OUR ASSOCIATES
We work with a professional network of associates who are experts in their field.



BRIAN WOOD, MBA, CPC, ELI-MP
Brian Wood is driven to help others achieve their definition of success, purpose and happiness through coaching.
Brian achieved All-Metro, captain and MVP honors while playing basketball at William Paterson University in NJ. After completing his undergraduate degree (BA Communications) in 1987, he combined the hunger for competition and adventure by participating on several traveling basketball teams including tournaments in Denmark, Puerto Rico, Australia, Mexico City, Alaska, Panama and Hawaii.
Juggling career, family and volunteer responsibilities, Brian found time to earn his MBA at the University of Phoenix in 2014.
Brian continues to honor his passion for sports by serving as Board member with Linking Sports and Communities, LLC of Phoenix, Arizona, which is a non-profit organization that partners with professional sports teams, professional athletes, and celebrities to encourage student athletes to stay in school, lead healthy lifestyles, and be financially responsible. In 2016, he was awarded the title of National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Certified Agent and created Myrtlewood Athlete Representation and Coaching Services (M.A.R.S).
He earned a CPC (Certified Professional Coach) designation through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC). IPEC is on the short list of programs in the US approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF) for direct certification.
Brian is an accredited Master Practitioner of the Energy Leadership Index Program (ELI-MP).
While working over 25 years at American Airlines and Waste Management, Brian has accepted challenges and opportunities by relocating to TX, MO, NV, and AZ. Throughout his career, he’s conducted Leadership Training and Performance Coaching training at the corporate and field level.
Brian Wood has served on the Board of Directors for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce since 2011. He is currently the Vice-Chair and has been elected Chairman of the Board for 2016. The Tempe Chamber of Commerce has built an environment that enhances the economic vitality for members and the business community. Through commitment and involvement, members are provided with the essential means for success at every level of their enterprises.
The athletic and Corporate America journey has provided Brian with valuable perspective, while exposing a clear need relative to coaching. Athletes are often provided with essential coaching at an early age. When it’s time to transition away from active participation, more often than not – coaching no longer takes place. Just when it’s needed the most! The same holds true for anyone in transition while playing the game of life.
Brian is Inspired to make a difference in your life. He’s motivated to collaborate, identify and help you pursue your purpose – building a legacy of greatness!
ICE and MARS continue to collaborate frequently on local and global community projects.
NICOLE BALLESTERO
Nicole Ballestero is a former collegiate and professional athlete who has just completed an internship with ICE Coaching. She recently joined the Concordia University Women’s Basketball Program in the summer of 2017 as the Assistant Coach. She looks forward to using the coaching skills she developed with ICE to help better the student-athletes she interacts with both on and off the court.
As a former collegiate and professional athlete, Nicole greatly appreciates the work ICE does in helping athletes transition into retirement, and knows the impact the skills ICE teaches will have on the athletes as they continue into the next phase of their life. She has coached at the youth level with OC Rhythm Girls Basketball Club for 4 years and understands the culture in which today’s athletes are being raised. Nicole continues to collaborate with ICE Coaching on a number of levels including research development of the needs of athletes transitioning out of their sports, as well as facilitating personal development for their performance in sport, work, and life purpose.
Nicole attended the University of San Diego and, while there, was a member of the Women’s basketball team from 2010-2012. After her sophomore year, she transferred to Vanguard University where she achieved All American status during her junior and senior seasons. During the 2013-2014 season, Nicole was awarded the GSAC conference MVP, and was also chosen as the WBCA NAIA National Player of the Year. Nicole graduated from Vanguard in 2014 with a Bachelors degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. After her time at Vanguard, she played professionally in Denmark for one year. She was selected to the First Team all Danish League for the second half of the season.
After returning from Denmark, Nicole began to explore her possible career paths. This led her to gain experience as a part time Assistant Coach at Vanguard University, part time as a receptionist at a hair salon, and coaching a 7th grade youth team. Through this year of exploration, she was able to recognize more clearly the value in coaching and helping athletes find identity in something outside of their sport.
In 2016 Nicole continued her education at the University of Idaho during which time she became the Graduate Assistant Coach for the Women’s basketball team. Her responsibilities included organization of the booster club, travel trips, and player development. After completing her internship with ICE, Nicole graduated in August 2017 with her Master’s of Science, in Movement and Leisure Science, with an emphasis in Leadership in Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Nicole credits her time at Idaho, and her mentor Dr. Sharon Stoll for helping her realize her passion to help change the culture within the athletic world.
Nicole resides in Orange, and outside of work she enjoys running, being outdoors, going to the beach, and traveling.
COLE POCOCK
Cole Pocock is an intern currently studying with ICE Coaching. He comes to the team with two years of experience working in outpatient physical therapy settings during which time he has developed skills and experience in the rehabilitation and training of athletes after injury, and workers suffering from overuse and repetitive stress. He hopes to supplement his background in rehabilitation by developing coaching skills to impact and empower the lives of those around him towards a positive change.
Cole received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University in 2016. During this time he learned the anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and behavioral foundations that guide him in his work today. He was also a member of the Sonoma State Seawolves Golf team. Additionally, Cole has a passion for humanitarian causes and has volunteered with several programs including Saturday Sidekicks and Sonoma Serves. With Saturday Sidekicks, he befriended children with various mental disabilities giving them a safe space and the ability to develop social and motor skills. While working with Sonoma Serves, he served the community of Rohnert Park with other students by performing community service projects dedicated to addressing local needs.
Cole has always had a passion for playing and watching video games. In the past few years he has been driven to couple his passion for competitive gaming and the Esports scene with his studies in Kinesiology, coaching, and therapy. In collaboration with ICE, he is currently gathering information from North American League Championship Professionals. This information will help illuminate the challenges and needs that competing at the highest level requires from a holistic perspective.
In his leisure time Cole enjoys playing and competing in the video games League of Legends, Overwatch, and StarCraft. He has been in the top 3% of all players through many competitive seasons. He also continues to be an avid golfer, sporting a 4 handicap while playing many well known courses such as Pebble Peach and Spyglass. Moreover, he has had the opportunity to play with top-ranked PGA professional Ricky Fowler, and has competed in several amateur events thus bringing a wealth of knowledge to the ICE team in the competitive realms of golf and Esports.