Apollo Academy Coaches
Julian Montante
Program Director/
4th & 5th Grade Coach
Seattle native, Julian was a 3 sport athlete out of Ballard High School (Seattle) playing football, track, and basketball. He made a name for himself in track being All-District triple jumper and long jumper. He was also multi-year football standout as a running back. Having coached Salmon Bay K -8 and multiple teams at the Apollo Academy Program, Julian prides himself on empowering kids and giving back to his community in any way he can. Currently he works as a hard-money lender with Rain City Capital helping people invest in real estate. He enjoys his time traveling, spending time with family, and hanging out with his dogs.
Jon Corpuz
6th Grade Coach
Coach Jon Corpuz has been with Apollo Academy for 2 years coaching the 6th and 7th grade teams. A student of the game, he has been around the game since he first had a ball in his hand at 7. His experience also includes playing at the high school level at Todd Beamer High School (Federal Way, WA). He understands how important being a positive role model for the community has a huge impact as the kids develop their skills as a student athlete. Aside from coaching he enjoys spending time with his dog and partner.
“I have always considered myself as a player’s coach as it brings the best out our athletes. I believe showing the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle as well as installing core values and principles players will carry with them on and off the court.”
(pictured on the far left)
Artez Scharer
7th Grade Coach
Artez Scharer , 31yr old Seattle Washington resident born & raised. A Franklin High school graduate & varsity athlete class of 2008. Scharer continued his studies & athletics at local Shoreline community college, where he was able to earn a basketball scholarship at the University of Concordia in Edmonton Alberta, Canada & University of Ambrose in Calgary Alberta, Canada. Scharer was the first American recruit in Concordia program history & was honored to have earned 1st team all conference player averaging- 22pts 6ast. 3reb & 4stl . Finishing his studies with a B.A degree in sociology & psychology. Scharer has huge passion for the game of basketball, through my years of experience training and playing basketball with some of Seattle’s most elite trainers & athletes. My goal is to help teach the younger generation everything Iv learned on how to become an elite player & most importantly respectful & humble young adult. Scharer has worked in the field of physical therapy for over two years, he is the manager of local studio Stretch 22 In downtown Seattle where they specialize in assisted stretching/ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular facilitation. Scharer is very family oriented & spends most his free time raising his six year old son & helping his loving grandparents. I am very excited to coach & help further the 7th grade boys of Apollo Academy. Let’s strive for greatness!
Tony Duong
8th Grade Coach
Tony Duong has been around basketball since his sophomore year in high school. Playing with Seattle Chinese Athletic Association (SCAA) is where he gained experience coaching, helping the youth teams progress. Tony was a multi-sport athlete in high school to keep him conditioned for basketball. He has over 10+ years experience training and coaching teams. His biggest accomplishment has been training his younger brothers to achieve their goals of playing at the high school level where they have been placed on JV and Varsity teams at Rainer Beach High School & Cleveland High School (Seattle). He enjoys spending time with his family in his down time.
(pictured 4th from the left)
Imani Barnett
15U Coach
Imani Barnett is a Seattle native who attended Ballard High School and Franklin High School playing JV and Varsity his freshman and sophomore year. He attended Walla Walla Community College. Coach Barnett was also a referee throughout high school for the Seattle Parks and Recreation which he currently works for. He enjoys spending time son, nieces and nephews on his off time and traveling with his wife.
Dominque Williams
16U Coach
Domonique Williams, the 16 U summer boys basketball coach, is a Seattle native. During High School he excelled in multiple sports playing on the varsity basketball team for 3 years, and running varsity track for 4 years at Renton High School, in which he graduated in 2016. Williams attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, from which he graduated in 2020. Williams has coached basketball, soccer, track, and volleyball clubs for grades K-9. Williams now works as an HR administrative assistant. He enjoys spending his off time snowboarding and working out.
Donell Surtain
17U Coach
“Coach Donnell “Donny” Surtain Sr has been coaching basketball for over 15 years. Originally from Louisiana, Coach Donny was a 4 year letter winner in football, basketball and track. He was 3X All-League & All-District as well as 2X All-State in football. Becoming the first 1,000 yard rusher in school history and earning a Division 1 scholarship.
Coach Donny was a 4 year varsity player and 3 year starter winning 3 straight district championships and 2 regional championships. He earned All-District twice and All-State once.
Coach Donny has coached basketball at many different levels including a Division 1 assistant, Junior College Head Coach, High School Varsity Head Coach and Nike EYBL Coach. Coach Donny also runs a non-profit that works to provide opportunities for at-risk youth to attend and participate in youth sports without having to pay any fees. Coach Donny’s favorite quote is “Don’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one. Don’t cry, don’t complain, just work.”