As a 6-foot-1, 155-pound point guard at Santa Maria (California) Valley Christian High School from 1992 to 1995, Chad Bickley used his remarkable long-range shooting ability to enter his name four times as a national record-holder in the NFHS’ National High School Sports Record Book.

For good measure – and eminently well-deserved - his shot-making acumen landed him as the cover boy of the 1996 edition of the Record Book.

Chad Bickley shooting a jump shot at Valley Christian Academy.

Twenty years since he last laced up his sneakers for the Lions, Bickley now patrols the sidelines as head boys basketball coach at Solana Beach (California) Santa Fe Christian Academy. In addition to teaching his players the proper shooting mechanics to enable them to connect from the outside, he recently took that to the extreme when he tied the world record by making 10 half-court shots in one minute.

“My niece Whitney set that all up,” Bickley said. “I am always up for shooting when someone is rebounding. Just one of those things she got on video and posted.”

If one were to ask Bickley exactly when he first embraced Dr. Naismith’s remarkable sport, he would give a response that some people might not regard as complete exaggeration.

“I started playing basketball out of the womb,” Bickley said. “I have three older brothers and have watched them play my entire life. I was the youngest and remember coming home playing nerf basketball after every game, dreaming I was out on the floor hitting the last shot.”

Bickley continued that strong family connection when he entered high school, as his coach was his father, Stan Bickley.

Shown above are Stan and Chad (back row), Drew and Paige (front row).

“I played for my dad freshman to senior year on varsity,” Bickley began. “It was awesome playing for him because that man is my hero and taught me how to use basketball to honor and glorify the Lord. His work ethic is second to none and he set the example to me that if you want something badly enough, it will not be handed to you.

“I enjoyed everything about playing high school basketball – the bus trips, my team, my coach, the players and the parents. When the basketball season ended, I played baseball, in which I did well. It was a good three-month break from basketball and then we got right back at hoops when it was finished.

“We had arguably the best team in Santa Maria my senior year with a 6-8 center, and two twins - one of whom was a 6-5 left post and the other a 6-0 shooter. In addition, we had a football player who was a 6-4 rebounding machine. We were a very tight unit.

“We always had a winning record - we won league every year I was there, and won the CIF title my senior year. That title game was probably the most fun game I have ever played in.”

A self-described “gym rat,” Bickley honed his shooting skills by practicing shots by himself for 90 minutes.

“That goes back to watching my dad’s work ethic,” Bickley said. “He motivated me every day ‑ watching him working so hard at everything he did. He did not pressure me, but let his walk do the talking. I also knew it was my job on my team and I did not want to let my teammates down.

“I learned to shoot so well from camps and from watching my oldest brother Curt. He was the shooter on his high school team and I always wanted to beat his records. Curt scored 50 points in a game without three-point shots and I always wanted to beat that. He was a huge influence in my life and still is today.

“As far as patterning my game after a great player, I loved watching Bobby Hurley of Duke. He was a tough player who was clutch in the big moments. I loved how he was not afraid of anyone, even though he was usually smaller than the opponent.”

Following his amazing high school career, Bickley held national high school records for:

A) Most three-point field goals attempted, career – 1,443 (1992-95)

B) Most three-point field goals attempted, game – 39 (vs. Sacramento Citadel Baptist School, December 28, 1994; made 21)

C) Most three-point field goals made, career – 507 (1992-95)

D) Most three-point field goals made, game – 21 (vs. Sacramento Citadel Baptist School, December 28, 1994; attempted 39)

Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that today – some 20 years later - he still holds the career attempts record and ranks second in the other three categories.

“I can honestly say that whenever I think of those records, I always think ‘wow’ - I had great teammates,” Bickley said. “I never went into a game thinking about records - that was just a byproduct of great coaches and teammates I played with. I was extremely blessed to play with teammates and coaches who believed in me. When games were not going well, I would always have teammates who would say ‘Keep shooting.’ My dream now is that one of my own players would break the record. That would be a great story.

“I think a lot of the recognition was surreal. I remember being in Sports Illustrated’s ‘Faces in the Crowd’ [twice] and then ESPN doing a story on me. I also was not aware that I was on the cover of the Record Book. It was cool, but was never a goal. My goals were to win games and to be a good teammate. It was a really crazy time and awesome recognition for our school. I am thankful for my parents keeping me grounded and focused on the process.

“My Christian faith means everything to me. I give God all the credit for taking a little boy from Wisconsin and giving me things I never ever thought possible. He gave me parents who taught me that everything we do is to make an impact on others for the cause of Christ. My passion and goal is that my players will get the vision that if you give up your own personal gains, the possibilities are beyond what we ever imagined. The same is true in our Christian life. We live in a pretty nice area and by taking kids on mission trips gives them a whole different perspective on everyday life.”

Following high school, Bickley attended Christian Heritage College in El Cajon, California. There, he benefited from a strong role model in coach Art Wilmore.

“I always planned on going to a Christian school and the opportunity to play basketball was added inspiration,” Bickley said. “When I met coach Wilmore, I knew that was the place God had me go. Outside of my immediate family, coach Wilmore has had the biggest impact on my life. He was tough and his expectations were high, but he made me a player that I never thought I could become. But more importantly, he taught me life lessons that I continue to take on today.

“My college experience was awesome – I would not trade it for anything. Our team did really well, winning two National Christian College Athletic Association national championships. Again, I had great teammates with whom I have continued friendships and will do so for the rest of my life.

“After college, I had a tryout with the CBA, but I decided to get married and to start a coaching career. I have always had a passion to coach and this presented itself right out of college.

“I was head coach at a high school in Hesperia, California, for three years. I was happy and comfortable when an assistant job at Christian Heritage came available. It was one of the toughest decisions of my life and ended up being one of the best decisions. I learned so much, and received my master’s degree. I was ready to be head coach again when Santa Fe Christian came along. I love developing players and the high school was a better fit. I loved college kids, but was not a fan of the recruiting.

“With regard to Santa Fe Christian, this year’s team is fun. We have great kids. Jack Langborg is a great shooter. We have a lot of shooters, because we are not very big. The kids play well together and I am blessed to be their coach.

Shown above are Chad and Kelly (back row); Drew and Paige (front row).

“In addition to coaching, I am the associate athletic director and am in charge of the K-8 sport programs. We currently have 50 teams of which I am in charge. In basketball, we have 10 K-8 teams.

“I met my wife Kelly in fifth grade - she has been unreal support for me. She teaches at SFC as well, so it’s one big family event. Our son Drew is in fourth grade and is a major hoopster. We also have a daughter Paige, who is second grade.

“As far as our kids being aware of my basketball-playing exploits, I think Mom has told them. I am just ‘Dad’ to them.”