Founder & Head of Player Development
Coach Khalil is the Founder and CEO of Higher Intentions. He brings NCAA Division I playing experience, professional international playing experience, and extensive coaching experience at the high school and AAU levels.
Coach Khalil played Division I basketball at University of San Francisco and Long Island University Brooklyn. Following his collegiate career, he played professionally overseas in El Salvador, Venezuela, and Morocco. Prior to college, he was ranked No. 6 in the state of New Jersey and earned McDonald's All-American Nominee recognition as one of the top players in the Class of 2009.
Over the past six years, Coach Khalil has coached across multiple levels of high school basketball, including player development, assistant coaching, and head coaching roles. He previously served at Redwood High School as Freshman Head Coach (2022–23), JV Head Coach (2023–24), and Varsity Assistant Coach, helping develop players and strengthen continuity throughout the program. He also served as JV and Varsity Assistant Coach at Marin Academy before being named the school's Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach.
From 2024–26, Coach Khalil led Marin Academy's boys basketball program through one of the most successful turnarounds in school history. After inheriting a team that finished 7–18, he guided the program to an 18–11 record during the 2025–26 season, the program's best finish in more than a decade. Under his leadership, the team earned the highest NCS playoff seeding in school history (Division III) and achieved a 3.7 team GPA.
In May 2026, Coach Khalil was named Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach at Redwood High School.
Coach Khalil's coaching philosophy emphasizes defensive discipline, pace, accountability, and player development. His approach is built around developing complete players who can execute within team concepts, communicate effectively, and compete consistently under pressure.
Higher Intentions was created to provide structured, intentional player development outside of traditional team environments. The program is designed to bridge the gap between individual skill development and team performance, helping athletes improve their basketball IQ, competitive habits, confidence, and overall impact on the court.
Coach Khalil's work is centered on long-term player development—building positive habits, self-confidence, discipline, and leadership that extend far beyond basketball.
Chief of Operations & Director of Mindset Performance
Carolyn (Carly) is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Mindset Performance at Higher Intentions, where she helps build systems, culture, and transformational experiences that empower young athletes to thrive both on and off the court.
With a degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon and a professional background spanning leadership, coaching, wellness, and human development, Carolyn brings a unique blend of operational excellence and people-centered growth to the organization. Since 2022, she has served as General Manager for a five-office chiropractic organization, leading teams, improving operations, and helping scale a mission-driven business.
Prior to her leadership roles in healthcare and athletics, Carolyn owned and operated a successful personal and spiritual development coaching practice from 2017 to 2023. Through one-on-one coaching, breathwork facilitation, and transformational programs, she guided clients through profound personal growth, helping them build greater self-trust, confidence, emotional resilience, and alignment with their values and purpose.
Carolyn's passion for human potential was born from her own journey. After navigating a decade of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, she became committed to understanding the connection between mindset, healing, performance, and personal transformation. Through years of study and practice as a Certified RESET Breathwork Facilitator, Certified Wealth Embodiment Flow Facilitator, and Licensed Massage Therapist, she developed a deep appreciation for the power of resilience, self-awareness, and intentional growth.
As Director of Mindset Performance at Higher Intentions, Carolyn focuses on helping athletes develop the mental, emotional, and personal foundations necessary for long-term success. She believes athletic achievement is most powerful when paired with confidence, character, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of purpose. Her work centers on helping young athletes become not only better competitors, but stronger and more capable human beings.
A former competitive volleyball player for Redwood High School's Class of 2008 and Absolute Volleyball Club's inaugural 16's team, Carolyn understands firsthand both the dedication required to compete at a high level and the challenges athletes face when adversity alters their path. A career-ending injury shifted her own athletic journey and ultimately fueled her passion for helping others discover their potential beyond performance alone.
Outside of her professional work, Carolyn is a devoted mother to two young children, Kali & Kialah, and fiancée to Higher Intentions founder, Khalil Murphy. Together, they are building a vision dedicated to developing confident, resilient, high-character athletes who are prepared to succeed in sport, life, and leadership.