Meet your new Assistant Athletic Director: Pete Kaffey

Pete Kaffey worked as a behavior interventionist for grades 9th-12th and with the basketball programs last school year 2018-19. He has been promoted to the new AZ Compass Assistant Athletic Director for 2019-20 school year.

Read on to learn more about Pete – his background, what he enjoys most about AZCP and how is background and knowledge will help inspire future student athletes.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Minnesota and decided to enter into education by coaching basketball at Robbinsdale Cooper High School for about 13 years. I eventually transferred to Las Vegas to coach at Findlay Prep where he worked with Rashad Vaughn (11 yrs. old at the time) and became his business manager, where he eventually helped him get drafted into the NBA and now currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks.

As a previous coach, what attracted you to AZ Compass.

I had a lot of success at Findlay Prep during my time there and had seven players head to college basketball and six of them ended up getting drafted to the NBA. I ended up moving to Arizona in 2016 to be closer to my son and his mother and that’s when I learned about AZ Compass and how they had a similar program with student athletes. I saw the potential here and an overall vision.

What did you find most rewarding about being a coach.

Being able to impact young peoples lives is a huge component to being a coach. I am able to help them see their potential, choose their destiny and create a plan to put into place to make it a reality. A big part is having the opportunity to create young adults full of character in a positive way and be productive members of society.

What do you like to do in your free time.

I enjoy spending time with my son, he currently attends Vector Prep & Arts Academy. Together we enjoy watching all types of sports, being outdoors and hiking.

What are you looking forward to this school year in your new position.

My goal here is to have the same success that the AZCP National Basketball team has had and bring that success to EVERY sport offered at AZ Compass. I use sports as a tool to help gain insight and make every sport feel special and have them play their part in creating a top notch school that can step out in public with integrity.

How do you inspire the students you work with.

I let all the students know they come first and continuously help student athletes by staying late and helping with their homework or whatever they need. I use an open door policy and encourage students to come to me. I share my stories and insight to help any way I can. I use this as a platform to support not only the student, but their family as well.