LogoGalo Lara
Coach con bandera de Chile

My Story

I was born in the city of ConcepciĂłn, Chile, and grew up in a family where basketball was part of everyday life. My older brothers played, and from a young age the sport surrounded me: the ball, the court, and the daily rhythm of training were always present.

At 14, I was recruited by Club Petrox Chile. Looking back, it marked the beginning of a journey that allowed me to grow as a player, coach, and mentor. Since then, basketball has been the foundation of my personal and professional development.

Over time, my experience as a player naturally evolved into a passion for coaching, leadership, and long-term athlete development, always with a strong focus on the formative process.

A Look at My Professional Journey over time

1992

Basketball Beginnings

At age 14, I was recruited by Club Petrox Chile, standing out as one of the country’s most promising youth basketball talents.

1994

Professional Debut

I made my debut with the senior team of Club Petrox Chile, beginning an 18-season professional basketball career in Chile.

Professional Debut
1994–2011

Professional Playing Career

I won four national league championships and was named Best Player in three consecutive finals. I also represented the Chilean national team from age 16 to 27.

Professional Playing Career
2007

Coaching Beginnings

I began my coaching career at Colegio Marista de Los Andes.

Coaching Beginnings
2014

U17 National Champion

As a coach, I won the U17 National Championship with Club Arturo Prat de San Felipe.

U17 National Champion
2015

U17 South American in Argentina

I joined the coaching staff of the Chilean U17 national team at the South American Championship in Argentina, qualifying for the FIBA Americas U18 Pre-World Cup.

U17 South American in Argentina
2016

Domani Champion

As a coach, I won the Campioni del Domani U19 title with Club Arturo Prat, Chile’s most important youth basketball tournament.

Domani Champion
2017

U17 South American Title

I served as Head Coach of the Chilean U17 national team at the South American Championship in Lima, Peru, achieving a historic title: Chile’s first South American championship in this category. The team qualified for the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Pre-World Cup

U17 South American Title
2017

National League Second Division Final

I led Club Arturo Prat’s senior team to the National Second Division League final.

National League Second Division Final
2018

Founding of Trasandino Basket

I founded Trasandino Basket in Los Andes, a player development program that now serves over 100 athletes with a solid coaching staff.

Founding of Trasandino Basket
2018

IBT Camps Begin in Orlando

Although the IBT (International Basketball Training) camp already existed in Florida, 2018 marked the first time I led a group of Chilean players to take part in this international experience. Since then, I have continued to lead this initiative year after year, providing young talents with the opportunity to train with American coaches, compete internationally, visit universities, and broaden their basketball perspective. This program has become an active bridge between Chile and the United States, opening new opportunities for both athletic and personal development.

IBT Camps Begin in Orlando
2018

FIBA Americas U18 Pre-World Cup in Canada

As a coach, I led the Chilean U18 national team at the FIBA Americas Pre-World Cup in Canada, finishing the tournament with Chile ranked within the global youth basketball standings (#34).

FIBA Americas U18 Pre-World Cup in Canada
2019

Final with Club Sergio Ceppi

I reached the National Second Division League final once again, this time as head coach of Club Sergio Ceppi in Santiago.

Final with Club Sergio Ceppi
2020–2023

Head Coach at Stadio Italiano

I served as Head Coach of Stadio Italiano in Las Condes, leading the club’s sports projects and youth development programs.

Head Coach at Stadio Italiano
2023–Present

International Career in the USA

I joined The Academy of Central Florida in Orlando as a coach and international recruiter, focusing on youth development and building basketball pathways between Chile and the United States.

International Career in the USA