Meet Our Coaches
Director/Coach-
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Kenzie
Newton
Coach Kenzie Newton has been a driving force in elevating women’s basketball in Utah, both as a standout player and a highly respected coach. Her journey began on the court at Snow College, where she played a pivotal role in leading her team to a conference championship and an impressive 30-3 record during the 2000–2001 season. She continued her playing career at Southern Utah University, earning her bachelor’s degree in physical education in 2005 and later a master’s degree in Human Performance and Sports Conditioning. These academic achievements not only reflect her personal drive but also laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to empowering young athletes through basketball.
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After college, Coach Newton wasted no time making her mark in coaching. She began her high school coaching career at Grantsville High School in 2005, where she inherited a struggling program and quickly turned it into a regional contender. Over four seasons, she led the team to two region championships and deep state tournament runs, earning Region Coach of the Year honors in the 2007–2008 season. From there, she took over at Stansbury High School in 2010 and remained for nearly a decade, building a strong, competitive program. One of her most impactful achievements at Stansbury was the creation of a youth feeder program that served over 500 local players, laying the groundwork for long-term success in the community.
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In 2019, Coach Newton embraced a new challenge as the founding head coach of Mountain Ridge High School. Starting from scratch, she built a competitive girls' basketball program focused on culture, development, and excellence. Her ability to lead and inspire was on full display as she cultivated a team identity and guided her athletes to success in one of the state’s newest schools. Newton’s leadership extends beyond wins and losses; her focus has always been on teaching life lessons through basketball—hard work, accountability, teamwork, and resilience.
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Beyond her high school coaching roles, Coach Newton has had a major influence on the club basketball landscape in Utah. From 2014 to 2020, she served as the Elite Director at Flash Basketball Academy, where she helped over 40 players earn college scholarships. In 2020, she co-founded Utah Summitt, one of the state’s premier girls’ basketball clubs, which has rapidly become known for elite player development, competitive exposure, and a strong, supportive culture. She currently serves as a part-time assistant coach at Westminster University, continuing her impact at the collegiate level while remaining deeply involved in the Utah basketball community. Off the court, Kenzie is a proud wife to Jeff and mother to Kya and Jacoby. Whether she’s coaching, fly fishing, or cheering for her children, she brings the same passion and energy that have made her a trusted mentor and leader. Coach Newton’s legacy is defined not just by wins, but by the countless young women she’s helped succeed—on the court, in the classroom, and in life.
Coach Megan Vera has been a driving force in the transformation and success of girls' basketball in Utah. Her journey from aspiring coach to leading one of the most competitive programs in the state is a testament to her dedication, passion, and impact on the sport.
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Megan Vera's dream of becoming a high school basketball coach took root immediately after she graduated high school in 2007. She pursued her passion by attending Southern Utah University (SUU) and the University of Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Health Promotion and Education with an emphasis on Coaching.
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In 2010, Coach Vera began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Tooele High School. In the fall of 2013, Coach Vera took on the significant challenge of becoming the Head Coach at her alma mater, Grantsville High School. The program was struggling, with the girls' team having lost 56 consecutive games. Undeterred, Coach Vera implemented a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the team. Her approach included establishing a robust feeder program that fields four youth teams (4th to 8th grades) annually, focusing on skill development, team camaraderie, and personal growth.
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Under her leadership, the Grantsville Cowboys became a formidable force in Utah girls' basketball. With an overall record of 217-84, from 2014 - 2025, Coach Vera led the team to 7 Region Championships in 9 seasons from 2017-2025. The Varsity team averaged 20 wins per season over the last 9 seasons and has reached the State semi-finals 8 of 9 years with 2 State Runner Up finishes.
Her success is built on hard work, unity, and a culture that believes greatness is earned through effort. What sets Coach Vera apart is her ability to connect with players and bring out their full potential. She emphasizes the importance of fundamentals, teamwork, and mental toughness, all while helping her athletes grow on and off the court.
