Nic Hill is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Paradise Valley High School for AZPreps365.com                                                                                                        

Transitioning from coaching at one high school to another can be difficult. Paradise Valley boys basketball coach Mark Schumaker experienced the challenge firsthand when he decided to switch schools in 2022. 

Schumaker had been head coach of Desert Mountain since 2017. In just his third year at Desert Mountain, the team made the playoffs. It was the team’s first time since 2015.

Seven years later, Schumaker learned that Paradise Valley had been struggling to find success since COVID-19 and were in need of a new coach. Schumaker decided to move schools and take the challenge.

Initially, he said he found the switch to a new school difficult. 

“It was a struggle at first just because I had been at Desert Mountain for five years and to have to start over at a new place was hard,” Schumaker said. "Change is always a struggle." 

But Paradise Valley was quick to welcome him, and the administration and coaches made sure the transition was as smooth as possible for him. 

“As the program grew and we started to leave our own stamp on it, the players and families have been awesome,” Schumaker said. “The culture at PV has been reset, and now people view it as a competitive program once again.” 

He said that an important part of coaching for him is having a special connection with the players on the team and helping them become the best versions of themselves. 

Senior guard Antione Anderson, who has been on varsity since his sophomore year, said he believes that Schumaker has made him a better overall leader and player for the team. 

“He showed me the importance of being great outside my comfort zone, and that allowed me to grow and become a better leader on and off the court,”Anderson said. 

Senior guard Tanner Ericson said that he likes Schumaker's coaching style and feels confident that it will help the team improve. 

“He makes everyone look good, and he is a really good coach,” Ericson said. 

Basketball has been a part of Schumaker’s life since high school, and his passion for this sport comes through when he speaks. He won a state championship in 2003 as a player at Thunderbird.

"I already absolutely loved basketball," Schumaker said. "It was such a cool outlet for me, and I enjoyed being around my friends all the time.” 

While attending the University of Arizona, Schumaker often played pickup games, which would ultimately lead him to his coaching career. 

"That eventually got me started coaching at the Lute Olson summer camp for extra money,” Schumaker said. “Then, (Pima Community College) coach Brian Peabody offered me a spot on his staff, and we won state in 2007, and I have been coaching ever since.”