Alumnus builds success in coaching and real estate through relationships, discipline and a team-first mindset.
Aaron Fox ’16 has built his career on relationships—first on the basketball court and now in real estate. In both fields, his work has been shaped by discipline, trust and a steady sense of purpose.
As a CUAA alumnus, Fox earned his degree in business administration and was a member of the basketball program. His time at Concordia helped shape the foundation he carries into his professional life today.
“I’ve always been focused on building relationships,” Fox said. “That started early in life through basketball and continued during college.”
Originally from Troy, Mich., Fox said his path to Concordia was shaped by the opportunity to continue playing basketball while staying in a college community not far from home. During his time as a student, he built connections that extended beyond campus and developed habits that continue to guide his work.
As a coach
That foundation has carried into his current role as head varsity basketball coach at Avondale High School in Auburn Hills, Mich. After serving as an assistant coach for eight years—four of those within the Avondale program—Fox stepped into leadership this past fall. The transition reflected continuity and trust within the program.
Under his guidance, the team delivered a historic season.
Avondale captured its first OAA Red title, the highest level in its conference. The team also secured a district championship and advanced further in Division 1 postseason play than any team in school history. A regional title followed, along with a quarterfinal win at Detroit Mercy’s Calihan Hall. The season concluded with a Final Four appearance at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center.
The team finished 26-2, with its only losses coming against the eventual Division 1 and Division 2 state champions.
One early-season loss helped define what came next. “A pivotal turning point in our season was our first loss to Freeland in a showcase game at SVSU,” Fox said. “We got away from our brand of basketball, and that experience recentered us.”
The team responded with several key wins during holiday showcases, building momentum that carried into league play and a 20-game winning streak.
Fox was named OAA Red and All-North First Team coach of the year, though he is quick to redirect that recognition.
“Those are team awards,” he said. “Everything we accomplished came from the group.”
That success reflects a culture grounded in shared values. Fox credits former head coach Jaret Thomas, a mentor and friend, with helping establish that foundation. When Thomas stepped away, Fox continued to reinforce and expand the program’s identity.
The team’s motto—Character, Unity, Toughness—guides daily expectations. Players demonstrate strong character in the classroom and in their conduct. They play selflessly, knowing success depends on five individuals working as one. They also build physical and mental toughness, especially in moments of adversity.
Fox emphasizes response over perfection. “Mistakes are part of the game,” he said. “What matters is how you respond.”
That mindset extends beyond the court. Players stay present, commit to consistent effort and prepare for opportunities through disciplined work, including early morning workouts, offseason training and individual skill development.
A consistent approach across professions
It is a message Fox first encountered during his own college experience. Balancing friendships, responsibilities and athletics helped shape his understanding of accountability and growth.
Those lessons continue to influence both of his professions.
In real estate, Fox serves clients across southeast Michigan and has closed roughly $50 million in sales through more than 200 transactions as an independent agent. His work focuses primarily on residential real estate for buyers, sellers and investors.
He attributes that progress to the same principles that guide his coaching—consistency, discipline and a genuine desire to serve others.
“As you learn what it takes to succeed in one area, you realize it applies to others,” he said.
For Fox, the ultimate goal remains unchanged. “All I want to do is make a positive impact,” he said.
Whether working with clients or mentoring student-athletes, that commitment is evident. It reflects not only professional dedication, but a deeper sense of calling—one that continues to shape lives both on and off the court.
A conversation with Aaron Fox
How did your experience at CUAA shape the way you approach your career today?
My experience at Concordia shaped how I approach both my careers and my life. It taught me how to build and maintain relationships, strengthened my work ethic, and helped me become self-motivated. It also showed me how to learn from mistakes and use them as opportunities to grow.
You’ve built careers in both real estate and coaching. What drew you to pursue both paths?
Real estate interested me during college as a way to build long-term stability. Becoming an agent allowed me to create opportunities for myself. Coaching came from a lifelong love of basketball. It wasn’t the original plan, but when the opportunity came, I stepped into it and stayed with it.
Relationships are central to your work. How do you intentionally build and maintain them?
It takes effort, honesty and accountability. Communication matters. I also think about relationships as something you invest in over time—showing people you care and following through on what you say.
Your team had a historic season. What moments stand out most?
The early morning workouts stand out. Seeing players commit before school set the tone for everything that followed. Watching their growth throughout the season—on and off the court—was just as meaningful as the wins.
What made this group of players unique?
They were selfless. No one focused on individual stats. They cared about winning and playing together. You could see it in how they shared the ball and how they defended as a unit.
How did your time as an assistant coach prepare you to lead?
I learned from several coaches over the years. That experience gave me perspective on leadership, relationships and what it takes to run a program. It helped shape how I lead today.
The “Character, Unity, Toughness” motto defines your team. How do you help players live that out?
We talk about it every day. Character shows up in the classroom and in how you treat others. Unity means putting the team first. Toughness is both physical and mental, especially in how you respond to adversity.
What advice would you give Concordia students who want to make a meaningful impact?
Stay committed to learning. You won’t have all the answers, and that’s OK. Work hard, believe in what you’re doing and be ready when opportunities come.
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