About Coach Justin Blanding

With a passion for developing athletes on and off the court, Coach Justin Blanding brings over 20 years of experience, leadership, and competitive drive to every program he leads. Coach Blanding is known for building winning cultures and shaping players into high-character leaders.

His coaching journey in both girls and boys basketball makes him versatile and adaptive, Whether with the Magic or his high school program at University High School. Coach Blanding emphasizes fundamentals, mental toughness, competitiveness, and teamwork.

Coach Blanding’s Coaching Philosophy

Coach Blanding’s philosophy centers around accountability, effort, and integrity. He believes in preparing athletes for life beyond basketball, encouraging confidence, work ethic, and leadership. On the court, his teams are known for disciplined defense, unselfish offense, and relentless competitiveness.

Coaching Experience & Highlights:

  • Owner/Director/Head Coach – Indy Magic Girls Basketball Club (21 Years)
    • Known for developing talent and guiding athletes through the college recruiting process
    • Consistent presence at top regional and national tournaments
  • Head Girls Basketball Coach – University High School (8 Years)
    • Led the program to 154-40 record
    • 5 IHSAA Sectional Championships 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
    • 3 IHSAA Regional Championships  2019, 2021, 2022
    • 3 IHSAA Semi-State Appearances 2019, 2021, 2022 (Final 4)
  • Head Boys Basketball Coach – University High School (3 Years)
    • 1 IHSSAA Sectional Championship 2025
    • 1 IHSAA Regional Championship 2025
    • 1 IHSAA Semi-State Championship 2025
    • 1 IHSAA State Championship Runner-Up 2025

Notable Players Coached:

    • Torrie Thornton- Purdue University 2011 (Carmel)
    • Jessica Car- Valparaiso University 2011 (Hamilton Heights)
    • Abby Abel- Purdue University 2015 (Carmel)
    • Holly Hoopingarner- IUPUI 2016 (Greenwood)
    • Madison Wise- Iowa State University/IUPUI 2017 (Greenfield Central)
    • Riley Blackwell- Northern Illinois University/Loyola University 2017 (Plainfield)
    • Destiny Perkins- IUPUI 2017 (Lawrence North)
    • Rachel McLimore- IUPUI 2017 (Zionsville)
    • Bridget Dunn- Kent State University 2021 (Carmel)
    • Ellie Wilkerson- Indiana University PA 2022 (Plainfield)

Quote from Coach Blanding:

“Basketball is more than a game, it’s a tool to teach resilience, teamwork, and how to chase greatness the right way. I’m here to help young athletes grow into the best version of themselves on and off the court while achieving their dreams of being great high school players, and then compete at the college level. That is what the Magic is about and will always be about.”

Contact Coach Blanding:

  • Email: blandingbasketball@gmail.com
  • X: @IndyMagic
  • Instagram: @indymagicbasketball