Our Family
Our Fam
Omar Coles
Head Coach
Omar has been part of Helping Hoops since 2012 and believes every young person can reach their potential when encouraged to discover what they are capable of.
As a Head Coach, Omar focuses on inspiring participants both on and off the basketball court, using the game as a way to develop confidence, discipline and resilience. One of his greatest rewards is watching young people understand and apply concepts they have worked on together.
Looking ahead, Omar hopes Helping Hoops can continue developing opportunities beyond basketball, including mentoring that prepares young adults for life after school and encourages the next generation of participants to become coaches and community leaders themselves.
Renee Clarke
Head Coach
Renee brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to Helping Hoops and has spent around 14 of those years as part of the organisation.
Throughout that time, she has witnessed and contributed to the growth of countless Helping Hoops programs and initiatives. For Renee, the greatest reward is creating an environment where young people have the freedom to explore their capabilities, challenge themselves and grow.
She is particularly passionate about watching participants develop from children into young adults who are willing to learn, push themselves and support others. Renee hopes Helping Hoops continues to expand across Australia while always remaining a place where everyone feels they belong.
Tyla Paraha
Head Coach
Tyla has been part of Helping Hoops for around four years, progressing from participant to coach and now leading Helping Hoops Power programs for young women.
A semi-professional basketball player herself, Tyla is passionate about creating spaces where girls and young women feel confident, supported and empowered through basketball. Outside of Helping Hoops, she works at a private law firm while also raising her daughter.
Having experienced firsthand what basketball and Helping Hoops can provide, Tyla is committed to giving back and helping the next generation believe in themselves both on and off the court.
George Toaishara
Head Coach
George joined Helping Hoops through a university work placement, initially volunteering alongside Coaches Renee and Omar before moving into a coaching role. He now leads the Future Footscray program and has been involved with Helping Hoops for four years.
Outside of Helping Hoops, George coaches at Westbourne Grammar School and runs Trenchwork Hoops, his own player development program focused on building skills, decision-making and confidence. Having also played basketball at collegiate and Big V level, George brings both playing and coaching experience to his work with young people.
His goal is for every participant to leave the program more confident than when they arrived.
Daniella Nagnda
Head Coach
Daniella’s relationship with Helping Hoops spans around 15 years, beginning as a young participant in the Richmond program she now coaches.
Helping Hoops played an important role in Daniella’s own basketball journey, providing opportunities to develop both on and off the court while creating an environment where she felt heard and valued. Now, as a coach, she is able to provide that same sense of belonging and opportunity to another generation.
Daniella hopes her journey from participant to coach shows young people what is possible when they embrace opportunities. Above all, she wants participants to remember her as someone who made basketball fun and ensured everyone felt welcome.
Salil Kulkarni
Head Coach
Salil first joined Helping Hoops as a volunteer at the Prahran program in 2019. At the time, he was a university student looking for a way to contribute to his community through something he loved – basketball.
That opportunity grew into a long-term connection with Helping Hoops and eventually a role as Head Coach. Salil particularly enjoys seeing participants improve from session to session and watching them realise they can push beyond the limits they may have placed on themselves.
He hopes to see the Helping Hoops community continue to grow while maintaining the shared values and culture of people doing their part to uplift one another.
Eli Kocet
Head Coach
Eli’s Helping Hoops journey began as a participant, long before becoming a coach in 2025. Encouraged by Coach Omar to step into coaching, Eli now gives back to the same community that helped shape him growing up.
Outside of Helping Hoops, Eli is the founder of Brotherhood and Sisterhood Basketball and continues to play basketball at a semi-professional level. He is passionate about motivating the next generation, growing the Helping Hoops community and creating more opportunities for young people to participate in the game.
Kelvin “KB” Bowers
Head Coach
Kelvin is known around the basketball community as KB, and brings a wealth of experience to Helping Hoops. KB was born in California, but has called Australia home for over 30 years. His coaching experience spans over 20 years, and has seen him head up basketball programs for many clubs and associations, including his current stint at Bulleen. KB is known for his nurturing but firm approach, and his passion for opening up opportunities for kids both on and off the basketball court.
Tom White
Head Coach
Tom first joined Helping Hoops as a volunteer at the Fitzroy program in 2017 while studying to become a teacher. Inspired by the organisation’s work in the community, he quickly became more involved and has since coached across several Helping Hoops programs, previously leading Prahran and now heading up Fitzroy.
Outside of Helping Hoops, Tom is a PE teacher and basketball coach.
For Tom, some of the most rewarding moments are seeing participants grow in confidence, welcoming their siblings and cousins into programs, and watching young people progress into club basketball. He hopes to help create an environment where young people feel supported as they grow and eventually become leaders themselves.
