Alejandro “Ali” Thomas

Associate

Both in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Norway, Ali Thomas has been a professional basketball coach for more than 13 years, focusing on teaching fundamentals and mentoring young athletes through technology-assisted coaching. A dedicated San Francisco native with deep roots in the community, Ali began his journey in innovative athlete development, leadership training, and technology-assisted coaching in 2011. At ULD, he will lead the development and operations of large-scale sports and recreation facilities with a forward-looking vision for urban development and community impact.

As Director of Basketball Operations at his previous organization, he developed strategic roadmaps for athletic programs and spearheaded marketing initiatives. He has collaborated with local institutions such as The Olympic Club, City College, Saint Ignatius College Preparatory, City and County of San Francisco, Bay City Basketball, North Bay Basketball Academy, The Ultimate Fieldhouse, NorCal Elite, and 3STEP Sports to empower young athletes. 

Prior to coaching, Ali played professional basketball in Europe for more than a decade. His experience as an athlete instilled in him the principles of discipline, strategy, and collaboration, which he now applies to his work in urban land development.

Ali earned his BA in Sociology from the University of San Francisco, where he played collegiate basketball.