Michael Kelly’s journey has never fit into one lane — and that’s exactly what makes his work so powerful. Drawing from a background in acting, writing, directing, and years spent mastering the game of basketball, he’s built a coaching philosophy rooted in creativity, character, and discipline. Today, he’s pouring that experience into young athletes, helping them not just play better, but live better — with purpose, self-belief, and the kind of inner strength that lasts long after the final buzzer.
Michael is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work we do, to sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this.
Hi Michael, thank you so much for joining us today. Your journey has blended acting, writing, directing, and now coaching — how did each of those experiences shape the way you approach training and mentoring today?
Being an actor, writer and director helps me to be free with my creativity. I can dictate the pace. Even as a point guard in basketball, I was able to call the plays and set the pace. That’s what I want the athletes to understand. The more we train, the easier it is for us to set the pace in life, because our training becomes a norm; where we don’t have to think about it, we just do.
You focus a lot on developing character as well as skill. What does that look like in your coaching, and how do you define success beyond just performance on the court?
How I coach, it’s the little things that matter. Showing up before practice starts, doing each drill effectively, making sure you’re competing against yourself every day. “No shortcuts, no complaints, no excuses” its all about understanding the “why” Building character on the court creates a better person off the court.
Looking back, was there a turning point or moment that helped you realize your purpose as both a creative and a coach?
Back in high school, my creative side came out. My Junior year I took drama class and public speaking. Those two classes birthed the creativity in me and I never looked back. As for coaching back in 2021 I met Coach Charles Williams (who’s my mentor) and he showed me the game of basketball in a different lens. Being around him helped cultivate the gift inside of me.
You’ve worn many hats — artist, storyteller, mentor. How do your creative roots influence the way you connect with and inspire your athletes?
Yes, I have worn many hats, and each hat plays a part in my coaching. The creativity brings out how I can relate to the athletes. The storytelling helps me motivate athletes and me being a mentor helps me coach each athlete individually.
For someone thinking about working with you, what can they expect from your coaching style and the kind of transformation you hope to help them achieve?
What they can expect from working with me is having discipline and building character. As a coach, I have to be the example that the athletes see. Like I always say, talent is great, but without discipline, it won’t last! Of course I come into the season hoping to have a great season, but if it doesn’t turn out great, but the athletes gain discipline and build character; that is still a great season overall.