Nyidier Riak
Head Coach
Nyidier’s Helping Hoops journey began in 2017 as part of the organisation’s first Power program. Since then, she has gone from participant to coach while continuing her own successful basketball career.
Alongside developing basketball skills, Nyidier is passionate about helping young people grow in confidence and strengthen the interpersonal skills that will support them beyond the court. She sees coaching as an opportunity to help bridge the gap between what young people already know and what they are capable of discovering.
Nyidier values the way Helping Hoops brings communities together and hopes her own journey demonstrates the importance of working hard, persevering and continuing to grow.
Keima Fononga
Head Coach
Coach Keima supports many Helping Hoops programs and helps the organisation behind the scenes.
Bella Gai
Head Coach
Coach BG supports Helping Hoops programs in the outer West and helps behind the scenes.
Akoi Mabing
Head Coach
Akoi first joined Helping Hoops as a participant in the Future Werribee program, where he was coached by Omar and Renee. After almost seven years with the organisation, his journey has come full circle, with Akoi now serving as a Head Coach and leading school sessions in Broadmeadows.
The encouragement, support and sense of family within Helping Hoops are what Akoi values most about the organisation. Having experienced that support himself as a participant, he is passionate about providing it to the next generation.
Akoi hopes Helping Hoops continues to build on what makes it special and wants his own legacy to be simple: someone who never stopped giving back.
Hanna Cruz
Programs & Operations Manager
Hanna brings a wealth of experience in marketing, management, and event coordination for events such as the Summer Jam. She has also been part of the Helping Hoops networks for many years as a contributor.
She also has a deep understanding of our programs, their needs and as a devoted parent, she witnesses first-hand how we impact communities we serve across Melbourne.
Hanna commenced in March 2022.
Teuila Reid
Executive Director
Teuila has been part of Helping Hoops for around a decade, including working alongside the organisation’s late Founder, Adam McKay, during its earlier years.
As Executive Director, her role spans many aspects of the organisation, but she particularly values meeting people who want to contribute their time to the Helping Hoops community and maintaining relationships with the children and young people who have participated in programs past and present.
Teuila believes strongly in meeting people where they are and supporting the Helping Hoops community both on and off the court. Her hope is that Helping Hoops will always remain a place where children and young people can find connection, support and a genuine sense of belonging.
Akec Makur Chuot
Former AFLW Player
The first African-born woman drafted into the AFLW, Akec Makur Chuot played for Fremantle, Richmond and Hawthorn. Born in South Sudan and raised in a Kenyan refugee camp before settling in Australia, she’s now a speaker, creator and sports commentator.
Ben Simmons
NBA Player
An Australian NBA player and former No.1 draft pick, Ben Simmons is known for his elite passing, defense, and size as a guard-forward. He has been an All-Star and one of the league’s top defenders during his career.
Chris Goulding
Professional Athlete
An Australian professional basketball player and long-time member of the Melbourne United team. He is known for his elite three-point shooting and leadership, and has represented Australia at major international tournaments.
Emmanuel Malou
Professional Athlete
A talented big man originally from South Sudan, Emmanuel Malou has played college basketball in the United States and professionally overseas. He is known for his size, mobility, and scoring ability in the frontcourt.
Ezi Magbegor
Professional Athlete
A star in Australian basketball, Ezi Magbegor plays in both the WNBA and for the Australian Opals. She’s known for her defensive presence, shot-blocking ability, and strong impact on both ends of the court.
Kuany Kuany
Professional Athlete
A professional basketball player who has represented South Sudan internationally. Known for his scoring ability and leadership, he has played in Australia’s NBL and is a key figure in South Sudan’s growing basketball presence.
Malith Machar
Professional Athlete
Malith Machar is a professional basketballer with Melbourne United whose journey reflects resilience, leadership and the power of representation. Originally from South Sudan and raised in Adelaide, Malith has earned recognition not only for his impact on court, but also for his contribution to the community, using basketball as a way to inspire and connect with young people. 
Erin Wallace
President
Erin has been part of Helping Hoops since 2017, beginning as a volunteer at the Richmond program. She joined the Committee in 2019, later served as Vice President and became President following the 2022 AGM.
Outside of Helping Hoops, Erin is Chief Operating Officer at Max Events, where she has extensive experience delivering major sporting events across Australia and New Zealand.
Basketball has been part of Erin’s life for more than 30 years, providing friendships, opportunities and a strong sense of community. As President, she is passionate about building a stronger and more sustainable Helping Hoops that can reach more young people while preserving the people, passion and community at its heart.
Sukart Alex
Vice President
Sukart Alex is the Founder and Director of Stand Out Basketball and Stand Out Youth Empowerment Inc., two community-driven organisations based in Melbourne that empower young people through sport, mentoring, and education.
