Veteran basketball coach and trainer Todd Troxel has been prominently featured in the newly released Diana Taurasi documentary, a film that sheds light on the career of one of women’s basketball’s most celebrated players. The documentary offers an intimate glimpse into Taurasi’s relentless work ethic, competitive fire, and the small circle of people who have been instrumental in shaping her legendary career—Troxel among them.
A Career Built on Elite Player Development
Troxel’s coaching career spans decades at the highest levels of the sport. Before entering women’s professional basketball, he spent more than ten years training NBA players, honing skills, building physical endurance, and refining the mental toughness needed to succeed in the world’s most competitive basketball league. His early work was rooted in precision—every movement, every drill executed with purpose.
Among the high-profile names he trained during this period were Joel Przybilla, a defensive specialist and former #9 NBA Draft pick, and OJ Mayo, the explosive guard selected #3 overall. These years sharpened Troxel’s ability to prepare elite athletes for the demands of top-tier competition, a skill set he would later bring to the women’s game with remarkable results.
The Beginning of a Defining Partnership
Troxel’s partnership with Taurasi began in Russia during his time as assistant coach for UMMC Ekaterinburg, a powerhouse in European women’s basketball. The connection was immediate. Taurasi, already considered one of the best players in history, was drawn to Troxel’s intensity, attention to detail, and innovative approach to training.
They began working together daily, developing a program that blended NBA-style physical preparation with tactical strategies tailored specifically to the women’s game. Sessions included not only shooting and ball-handling drills, but also strength training, conditioning, and in-depth film study. Every aspect was designed to help Taurasi stay ahead of her competition.
“From the day we started, it was about getting better every single day,” Troxel recalls in the documentary. “We never focused on titles, even though she was already one of the best. It was all about the work in every drill, every day.”
Capturing the Connection
The documentary captures not only their professional collaboration but also their personal rapport. The bond between coach and player was forged through a shared commitment to excellence and mutual trust. Taurasi trusted Troxel to push her beyond her limits, while Troxel respected her willingness to embrace challenges without hesitation.
His role went beyond skill development. Troxel was deeply involved in opponent scouting, in-game strategic adjustments, and mental preparation—elements that became part of Taurasi’s competitive edge. Whether it was identifying weaknesses in an opposing defense or suggesting subtle changes to her footwork, his insights often translated directly into game-changing performances.
Coaching Philosophy in Action
Troxel’s approach to coaching is built on three core principles:
- Never stop learning – The game evolves, and a great coach evolves with it. Troxel studies basketball across all levels, from NBA trends to international tactics.
- Never get outworked – Hard work is non-negotiable, and every session must be approached with full focus and energy.
- Tell the truth – Athletes at the highest level value honesty over empty encouragement. Troxel provides clear, constructive feedback, even when it’s tough to hear.
These values, vividly displayed in the documentary, are what have allowed Troxel to succeed in such a wide range of basketball environments.
Beyond Russia – A Global Basketball Journey
While the documentary focuses primarily on his time with Taurasi, Troxel’s career has taken him far beyond Russia. He has coached and trained in China, where he led the Shanghai Sharks junior team to two championships and helped the senior squad reach the CBA playoffs. He has also contributed to championship runs in Euroleague competition, working with some of the most talented women’s basketball players in the world.
This international experience not only broadened his tactical knowledge but also enriched his ability to communicate and connect with players from diverse cultural backgrounds. His adaptability has been a key factor in sustaining his success across continents.
Influence on the Next Generation
The documentary also touches on how Troxel has used the lessons learned from Taurasi to mentor younger players. “Some people say they work hard,” he explains, “but you don’t really know what that is until you see it. I’ll always use what I learned from Diana to help the next generation.”
This philosophy has guided him in every role he has taken on since his time with Taurasi. Whether training a young prospect or preparing a professional player for a championship series, Troxel’s standard remains the same: demand the very best effort, every day.
A Lasting Legacy in Women’s Basketball
Troxel’s work with Taurasi is a chapter in a much larger career that has helped shape women’s basketball on a global scale. His blend of NBA-level training techniques, strategic vision, and personal mentorship has left an indelible mark on the athletes he has coached.
The documentary makes it clear that his influence extends far beyond the drills and game plans. It’s about mindset—teaching players to embrace discipline, maintain focus under pressure, and continually strive for improvement.
About Todd Troxel
Todd Troxel is an experienced basketball coach and trainer with a career spanning NBA, WNBA, and international competition. Known for his innovative approach to training and strategic game preparation, he has worked with some of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. His role in the Diana Taurasi documentary underscores his impact on basketball at the highest levels.
Troxel’s career highlights include:
- Over 10 years training NBA players, focusing on skill refinement and mental preparation.
- Multiple Euroleague championships with UMMC Ekaterinburg.
- Championship titles in China with the Shanghai Sharks junior program.
- Extensive work in player development, mentoring athletes at every stage of their careers.
From NBA training facilities to European arenas and Asian championships, Troxel’s journey reflects the universal language of basketball—skill, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.