About Us
Welcome to the Phoenix Timberwolves of Special Olympics Arizona located in North Phoenix
We won GOLD and Silver!
Area Basketball 2026
Area Volleyball 2026
Our Story
Coach Bill
Coach Bill began his coaching journey in 2015 with the Scottsdale Bobcats. After the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to branch out and create his own delegation in North Phoenix, founding the Phoenix Timberwolves.
Coach Bill is passionate about working with his athletes, and the bond they share is evident every time they're together. His coaching philosophy is simple: have fun first, and the success will follow. While he always encourages his athletes to compete at their best, he believes that building confidence, teamwork, and a love for the sport comes before the scoreboard.
With the support of his dedicated assistant coaches, Coach Bill has created an environment where every athlete feels valued, encouraged, and challenged to grow. He coaches his teams like a family, and over the past four years, that family has grown into a close-knit community built on trust, respect, and lasting friendships.
For Coach Bill, the greatest victories aren't just measured by medals or championships—they're measured by the positive impact he has on the lives of his athletes, both on and off the mat.
Coach Amy
Every successful program has someone whose hard work often goes unseen, yet whose impact is felt by everyone. For the Timberwolves, that person is Coach Amy.
Coach Amy has been with the Timberwolves since day one. Long before the program officially began, she faithfully served alongside Coach Bill behind the scenes during his years coaching at Scottsdale, helping lay the foundation for the program we are so proud of today.
Coach Amy is the heart behind so much of what makes the Timberwolves special. She manages all of our paperwork, maintains the website, coordinates schedules, oversees accounting, designs and orders our uniforms and merchandise, and creates every award presented to our athletes across all 10 sports. She also serves as an assistant coach for every sport, always ready to encourage, teach, and support our athletes and coaching staff.
But what truly sets Coach Amy apart isn't just everything she does—it's the love with which she does it. Every athlete is celebrated on their birthday with homemade cookies or cupcakes. Every awards banquet is thoughtfully planned, decorated, and filled with food she lovingly prepares herself. She notices the little things, celebrates every milestone, and pours her heart into making each athlete feel seen, valued, and loved.
Coach Amy's servant's heart, unwavering dedication, and selfless commitment have shaped the culture of the Timberwolves from the very beginning. She reminds us that true leadership isn't measured by the spotlight, but by the countless lives touched through faithful service, quiet sacrifice, and genuine love for others.
The Timberwolves would not be what they are today without Coach Amy. Her fingerprints are on every success, every celebration, and every life that has been impacted by this program. We are beyond grateful for her tireless dedication and the incredible example she sets each day. She is truly the heart of the Timberwolves family, and we are blessed to call her one of our own.
Coach Rick
Coach Rick joined the Phoenix Timberwolves in 2022, and his journey into coaching began in a truly memorable way. After attending a state competition, he was inspired by the determination, spirit, and joy of the athletes. The experience had such a profound impact on him that he began coaching with the Timberwolves that very same week—and he has been a dedicated part of the team ever since.
Coach Rick's commitment to the athletes extends far beyond practices and competitions. His passion for serving individuals with special needs led him to transform his 6,000-square-foot custom home into the first luxury forever home through Heeb Family Homes LLC, creating a safe, welcoming, and enriching place for very special people to live and thrive.
Known for his generous heart and unwavering dedication, Coach Rick goes above and beyond for every athlete. Whether he's offering encouragement, lending a helping hand, or celebrating each athlete's achievements, he is committed to helping them grow in confidence, independence, and happiness. His compassion and selflessness make him an invaluable member of the Phoenix Timberwolves family.
Coach Denise
Coach Denise has been with the Timberwolves since 2021, joining us from the very beginning. Since day one, she has been an invaluable part of our program and a constant source of support for our athletes and coaches.
As an assistant coach, Denise has contributed to all 10 sports our Timberwolves compete in, always willing to step in wherever she is needed. She also plays a vital role behind the scenes by securing the gym and soccer field for practices, ensuring our basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and soccer teams have the facilities they need to succeed.
Coach Denise's dedication, reliability, and selfless commitment have made a lasting impact on our program. She consistently goes above and beyond for our athletes, and her hard work often happens behind the scenes. We are incredibly grateful for everything she does, and she is truly loved and appreciated by our entire Timberwolves family.
Coach Jillayne
Coach Jillayne has been with the Timberwolves since 2021, bringing with her more than 30 years of coaching experience in the Scottsdale area. Throughout her career, she has dedicated countless hours to helping athletes grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.
One of Coach Jillayne's many contributions to our program is securing the outstanding practice pool our swim team uses each summer. Thanks to the strong relationships she has built over decades of volunteering at swim meets, our athletes have access to an exceptional training facility that plays a key role in their success.
Coach Jillayne's knowledge, experience, and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable member of the Timberwolves and Special Olympics Arizona. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team, and we are grateful for the passion, expertise, and care she brings to our athletes every day.
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Coach Vern
Coach Vern has been with the Timberwolves since 2021. He started out as an aide to one of our athletes. He loved spending time with all of the athletes so much that he became certified as an assistant coach in 2023 so he could help in all 10 sports we offer. In addition, Coach Vern also helps the Timberwolves by securing donations from local businesses for the team. We appreciate everything Vern does for the Timberwolves.
Coach Chris
Coach Chris joined the Timberwolves in 2023 and has become a valued member of our coaching staff. He serves as an assistant coach for both track and field and swim, where he encourages and supports our athletes with enthusiasm and dedication.
Coach Chris and his family are an important part of the Timberwolves community. His son, Cameron, is one of our athletes, making their involvement a true family commitment to Special Olympics Arizona. Their support, encouragement, and positive spirit have made a lasting impact on our team.
We are grateful to have Coach Chris and his family as part of the Timberwolves and appreciate all they do to help our athletes succeed both on and off the field.
Coach Steve
Coach Steve joined the Timberwolves in 2023 and has quickly become an outstanding leader for our volleyball program. As the head coach of our volleyball team, he creates a positive, encouraging environment where our athletes can learn, grow, and enjoy the game.
Coach Steve's connection to the Timberwolves is especially meaningful, as his brother, Mike, is one of our athletes. Their involvement reflects the strong sense of family and community that makes our team so special.
Coach Steve's dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to our athletes have made a lasting impact. Our volleyball players love having him as their coach, and we are grateful for everything he does to support the Timberwolves and Special Olympics Arizona.