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In 2020 Coach Megan Vera partnered with Coach Kenzie Newton to establish a new and exciting brand of club basketball in the State of Utah. Utah Summitt has quickly become one of the premier basketball clubs in Utah for athletes from 5th through 12th grades. Her roles as a Coach and Recruiting Coordinator has helped lead 9 of her High School basketball players and 26 of the Utah Summitt Club players earn and receive college scholarships to play college basketball. Through her work, Coach Vera continues to inspire and shape the future of girls' basketball in Utah, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and the community she serves.
Recruiting Coordinator/Coach
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Megan
Vera
Coach
Asami
Morita
Coach Asami Morita brings a wealth of international experience and a deep passion for player development to every program she leads. Currently the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Westminster University, she has already made an academic impact—earning a top-5 national ranking in the WBCA Division II Academic Poll for the 2024-25 season. Before Westminster, she served as an assistant coach at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she helped lead the team to a third-place Mountain West finish and a WBI tournament appearance while also playing a critical role in player development, scouting, and international recruiting.
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Prior to her time in Reno, Coach Morita spent seven years at Robert Morris University, where she helped the team earn multiple conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and a national top-10 ranking in team GPA for five consecutive years. As the team’s international recruiting coordinator, she brought in elite talent from Argentina, Japan, Finland, and Spain—several of whom earned conference honors and national team selections. Her leadership extended beyond the court, overseeing academic progress, mentoring coaching staff, and managing team operations and travel logistics.
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Coach Morita’s professional journey also includes valuable experience at the highest levels overseas. She served as an assistant coach for the Shiga Lakestars in Japan’s B League, where she helped the team finish third in their conference and led efforts in scouting, travel coordination, and sponsorship engagement. Earlier in her career, she held coaching roles at Kansai University and Arizona Western College, helping teams compete at a high level while refining her strategic approach to the game.
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With a master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Idaho State University and a bachelor's degree from Kansai University in Japan, Coach Morita brings a rare combination of academic excellence, international insight, and proven coaching success. Her commitment to both athletic and academic development makes her a trusted mentor for aspiring collegiate athletes and a respected leader in the basketball community.
Coach Sarah Baron brings over 15 years of combined high school and club basketball coaching experience, making her a seasoned and passionate leader in the development of young athletes. Throughout her coaching career, she has built a strong reputation for creating a competitive, disciplined, and supportive environment where athletes are encouraged to push beyond their limits. Her commitment to helping players reach their full potential goes far beyond the court—focusing just as much on character, accountability, and leadership as she does on physical skill development.
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At the core of Coach Baron's philosophy is a relentless emphasis on defense and mental toughness. She firmly believes that a player’s mindset can be the deciding factor in their success, both in basketball and in life. Her practices and coaching approach are rooted in the idea that consistent effort, self-discipline, and resilience are the foundation of excellence. For Coach Baron, it’s not just about building better players—it’s about shaping strong, confident young people who carry those lessons with them wherever they go. Her dedication to developing well-rounded athletes continues to leave a lasting impact on every program she touches.
Coach
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Sarah
Baron
Coach
Abby
Butler
Coach Abby Butler brings a well-rounded background as both a player and coach, with a deep commitment to creating a positive and empowering environment for young athletes. She played two years of collegiate basketball at Utah State University Eastern, where she developed a strong foundation in teamwork, work ethic, and the competitive demands of the game. Her experience at the college level has shaped her approach to coaching, giving her the insight to guide young players through the challenges of the sport while helping them reach their full potential.
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With four years of high school coaching and five years of club coaching experience, Coach Butler has worked with athletes at various stages of their development. Her coaching style emphasizes growth through encouragement, allowing players to learn and improve without the fear of making mistakes. She believes that positivity is essential to success, and works hard to foster a team culture built on trust, fun, and continuous learning. Coach Butler is passionate about creating a space where athletes not only improve their basketball skills but also grow in confidence, resilience, and love for the game. Her joyful, supportive approach has made her a favorite among players and parents alike, and she remains dedicated to developing both strong athletes and great people.