About Us

Big Sky Elite was founded in 2017 in Bozeman Montana as a girls only program. Starting in 2021 Big Sky Elite has expanded its program and now offers a variety of boy and girls teams, ranging from elementary school all the way through high school. Big Sky Elite’s mission is to expose young athletes to a variety of basketball styles, strategies and improve athletes fundamental skills.

Email: play@bigskyelite.com Phone number: 406.763.3211

Chris Tarabochia, MS

Chris has been living in the state of Montana since 2004 with his wife and three kids. Chris played basketball, cross-country, and track and field in high school at Kent-Meridian High School in Kent, Washington. He met his wife at the University of Idaho where they both ran DI track and field and cross country. He began his coaching career in Washington/Idaho coaching high school track and field. Chris began coaching basketball when he coached his daughter’s middle school travel team. Chris started Big Sky Elite when he saw there was a disparity for girls travel teams in the state of Montana. Now he spends his time coaching basketball and teaching basketball coaching theory (COA 317) at Montana State. In addition, he has his Master in Exercise and Nutrition Science with an emphasis in Sport and Coaching Sciences. Chris is a certified AAU coach, USA Basketball Gold Certification, and referee through the Montana Officials Association (MOA).

Danny Waldo

Danny is a life-long Montanan, who grew up in Bozeman. He and his wife, Nicole, have four children, Matthew (14), Ethan (12), Anna (10) and Hallie (6). Danny played basketball throughout high school at Bozeman High, and earned opportunities to play beyond his graduation. In addition to his playing experience, Danny has over 20 years of basketball coaching experience at all levels from middle school to head varsity coach, and is currently the head freshman coach at Gallatin High School in Bozeman. Furthermore, Danny has run individual and small-group development programs in basketball for many years in the Gallatin Valley, and also organized the Valley Showcase, a high school all-star game for local boys and girls. He has coached for Big Sky Elite since 2018, and is a certified AAU coach, as well as a Certified Gold coach from USA Basketball. Danny is also a certified basketball official through the Montana Officials Association (MOA), and currently teaches middle school and serves as an athletic director in Bozeman. Email: danny@bigskyelite.com

David Olson

David grew up on a farm and ranch outside of Circle Montana, and played basketball, baseball, and football throughout high school. David has 10 years of experience coaching baseball and basketball.  He most recently coached Middle School basketball in Three Forks Montana. He and his wife, Brenda, have four children, Tyler (22), Bryce (20), Kyle (20), and Brady (13). David is a certified AAU coach, as well as a Certified Gold coach from USA Basketball.

Ashley VanSickle

Amber Tarabochia

Amber graduated from Bozeman High School in 2017. During her time at BHS she won a state title in both volleyball and basketball. Amber then played basketball at a D3 school in Minnesota but eventually transferred home to Montana for the rest of her undergraduate degree. She is now at graduate student at Montana State University. After completing her masters degree she plans to become a middle school counselor. She has coached middle school boys and girls basketball along with middle school girls volleyball. She is a certified AAU coach and has a USA Basketball Gold Certification.
Email: amber@bigskyelite.com

Eddie Rodarte

Eddie graduated high school in Gardiner, Montana. He started playing sports for as long as can remember, he played varsity basketball from freshman to junior year until he tore his ACL. He also played football and did track at the varsity level. Eddie represented Gardiner at Danny Waldo’s Gallatin Valley All-Star game his Sophomore and Junior year. ACL recovery brought Eddie more into sports specifically, football and basketball, and increased his interest in coaching. Eddie graduated from Montana State University with a BS in Health and Human Performance and minor in Psychology. Eddie’s future plans are coaching and he is interested in PA or Chiropractor school. He was a volunteer coach for the freshman and sophomore boys basketball team at Gallatin High School for their 2020-2021 season. He is a Certified AAU Coach and has a USA Basketball Gold Certification.

Tournaments

Big Sky Elite Basketball is actively working with community and school groups to host and direct the following tournaments: