About The Author

Brian Garland is a seasoned basketball official with over 20 years of experience officiating at the Women’s Division I level. As a mentor, Brian has guided numerous officials to success, helping them refine their skills and advance their careers in the competitive world of basketball officiating. 

Brian began his officiating career while serving in the United States Navy, where he spent 20 years as an Air Traffic Controller, eventually retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. His military service not only developed his leadership abilities and discipline but also provided him with the critical skills to perform under pressure—qualities that have greatly influenced his approach to officiating and mentoring. 

Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Religion: Christian Counseling and a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling, focusing on Life Coaching. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Social Psychology, Brian integrates psychological principles with practical officiating strategies to foster growth and excellence among officials. 

In addition to his extensive experience on the court and in the United States Navy, Brian has earned a wide range of certifications that equip him to provide holistic mentorship. His qualifications include a Certificate in Applied Neuroscience, which he uses to integrate neuroscience principles into his coaching practice, as well as certifications as a Mental Performance Mastery Coach, Add Heart Facilitator, Mental Health Coach, Extreme Execution Flight Assessment Coach, HeartMath Certified Practitioner, and Emotional Intelligence Certified Coach. These credentials enable Brian to address the mental, emotional, and technical aspects of officiating, offering comprehensive guidance that supports the overall development of the officials he mentors. 

Committed to the values of integrity, self-awareness, and continuous improvement, Brian believes that the key to officiating success lies in mastering the rules of the game and developing the character and mindset required to excel under pressure. 

You can connect with Brian on Instagram @TheOfficialLifeCoach or email us at Lifecoaching@gdandc.org.