We believe testimonials will help provide authentic insight into the benefits and culture of the Rio Mesa Basketball program from both the player’s and parent perspectives. It gives prospective future players and their families an honest, relatable view of what it’s like to be apart of the Rio Mesa Basketball Program. Please reach out to our Coaching Staff if you have any questions. Enjoy reading about the Rio Mesa Basketball Program Experience’s……
The minute our son arrived at Rio Mesa he felt welcome and comfortable. Rio Mesa has a family feeling that you can’t get at most schools. It was the little details like the principal was willing to open up the gym during off time so that our son could just shoot around…he said no problem just text me I will open it up. You could tell they truly wanted what was best for the kids even if it wasn’t convenient for them. Coach Kiech is an amazing coach on the court, he is dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate….but what stood out was the importance he placed on teaching the boys to be good men. He was the perfect balance of firm and kind. He pushed the boys to raise the bar for themselves, he held family dinners at his own home for team bonding and he took an interest in each individual kid, met them where they were, and tried to make them the best they could be. We are forever grateful to Coach Kiech, Coach Rich and all the staff for such a special experience. Go Spartans ! Amber Drury- Parent
The love and respect of the coaching staff, parents, Rio Mesa administration and teachers will forever be a core memory for my family. My son has been coached by Kevin Kiech since he was a young boy, and the foundation of character first and athletics second is exactly why we chose RM and Coach Kiech! The incredible coaching staff like Coach Chan, Coach Rich and others, has truly been instrumental in his growth athletically, but more importantly his growth as a young man. I love that my son will be a RIo Mesa Alumni. Alyssa Knowles-Parent
I am incredibly grateful for the experience my son has had with the Rio Mesa Basketball program. Being a four year varsity player Coach Kiech and Coach Chan are amazing coaches. My son always felt heard and supported, and as a parent, I always felt comfortable approaching the coaches with any questions or concerns. Their approachability and willingness to connect with both the players and parents make them stand out. It’s rare to find coaches who make such a genuine effort to build trust and foster open communication and transparency in their program. They had not only been exceptional in developing my son’s skills but also in teaching my son valuable life lessons. One of the things that stands out the most is the respect and positive environment fostered by the coaching staff, their program is not only about being an athlete but it’s about being a student athlete. The coaches here never disrespect players or talk down to them. Instead, they focus on building confidence and helping each individual grow, both on and off the court. Their approach was always constructive and empowering, ensuring that every player felt valued and supported. It’s clear that the goal was not just to develop strong athletes, but strong individuals who respected the game, each other, their teammates, their school and themselves. They instill a deep sense of
respect, hard work, accountability, ownership, sportsmanship, and teamwork in every practice and game. It’s clear that they care about the players’ growth both on and off the court. They emphasize the importance of respect, hard work, and supporting one another, creating an
environment that feels like a second family. I couldn’t be more appreciative of the positive impact these coaches, Coach Kiech, Coach Chan And Coach Thomas have had on my son. Knowing that my son had other high schools to choose, making the decision to chose Rio Mesa High School and joining the Rio Mesa Basketball program was one of the best decisions we ever made. Bianca Adams- Parent
The Rio Mesa Spartans Basketball team was more than just a team, it was a family. Being a Spartan taught me valuable lessons both on and off the court, shaping me into the person I am today. Through this program, I learned accountability, the importance of a strong work ethic, and what it truly means to push myself to be the best I can, leaving no room for excuses. Spartan basketball was the highlight of my high school career, filled with unforgettable memories and meaningful connections that will last a lifetime. The entire coaching staff was incredible, always pushing us to reach our fullest potential while genuinely wanting the best for every player. I am extremely grateful to Coach Kiech, Coach Chan, and Coach Thomas, for believing in me, as well as to all my teammates who made this journey so special. Rio Mesa Basketball didn’t just shape me as a player, it shaped me as a person, and for that, I will always be thankful. Rodney Adams Jr.-Player
I have had some of my most memorable times being on the Rio Mesa Basketball team. The coaching staff gave us players the tools to not just be great in basketball but in life as well. Competing in practices, pushing one another to be better created a brotherhood among the players. We learned as a family, that despite always being the underdogs we are able to not just compete but win as well. Looking back, I am so appreciative and thankful that I had the opportunity to play for the Rio Mesa basketball program, finding a new family in the process. Caleb Carrera – Player
My time playing for Rio Mesa was an incredible experience. I genuinely formed a strong bond with my teammates—we built a brotherhood and became a family. No matter how tough times got, I knew I could count on each and every one of them. We shared countless unforgettable moments, from team bonding activities and team dinners to school lunches and intense 1-on-1 matchups. I’ll always remember the rap battles on the bus after tough losses, singing and dancing even when Coach was frustrated with us for not taking practice seriously, and even the arguments during practice when we had to run. Every moment, whether fun or challenging, brought us closer together. Rio Mesa basketball is more than just a program; it’s an experience that shaped me, and it’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Isaac “Herc” Richardson Player
Rio Mesa High School’s basketball program it’s been an amazing experience for my son.The coaches are top-notch, focusing on both skill development and teamwork. The program fosters a positive, competitive environment where players can grow both on and off the court. Highly recommend this program. Saul Macias- Parent
During my time in the Rio Mesa basketball program I had a great time competing with my teammates. I learned many life lessons and skills that can and will be applied to my life in the future. Growing with my teammates through the years through ups and downs has created life long friendships and memories. My memories of Rio Mesa basketball are all positive. I’m happy I chose to be apart of the program. Additionally in the program, the practices will be hard but very rewarding. The coaching style is a mix of new era basketball and old era. Mixing the fundamentals of basketball with how the game is played today. The coaches keep the players held accountable, are communicating with one another, and are working hard as well which I feel is a key part /of success. Rigo Vargas – Player
My son played on the basketball 🏀 team and Rio Mesa for his senior year. The school spirit at each game displayed from the players, coaches and parents was amazing! We were like a family and I definitely miss seeing and cheering with everyone each week. The growth the team had as a whole and individually was exceptional. The best part was watching the players display wonderful characteristics off the court. They were all humble, kind young men. Although my son is graduating this year, I will be there next season to cheer with some of the parents who have become like family! Leslie Franklin – Parent
Hello Spartan family, My name is Ethan Macias. I am a former player at Rio Mesa, I graduated in 2023 and played under a couple different coaches. I can say that every single coach there not only helped improve my game but also helped guide me to be the best version of myself. The practices helped keep me sharp and in shape. Head coach Kevin Kiech and the varsity staff were great to me and my group of guys, they run the program with honesty and respect and are always looking to help you or your kids get better on and off the court. If you are looking for a high competitive and well respected program I definitely recommend Rio Mesa. Ethan Macias – Player
My time playing basketball at Rio Mesa was the best experience of my life. The coaches, practices, the team, and bond we all had was something special. Coach Kiech and the coaching staff at Rio Mesa are not only great coaches but great human beings and genuinely care for you not only in basketball but as a person overall, they are passionate about teaching you basketball the way it’s meant to be played as well and teaching you the values you need in life to be successful. I can’t say enough about how great this program is, I love coach Kiech and Rio Mesa basketball. Chris Alfaro- Player
RIO MESA BASKETBALL 