In 2013, Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra cemented his legacy by coaching the Heat to back-to-back NBA championships, making him one of the top coaches in the league. Initially, Spoelstra began his career with the Miami Heat in 1995 as the Video Coordinator for then-head coach Pat Riley. After serving as an assistant coach and director of scouting, he was elevated to his current position in 2008 when Pat Riley stepped down as Head Coach to become team President. With this appointment, Spoelstra became the first Asian American head coach in the history of the four major North American sports leagues.

Prior to taking over the reins as the sixth head coach in Miami history, Spoelstra was known around the league for his game preparation and superb attention to detail, with a strong reputation as a teacher. Additionally, Spoelstra helped design and integrate a proprietary statistical database and scouting software for the Heat. Spoelstra is also known for his work ethic and ability to motivate his team, leading to over 600 wins as the Heat's head coach.

As head coaching debuts go, Spoelstra orchestrated an impressive one in 2008. Guiding one of the NBA's youngest rosters, the Heat recorded its greatest single-season improvement in franchise history. He took a 15-win team from the previous season and directed them to a 43-win regular season, which surpassed the franchise record for most wins by a head coach in his first season and a 2009 NBA Playoff berth. Improving the team’s performance every year as Coach, Spoelstra brought the Heat to the NBA Finals four years in a row, culminating in back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. The Heat have made six NBA Finals appearances under Spoelstra's tenure, winning the championship in 2012 and 2013, and most recently reaching the 2020 NBA Finals.

A team member of the NBA FIT initiative, Spoelstra takes pride in encouraging families to engage in physical activity and healthy living practices. He also created Spo's Shooters to give South Florida's less fortunate student-athletes the opportunity to enjoy Heat games and meet their favorite Heat players and role models. Spoelstra participated with the NBA and the U.S. State Department Good Will Sports Envoy Trip to his native Philippines while hosting basketball clinics and promoting the importance of education, health, and wellness to thousands of at-risk youth.

In 1992, he graduated from the University of Portland with a degree in communications. While attending the University of Portland, Spoelstra was the starting point guard for all four years and was named the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in 1989 before a brief international playing career.

Basketball, Athlete, Sports, Sports Coaching, Southeast Asian Heritage Philippines, Asian Heritage,