
Noteable Athletes of Damian's career;
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Jessa Shultz | Lawrence University D3 '27
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Trey Parker | Souix Falls University D2
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Calvin Peterson | St Johns D3
TREVOR HEIDISH
General Manager of NeverSleepAthletics Lakeville | Basketball Coach | Player Development Specialist
Trevor Heidish is a dedicated basketball skills and development trainer at NeverSleepAthletics who is passionate about helping athletes grow both on and off the court. A Rosemount High School graduate with collegiate playing experience at Dakota County Technical College, Trevor brings firsthand playing experience and a strong understanding of the game into his training approach.
Trevor specializes in footwork, ball handling, offensive IQ, and discipline. His training emphasizes developing strong fundamentals, improving decision-making, and teaching athletes how to understand and read the game at a higher level.
Through individual training and group development sessions, Trevor challenges athletes to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop the habits necessary to compete at a higher level.
His goal is to help every athlete maximize their potential while building the discipline, accountability, and basketball foundation needed for long-term success both on and off the court.
Coaching experience includes, Minnesota Magic Youth and High school AAU premier teams, St Paul Public schools travel basketball coach , Lakeville south high school boys travel basketball coach.
Notable Athletes of Trevors;
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Georgia Schmaltz | Goodhue High School top prospect
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Braylee Heinz | Lakeville south High school top prospect
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Stella Perry | Lakeville south high school top prospect
JACKSON RESSLER
Basketball Coach | Player Development Specialist - Lakeville Location
Jackson Ressler has worked alongside seasoned NBA player development trainers Phil Beckner and Vaughn Compton, assisting with the training of NBA players such as Jarred Vanderbilt, Ryan Dunn, and Quentin Grimes, as well as other professional and elite collegiate athletes.
Jackson is a former two-time varsity captain at Lakeville South High School and EYBL competitor with Howard Pulley. Jackson’s playing and coaching experiences in elite environments shape his approach—allowing him to connect with athletes while demanding accountability, responsibility, and consistent improvement.
Jackson is a basketball performance and player development coach dedicated to helping athletes maximize their potential through efficient, game-like training. He specializes in skill development for youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes, emphasizing decision-making, confidence, and skills that translate directly to live competition.
Jackson believes in building a strong foundation through consistent work, attention to detail, and a commitment to improvement. His approach to training focuses on helping athletes develop confidence, strengthen their fundamentals, and understand what it takes to compete at a higher level.
Through individual training and group development sessions, Jackson strives to create an environment that challenges athletes to push beyond their comfort zones while emphasizing discipline, accountability, and a growth mindset.
Notable Athletes of Trevors;
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Danny Kunze | Farmington High School '27
TYRIN VANN
Basketball Coach | Player Development Specialist - Apple Valley Location
Coach Ty brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to NeverSleepAthletics, with a passion for developing athletes both on and off the court.
He began his collegiate basketball career at Central Lakes College before transferring to Northland College, where he continued competing at the NCAA Division III level. His experience as a collegiate student-athlete gave him a strong understanding of the game, the discipline required to compete, and the importance of consistent development.
His coaching journey began with E1T1 AAU, where he competed against some of the top programs in the country and was part of a national championship run. That experience fueled his passion for coaching and inspired him to make a lasting impact on the next generation of athletes.
Coach Ty later joined Osseo Senior High as a 9th Grade Assistant Coach, emphasizing individual skill development and preparing young athletes for the next level. He also coached Eastview traveling basketball teams, where he established a .700 winning percentage while building competitive teams and developing confident players.
At NeverSleepAthletics, Coach Ty brings a hands-on, high-energy approach to every training session. He emphasizes confidence, accountability, skill development, and consistent improvement. His goal is to challenge athletes to reach their potential, develop a stronger understanding of the game, and build the habits necessary for long-term success both on and off the court.
Motable Athletes;
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Miles Overman | Rosemount High School '30
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Landon & Connor Hanson | Rosemount High School '30