Description

In this episode of "To the Mountaintop" podcast, Drew Schlosberg and Nyema Curtis, a current Lincoln High student, interview Dominic McGuire, a former Lincoln High School, college athlete, and NBA player.  Dominic shares his journey from southeast San Diego to playing basketball at UC Berkeley and Fresno State, and his professional career in the NBA. He emphasizes the importance of education, time management, and humility. Nyema discusses her involvement in enrichment programs and her 4.25 GPA. Both highlight the significance of empathy, communication, and teamwork in both athletics and academics. The podcast aims to inspire students and emphasize the balance between academics and extracurricular activities.  

Dominic McGuire's Early Life and Education

• Dominic reflects on his upbringing in southeast San Diego, attending Valencia Park Elementary and playing Pop Warner Football at South Bay.
• He attended SCPA (School of Creative and Performing Arts) and Lincoln High School, where he played basketball and participated in music programs.
• Dominic shares his experience with different instruments, starting with the clarinet and later learning the saxophone.
• He discusses the influence of his father, a jazz musician, on his musical journey and how playing music helped him in his athletic career.

Role Models and Influences

• Dominic credits his older brother Jeremy and high school coach Charles Pope as his role models.
• He shares that his brother Jeremy played for the Harlem Globetrotters and overseas, and his high school coach, Charles Pope, was a former NBA player.
• Dominic reflects on the importance of humility and loyalty, lessons he learned from his coach, Charles Pope.
• Nyema asks about Dominic's high school experiences, and he shares that he practiced with the high school team in seventh grade, which influenced his decision to attend Lincoln High School.

Challenges and Obstacles in College and Professional Career

• Dominic discusses the challenges of staying focused on school while balancing a busy athletic schedule in college.
• He attended UC Berkeley for two years before transferring to Fresno State, where he continued his basketball career.
• Dominic emphasizes the importance of representing one's university and family with integrity.
• Nyema and Dominic discuss the importance of time management and the impact of social media on athletes.

Importance of Education and Teamwork

• Dominic advises students to prioritize education over sports, as a strong academic foundation is crucial for long-term success.
• He stresses the importance of communication, time management, and humility in both athletics and academics.
• Nyema and Dominic discuss the significance of being coachable and adaptable in team sports and academic settings.
• They highlight the importance of empathy and understanding different personalities within a team to foster a positive and productive environment.

Leadership and Mentorship

• Dominic shares his experience coaching fourth through sixth graders at Calvary Christian Academy and volunteering at events for human trafficking victims.
• He emphasizes the importance of giving back and being available to help others.
• Nyema discusses her involvement in various extracurricular activities and how her mentor, Chris Jones, has supported her growth and opportunities.
• They both agree on the importance of being a mentor and providing guidance to younger students.

Final Thoughts and Advice

• Dominic advises students to avoid procrastination and to set realistic goals for their athletic and academic careers.
• He emphasizes the importance of being humble and giving back to the community.
• Nyema agrees with Dominic's advice and adds that meeting deadlines and being responsible are crucial for success.
• The podcast concludes with Drew Schlosberg thanking Dominic and Nyema for their insights and contributions to the discussion.

About Cloudcast Media | PODucation

As the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "To The Mountaintop" throught its SchoolCAST and PODucation platforms to help amplify, augment, and accelerate knowledge-acquisition for students while driving innovative new educational models.  Podcasts reflect the greatest up-to-date, mobile, and accessible knowledge base ever created and PODucation is bridge to linking podcasts and curriculum to student brains.  For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media.  

About Classroom of the Future Foundation 

ince 1997, the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) has united business, community, and educational leaders to create innovative learning environments in San Diego County public schools. CFF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to advance its mission by ensuring that San Diego students are prepared to thrive in a competitive global society.CFF is an extension of the San Diego County Office of Education and is known for being the convener of business, community, and educational leaders around innovation in education in our region. Moreover, CFF is a catalyst and champion for the creation of learning programs that apply proven business and technology-based practices in the school setting. CFF is also a trusted resource for school districts, and a thought leader on innovation in the classroom.

About National University 

At National University we’re changing lives through education. National University is a Veteran-founded nonprofit and a top provider of credentials for teachers in the United States. It prepares more teachers for credentialing than any other institution in California. Driven by our mission and our 50+ year history of excellence, we empower students to join the ranks of our more than 230,000+ alumni worldwide and  become well-rounded professionals striving to share their success with the world around them.  National University's Harmony Academy is a national leader in focusing on life skills development, with comprehensive resources and support to provide opportunities for young people to build and nurture healthy relationships, giving them the tools they need to grow into responsible adults and community members.

About CEI 

Since 1989, CEI has helped shift school systems toward authentic, from-the-ground-up improvement—turning under-resourced schools into engines of opportunity and impact.We partner with school leaders, educators, families, and students to build high-performing schools in underserved communities—grounded in equity, driven by results, and focused on every child’s success.