Our Coaching Staff
Meet the Leaders Behind the Team
With experience, passion, and a commitment to excellence, they inspire our players to be their best on and off the court.
Coach Ray
Co-Founder / Coach
“Hi, my name is Saraven Allen, also known as Coach Ray! Most of my life was in St. George, UT, where I graduated from Pine View High School in 2018. I played AAU club basketball from 3rd grade until I graduated. I received defensive player of the year while attending Pine View with a total of over 100 steals in one season. I went on and signed to LCCC located in Wyoming where I played for 2 years. After the college experience, I came back to St. George wanting to start an AAU team and help grow girls basketball in this town. Coach Allen and I followed our vision and started Utah United AAU girls basketball. We are going on our 5th season as a club team and I couldn’t be more proud of what our girls have accomplished. I have also been coaching at Hurricane High School for the last 4 seasons for Coach Pepper. I was the freshman coach for my 1st season and I’ve been the JV coach for the past 3. I also personal train many players in groups or 1 on 1 sessions. Watching a player grasp a new concept and grow their confidence is such a great feeling. I believe in defense wins games, heart over height, and buying into a system. The game of basketball can take you places you would never believe. I truly love what I do!”
- COACH RAY
Coach Allen
Co-Founder / Coach
“I have dedicated most of my life to sports, having played both football and basketball. As a proud US Navy veteran and having a degree in business, I exemplify dedication, experience, and leadership. I have a passion for mentoring young athletes. I have over 20 years of coaching experience. I spent 16 years coaching football at Pine View high School and dedicated 11 years coaching the Utah Raiders AAU basketball team. Coach Ray and I founded Utah United AAU girls basketball and committed to developing young athletes as well as future leaders. Throughout my coaching career, I have seen many players go on to compete at the collegiate level as well as players deciding to prioritize and focus on their education. I believe both paths are remarkable achievements. I believe in inspiring young athletes to develop their skills in sports while instilling life skills and values such as teamwork, respect, hard work, leadership, accountability, and integrity while pursuing excellence in both academics and athletics. Watching players grow and reach their full potential is what I find most rewarding.”
- COACH ALLEN
COACH PEPPER
Head Coach
“I believe in defense, coaching up through positive but tough reinforcement, and always returning to the basics of basketball. I am a proud 5th season coach for the United Basketball Program. I love our determination to keep skill set just as important in growth as winning games with our youth at United. I come from a runner up state championship team myself and know what it takes to get to the end of a season. I was an all region and all state defensive player of the year twice running from 1995 and 1996 season for Cedar Hill High School and our team was inducted into the town’s Hall of Fame in 2013. I went on to coach AAU teams each summer starting in 1998-2000. In 1999 I was an assistant Varsity Coach for Trinity High School. I did personal training as well 1998-2000 for individual athletes. I started back up coaching in High School in Hurricane, UT at Hurricane High School as the Freshman and Sophomore coach from 2012-2016. I came back as the JV coach in 2018 and took over the Head coach position in 2019 to present. All these years of playing and coaching come with a love of what this sport gave to me as a young adult and a woman! I love watching growth in our sport and I LOVE watching young ladies become strong leaders of their communities because of our sport! United is Ready to help your daughter become great!”
- COACH PEPPER
COACH ZAC
Head Coach
“A little about me: I’m married with 3 kids, ages 18,17 and 12. We are always doing fun stuff with our kids! I have been coaching my kids in one thing or another for about 10 years. Starting with little league baseball and rec basketball and onto high school mountain biking. I have been helping coach girls basketball now for two years and absolutely love it. It has been a blast to see the girls improve and learn to love basketball!”
- COACH ZAC
COACH CASS
Head Coach
“Hi, my name is Cassie Hahl. I am a mother of 4, and have lived in St. George for 18 years. I grew up in Helper, Utah. I played basketball, volleyball, and softball at Carbon High School. I went on to play 2 years of basketball and 1 year of volleyball at USU Eastern, formally known as CEU. After CEU, I finished my college career playing basketball at SUU. I LOVE sports, especially basketball! I have coached basketball at a variety of levels and have been at United for 2 years. The last 4 years I have been at Crimson Cliffs High School, where I am the current head coach of the girls basketball team. GO UNITED!”
- COACH CASS
COACH NITA
Assistant Coach
“I’m Coach Nita. I’ve been helping coach at United for a few years, but have loved the game since I was able to pick up a ball. I played throughout my high school years, and continue to love playing ball to this day. I love coaching and my goal is to help girls understand, learn, love the game, give it their all, NEVER give up , and most of all have fun. I truly believe to be the best, you have to work hard. Like the saying goes, “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard!” I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to coach girls basketball and to be a part of an amazing basketball organization like United.”
- COACH NITA