Diego Maffia/Founder & Coach
Diego Maffia, Founder and Coach of Maffia Academy was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. Soccer was his first passion, but he quickly fell in love with the game of basketball when introduced to it at 12 years old.
The game of basketball has provided him with various opportunities. Diego went to High School at Oak Bay where he played senior boys basketball from grades 10-12. Also in his high school days, he represented BC at the national championships where they earned a 4th place finish. He earned various accolades in his high school career before committing to the University of Victoria Vikes.
With the UVIC Men's Basketball Team in his first season, Maffia earned CW First-Team All Rookie honours while helping his team go 15-5 in regular season. In his second season with the Vikes, Maffia earned CW Second-Team All Star honours while helping his team go 19-1 in regular season, win a CW Championship, and place 6th at nationals. In his third year, he earned CW First-Team All-Star and CW Player of the Year honours, as well as being a USPORTS All-Canadian. He helped his team go 17-3 in regular season, before winning their second straight CW Championship, and place 4th at nationals. He led the nation in scoring with 24.5 points per game. Finally, in his most recent season he was named CW Player of the Year & USPORTS Player of the Year, while leading the nation in scoring for a second consecutive year at 26.7 points per game. Along with Aaron, he was a team captain and helped his team win their 3rd consecutive CW Championship.
Recently, he had the opportunity to play professionally with the Vancouver Bandits in the CEBL. He was drafted 6th overall in the USPORTS draft and was able to get a foot in the professional basketball world as a young development player. He started 4 games for the Bandits and notched a 20 points, 11 assists double-double in his first career start, earning player of the game honours.
He is now entering his 5th season with the Vikes as a team captain, in hopes of helping his team win their fourth consecutive CW Championship and a national championship.
Aaron Tesfagiorgis/Coach & Marketing Manager
Coach AT (Aaron Tesfagiorgis) is currently teammates with Diego Maffia with the UVIC Men's Basketball Team. Aaron's immense energy with his coaching style and skill set is what set him to have found a career in both. He brings his philosophy on the intangibles of the game that will further set athletes to progress without skill. His knowledge of the game has led him to numerous accolades throughout his basketball career & on going.
With the UVIC Men's Basketball Team in his first season, Aaron earned CW First-Team All Rookie honours being a key contributor to the team's success. He has followed that accolade by being a great leader & role model year after year. He has given back to the Victoria community by coaching youth athletes & bringing a different approach to the game of basketball. In his most recent season with the Vikes, Aaron was named CW Defensive Player of the Year, and helped his team go 17-3 in regular season while also being a team captain.
He is now entering his 5th season with the Vikes as a team captain, in hopes of helping his team win their fourth consecutive CW Championship and a national championship.