Sukart has served on the Helping Hoops Committee since 2024. As a leader with lived experience, Sukart understands firsthand the challenges facing young people from multicultural and underrepresented backgrounds. Through storytelling and practical impact, he has championed innovation in youth programs, fostered collaboration with schools, councils, and government, and advocated for long-term investment in grassroots initiatives.
Jon Traynor
Treasurer
Jon’s involvement with Helping Hoops began as a participant in the Charity Shootout before he joined the Committee in 2019.
Outside of Helping Hoops, Jon is Managing Director of Field Group, where he works with small and medium-sized businesses, as well as being a father of three and a local basketball coach.
A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Jon believes strongly in accessible sport and the ability of community programs to create opportunities for young people. He particularly values the positive environment Helping Hoops coaches and volunteers create and hopes to see the organisation continue expanding its programs so that more young people can participate.
Louise Conwell
Secretary
Louise is a barrister based in Melbourne’s western suburbs who brings extensive experience in governance, administration, stakeholder engagement and community leadership to the Helping Hoops Committee.
Having previously served as President and an executive committee member of a grassroots women’s football club, Louise has seen the important role community sport can play in creating connection and opportunity. Her legal work also brings her into contact with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds across Melbourne’s west.
Louise is passionate about helping young people access positive pathways through sport, mentorship and community, and hopes to see Helping Hoops participants increasingly take ownership and leadership within the organisation.
Bradley Davidson
Committee Member
Bradley serves as both a Committee Member and Partnerships Manager at Helping Hoops, supporting the organisation’s growth through values-aligned corporate partnerships and collaborations.
Professionally, Bradley leads Commercial Partnerships for the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the NBL and brings more than 15 years of experience across sport, technology and the not-for-profit sector. He is also actively involved in basketball as a coach at representative and domestic levels.
Bradley is passionate about the positive impact basketball can have on young people and hopes to help build a sustainable Helping Hoops that continues expanding its reach while creating pathways for participants to eventually become leaders within the organisation themselves.
Aguer Athian
Committee Member
Aguer brings more than 10 years of experience in youth work and community engagement to Helping Hoops. A mentor, youth worker, radio producer and community advocate, she has been connected with Helping Hoops since its early years.
Her experience spans government, community organisations, schools and community media, including work with Brotherhood of St Laurence, the City of Yarra and the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council. She currently works with Tenants Victoria supporting multicultural communities.
Aguer is passionate about helping young people reach their potential and values the genuine care that exists throughout Helping Hoops. She hopes future generations have access to even more programs, opportunities and community support.
Alexandra Saundry
Committee Member
Alexandra is the founder of More Than Management and Enhanced Sports Management, representing talent across a range of elite Australian sports and media.
Through her work in athlete representation, contract negotiation, commercial partnerships and brand strategy, Alexandra has extensive experience helping athletes build meaningful and sustainable careers both on and off the field.
She brings this experience to Helping Hoops alongside a strong belief in the organisation’s community, people, purpose and vision. Alexandra hopes to see Helping Hoops programs become accessible to even more communities and approaches her role with a simple philosophy: to leave every organisation she is part of in a better position than when she found it.
Melissa Tribe
General Committee Member
Melissa is a results driven professional with over 15 years of experience in human resource management with expertise in business partnering, capability development, project management, change and transformation.
Melissa brings a deep understanding of organisational ecosystems and a strong commitment to building inclusive cultures where people feel valued, engaged, and empowered to embrace change. Melissa’s strengths lie in developing potential across people and culture, embedding diversity and inclusion and enabling leadership effectiveness at all levels.
Matt Roseby
Committee Member
Matt has been involved with Helping Hoops since 2021, joining after returning from playing basketball overseas. His involvement grew from volunteering to coaching at North Melbourne, Croxton and Fitzroy before he joined the Committee in 2026.
Through Helping Hoops, Matt developed a deep appreciation for basketball’s ability to transform lives and particularly values being able to watch participants grow from children into young adults.
Although he has since relocated from Melbourne, Matt remains committed to contributing to the organisation and its community. He hopes Helping Hoops can continue growing while remaining led by and connected to the communities it serves.
Adam McKay
Founder
The late great Adam is the Founder of Helping Hoops. Adam founded Helping Hoops in late 2009 after seeing an opportunity for participation-based sporting programs for disadvantaged children that focused on using basketball to instil positive values and help children in their lives off the court.
Adam grew Helping Hoops from a simple idea to an organisation that now reaches over 1,000 children each year through 600-plus free sessions, and was incredibly proud of the progress and impact of Helping Hoops over the years.
Adam stepped down from his role of Executive Director in December 2019 but continued to be involved in the organisation. Adam died on April 17, 2024. We miss him dearly and continue to honour his legacy.
