I love the game of basketball for its unique sounds—the bounce of the ball in an empty gym, the swish of the net, the squeak of sneakers, and the cheers of a packed crowd. There’s a magic to the game that draws people together, and I’m grateful to be part of that energy as a coach. What I love most about coaching is the opportunity to be a small part of student-athletes’ sports journeys. I get to push our players beyond what they thought possible and witness the joy on their faces when they achieve something remarkable together. It’s about teaching them more than just basketball; it’s about life.
I’m fortunate to have a wonderful family that supports my passion. My wife, Sarah, understands the life of a coach and supports me every step of the way. We have two boys, Grayson and Theo. Grayson, a 4th grader at Buford Senior Academy, is my bonus son who changed my life and gave me purpose. He loves soccer and plays for Concorde Fire Soccer Club in Atlanta. I also get to coach him in basketball during the winter. Theo is the life of the party; he’s not your typical four-year-old. He’s been riding a bike since he was three and loves to keep up with his big brother. We’re blessed to have our parents living in Buford as well. Sarah’s parents, Jo and Ross, are originally from Indiana, while my parents and I immigrated from Cochabamba, Bolivia. I always say, “Who would have thought a kid born in Bolivia and raised in California would move to Atlanta, Georgia, and marry a girl from Zionsville, Indiana?”
My love for basketball started early. I played the game with my mom in our small California home using a Nerf ball and hoop. There was no room to bounce the ball, but those humble beginnings sparked my passion. That drive pushed me to play in college, and eventually, I found my way to coaching. I started coaching at Dos Pueblos High School in California, later joining the legendary Eddie Martin’s staff at Greater Atlanta Christian School. When Coach Martin came to Buford, I followed, and it has been a blessing to be part of this community.
I didn’t choose Buford; I was fortunate to be welcomed here. Buford is more than a school district—it’s a family. I also teach 1st grade at Buford Academy, where I am supported by an incredible administration. My goal is to show my students and athletes that I care. I hope that when I greet them in the hallway or on the court, they know that Mr. Villarroel is in their corner.
For me, coaching is about teaching the fundamentals. At every level, whether coaching my son’s rookie baseball team or Buford’s varsity players, the approach is the same: Play the game the right way. Basketball is filled with life lessons, and the most important lesson I try to instill is, “Next play.” Whether in school, life, or sports, it’s always about the next play.
