Coaches' Profiles

Varsity Head Coach

John Wanke

Coach Wanke is entering his fifth season as the varsity head coach of the Upper Arlington Golden Bears and his fourteenth overall season coaching in the school district. Over the past four seasons, he has compiled a 76-23 record, helping transform the Golden Bears into one of the top high school programs in Ohio.

Since taking the helm, Coach Wanke established a bold vision focused on building and sustaining excellence across all levels of the program. That vision continued to materialize during the 2024–2025 season, which saw the Golden Bears rise to a historic level. The team reached as high as #3 in the OHSAA state rankings and earned the #1 tournament seed in the Division I Central District for the first time in school history. Recognized as Coach of the Year in the OCC, his team finished 22-3, which matched their win total from the previous season.  Upper Arlington now holds a combined record of 44-7 over the past two years.

The 2024–2025 season was highlighted by the program’s first District Championship since 2016 and first OCC Central Conference title (9-1 in league play) since 2014. The Bears currently hold a 20 game home winning streak and joined an elite group—only four teams dating back to 1972, including in the 23-24 team, have won more than 22 games in a season.

Key victories included wins over top programs such as Chantilly (VA), Dublin Coffman, Grove City, Frederick Douglass (KY), Liberty, Olentangy, Reynoldsburg, Richmond Heights and Bishop Watterson. The team also showcased its talents in three elite-level showcases—Journey to the Tourney, Classic in the City, and Battle in the 614—as well as a marquee holiday tournament in Charleston, South Carolina. They are slated to compete in all three showcases again this season.

Six players earned All-Conference OCC recognition, including three returning standouts: Elizabeth Hunt, Ella Hanky, and Hannah Hunt. Off the court, the varsity team demonstrated excellence in the classroom with a team GPA average of 3.8

A cornerstone of the Upper Arlington basketball community, Coach Wanke previously served as a longtime assistant under legendary coach Tim Casey, helping lead the boys’ program to a state runner-up finish in 2012–2013, along with three district titles and six league championships. He has also coached at the freshman and middle school levels, further strengthening the foundation of the program.

Currently, Coach devotes much of his energy into developing youth basketball in Upper Arlington. With incredible support from community volunteers and coaches, he has helped build a best-in-class Grades 3–8 program that continues to grow and elevate the future of Golden Bears basketball.

A Dayton, Ohio native, Coach Wanke played under Hall of Fame coaches Joe Petrocelli at Kettering Alter High School—where his teams made two state final four appearances—and Charlie Coles at Miami University (OH).  Coach Petrocelli, who retired in 2013, is one of two Ohio coaches with 800+ wins.  He coached two NBA players (John and Jim Paxson) and won three state championships, eight regional and 24 district titles. 

Coach Wanke has been married to his beautiful wife, Erin, for eighteen years. Together, they have three children in the Upper Arlington school district. Outside of basketball, he works at Salesforce, following a 12-year career at Microsoft Corporation.

8/28/2025

Varsity Assistant Coach

Brianna Lowry

Bri Lowry enters her fifth year as the Golden Bears assistant varsity basketball coach. A former collegiate athlete, Lowry played her first two seasons at Randolph College, where she was named team MVP as a freshman and led the team in points and assists. She then transferred to and finished out her last two seasons at Westfield State University, where during her senior year she helped the team to a school best 24-6 record, appearances in the MASCAC and ECAC championships, and a #6 ranking among all Division III schools in the New England region. Outside of Upper Arlington, she is the Director of Performance for RYZE Athletics and has been working as a strength and conditioning coach for over 10 years.

9/1/2025

Varsity Assistant Coach

Jarret Hubbard

Coach Hubbard grew up in Worthington, Ohio playing basketball and soccer for Thomas Worthington High School. He played soccer at Otterbein University and graduated with his Masters in Healthcare Administration. This will be his 9th year as a basketball coach and his 5th year with Upper Arlington High School.

8/28/2025

JV Coach

DuJuan White

JV Coach

Jake Stechschulte

This is Coach Stechschulte’s first season with the Upper Arlington girls basketball program. A graduate of The Ohio State University, he spent three years during college as a volunteer assistant under longtime Upper Arlington boys head coach Tim Casey. After graduating, he taught Government and coached girls basketball at Pleasant High School, serving four years as the junior varsity head coach and weight room coordinator.

In addition to his coaching role with the Golden Bears, Coach Stechschulte trains athletes at Ryze Athletics and is committed to fostering growth, leadership, and skill development at all levels of the game.

Assistant Coach

Jennifer Green

Jennifer Green, a graduate from the UAHS Class of 2022, is beginning her fourth season with the girls' basketball program as an assistant coach. She played basketball all four years of her high school career, earning two varsity letters as a Golden Bear. Her passion for the game and the culture this program has built not only in the community but across the state is why she continues to return. She looks forward to contributing to the program's success and continuing the rebuild from her senior year. Currently, she is attending The Ohio State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Middle Childhood Education.

10/09/2025

Assistant Coach

Jodi Green

Jodi Green is a graduate from the Class of 2022 at Upper Arlington High School. She is beginning her fourth season with the girls basketball program as an assistant coach. She played basketball all four years for the Bears and earned two varsity letters. This sport has played a major role in her life and has given her passion for the game. The contagious drive and culture this program is building is something special which was ultimately why she returned. She is excited to see the program to continue to grow and succeed. She is currently a senior at The Ohio State University where she is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.

09/08/2025