Sefu Bernard an impassioned student and teacher of the game, is focused on contributing to long-term athlete and coach development in North America and internationally. His path as a teacher-coach has presented him with opportunities to work with, and learn from, some of the top basketball minds in the world. He oversees the development of the PGC Basketball course directors and the PGC curriculum, directs a number of PGC summer sessions, and serves as the primary driver of PGC’s marketing efforts.
A graduate of the University of Windsor (Ontario, Canada) with a degree in Human Kinetics and Sports Management, Sefu enjoyed many personal and team successes as the starting point guard and team captain for the Lancers. He was twice nominated for the Ken Shields TSN (Canada’s equivalent of ESPN) Award for outstanding achievement in basketball, academics, community involvement and leadership, and was a multiple recipient of the Benny Crowley Memorial Award for academic success (1997-2000).
After graduation, Sefu assumed increasing responsibilities in the professional basketball world. He served as the Manager of Player Development and Player Programs for the Toronto Raptors (NBA), where he led the personal, professional and social development of the Raptors’ players to help them maximize their NBA experience and prepare them for life after the NBA. Prior to that, Sefu also worked for the Detroit Shock (WNBA), Detroit Pistons; and, Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL).
Sefu has a FIBA/IOC certification and has served as National Development Coach and National Head Coach for Canada Basketball’s ‘Centres for Performance.’ He oversaw the training and development of the numerous athletes and coaches that participated in Canada’s national team programs, including the 2009 women’s and men’s U17 national teams that won bronze and silver medals (respectively) at the FIBA Americas tournaments that served as the qualifiers for the 2010 FIBA World Championships.
Born in Toronto (Canada), Sefu is always excited about talking Xs-&-Os and sharing his passion for learning, teaching, inspiring and developing leadership qualities in athletes. He is a life-long learner, who has traveled extensively in his pursuit of growth—including visits to Argentina, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, and Italy to further his study of the game.
You can follow Sefu on Facebook and Twitter. Or, check out his blog for some coaching insights.
What They’re Saying About Sefu Bernard
“Coach Sefu opened my eyes to the little things that make the biggest difference in the world. I am truly thankful for the gift of knowledge that he so willingly shared throughout the course.” — Rashanda McCants, University of North Carolina, NCAA All-American, Atlantic Coast Conference All-Star, and WNBA Player
“I enjoy that Coach Sefu has learned so much from the Europeans. He made me look at basketball tactics very differently. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend a very valuable and life-changing camp.” — Kyle Travis, San Ramon, California
“WOW…that was one AMAZING week! Sefu did a fantastic job and I know that everyone learned so much from him. I had players coming up to me to say that it was the best basketball camp they had ever attended and that they had learned so many new things about basketball and life.”— Kathleen Jayme, Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
“Coach Sefu has a great understanding of the game. He showed me that there are many more ways that I can inspire my players and improve my program for the betterment of our community.” — Coach Scott Wake, Goshen, Indiana
