A graduate of Sammamish high school, Coach Dave Pickering has been an assistant coach in several programs for 40 years. After graduating and playing basketball at Central Washington University, Pickering was first hired as an assistant basketball coach in 1975 at Oroville High School.
Affectionately known as “Pick,” he known to have a heart of a servant. “He is willing to do the little things it takes for the program to be successful. He is loyal beyond reproach. Being a head coach, you are hoping that your assistants will be with you through the ups and downs that come in our profession,” said former Lake Stevens head coach Mark Hein, who Pickering assisted for 16 years.
As an on-floor coach and as a planner, Dave is first and foremost a teacher of the game. Dave is the first to admit that he is not at heart a strategist; but he takes immense pride in his attention to detail in terms of teaching the game. “I have had a chance to work as an assistant college coach at the NAIA and NCAA, Division 1 levels and I have never worked with anyone as fine as teaching the fundamentals and finer points of the game”, said Hein.
Over his years in education for 40 years, Pickering has been an administrator, athletic director as well as a teacher and coach. “During the 9 years we coached together he was not just our top assistant, he was the heartbeat of our program. He never asked or sough attention,” says former Lake Washington head coach Mark Cashman. “He has had a tremendous impact and influence on the players he coached, and now as adults they still remember the life lessons that he helped instill in them beyond basketball.”
Former Junior Varsity coach at Lake Stevens and current head coach at Eastmont High School, Wayde Knowles has fond memories coaching with “Pick.” “He is the epitome of the “team” first concept and in today’s world and today’s athlete it is refreshing to know that Dave has not wavered in his principles as a teacher and coach. He has the utmost respect of his players and fellow staff members. Dave is a great teacher in details and fundamentals of the game and is always there to contribute in any fashion,” said Knowles.
Coach Pickering is currently retired from coaching and teaching and lives in Arlington, Washington.