Our Family
Our Fam
Omar Coles
Head Coach
At over 205 centimetres tall, Omar is by far our tallest coach, yet is a gentle giant in nature. After completing his college playing career with the University of Toledo in Ohio, Omar played overseas in Canada. Omar also has five years of experience in the US Navy, which has instilled values such as discipline and work ethic – values he emphasises at Helping Hoops.
Coach Omar heads up Bounce Broadmeadows, Dandenong and Werribee programs, as well as mentoring current and aspiring HH Coaches.
Renee Clarke
Head Coach
Renee has been a part of the game for over half her life, having started playing at 12 in Queensland and going on to represent her state in national titles. Adding to her playing duties, Renee has run successful basketball camps for children, as well as working within the NBL arena.
Coach Renee heads up Future Werribee and Power Werribee programs, as well as mentoring current and aspiring HH Coaches.
Tyla Paraha
Head Coach
Coach Tyla heads up Power Kensington/North Melbourne & Power Fawkner programs.
George Toaishara
'Future' Coach
Coach George heads up Future Footscray program.
Daniella Nagnda
Head Coach
Coach Dani heads up Bounce Richmond program.
Salil Kulkarni
Head Coach
Coach Sal heads up the Bounce Prahran program with Coach Nyidier.
Eli Kocet
Head Coach
Eli Kocet is the Founder of Brotherhood and Sisterhood Basketball, a local organisation in the western suburbs of Melbourne, a former Helping Hoops Future participant who has always been keen to give back and support all those who wish to learn and grow.
Eli Heads up Bounce Croxton and Bounce Broadmeadows programs.
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
Coach
Tom holds a Bachelor of Sports Science and Physical Education, and Masters of Teaching. Tom comes with an impressive basketball resume which includes making the St. Kevin’s College team of the century, and also gives back to the community through his involvement with the Kuany Kuany Foundation. His coaching expertise also see him work as Director of Coaching at both the Kuany Kuany Give Back Camps and the Elevate Top 100 Camps, as well as running holiday clinics for hundreds of children across Melbourne. Tom heads up Bounce Fitzroy.
Nyidier Riak
Coach
After a successful college career and continued success in the NBL1 Nyidier Riak has joined the ranks of Helping Hoops Coaches to continue what she (and other young female athletes) pioneered in 2017 with our first ever Power program.
Helping Hoops is grateful to have Coach Nyidiers’ expertise in working with young people, her second to none patience and understanding, as well as a wealth of knowledge of the game of basketball.
Nyidier heads up Bounce Prahran with Coach Salil.
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
Coach Akoi supports Helping Hoops Bounce & Power programs and helps behind the scenes.
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 joined the Helping Hoops team in 2017 working along-side our late Founder, Adam McKay. She brings a wealth of expertise managing the many facets of the organisation with deep, enduring connections to the diverse communities that form Helping Hoops. She left Helping Hoops as their General Manager in October 2021 to continue working in the sports based youth development field but returned as Executive Director in 2023.
Teuila is passionate about mentoring and building the capacity of young people to lead and a strong advocate for reforming the systemic challenges which prevent equitable access to sport for children and young people.
Teuila is also a Director of the Koorie Academy and volunteers on numerous community, family and sports based groups throughout Naarm. With a former career in the US Foreign Service, Teuila‘s global community development experience has equipped her with a very diverse skill set which significantly adds to the impact of Helping Hoops.
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
As GM of Max Events, Erin brings over 16 years experience in delivering major events across multiple sporting codes and clubs. Erin has worked on some of the biggest global sporting events both in Australia and abroad including International Basketball tours, International Football tours, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.
A passionate supporter of basketball Erin has played for over 25 years, holds a club coaching accreditation and plays 3 times a week at Nunawading Basketball. Erin has been involved as a volunteer at the Helping Hoops Richmond program since the beginning of 2017.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Business in Sport & Leisure Management and an Executive Education from Melbourne Business School.
Erin brings her passion for the sport coupled with her experience in major sporting events to Helping Hoops with a goal to help grow the programs with a focus on Events, Sponsorship and PR.
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 Traynor is a CPA specialising in servicing businesses in the small and medium enterprise space. He is the managing director of The Field Group, an accounting firm in Melbourne’s outer east which services businesses and non for profits with their compliance services with a strong focus on cloud computing. He sits on a number of advice boards and has a passion for helping business owners grow.
Jon is a lifelong basketball enthusiast who has participated in the charity shoot-out for the past 3 years and wants to assist in growing the Helping Hoops program to more communities.
Louise Conwell
Secretary
Secretary of Helping Hoops, Louise brings a strong blend of leadership, governance and community-minded thinking to the organisation. Alongside her role as a Partner and Director at Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Lawyers, Louise has a background in community sport governance and a genuine passion for creating meaningful impact through inclusive programs that support young people and local communities.
Bradley Davidson
General Committee Member
In addition to Committee Member, Bradley also holds the voluntary role of Partnerships Manager which contributes towards the growth and development of Helping Hoops through the support of our Corporate partners and affiliations.
With over a decade of B2B sales and partnerships experience across a variety of industries such as Financial services, I.T and NFP, Bradley’s skillsets are invaluable to our growth strategies.
Bradley’s lifelong passion is Basketball and he is committed to growing Helping Hoops so we can reach as many children and young people as possible and continue to have a positive impact within our local communities.
Aguer Athian
General Committee Member
Aguer has 10 years’ experience in youth work and community engagement. Aguer is a mentor, a youth worker, radio producer, and a community advocate. Aguer is very passionate about giving back to the community and supporting young people to reach their full potential.
With plenty of experience working with various organisations, Government/non-government, community media as well as schools in both paid and voluntary roles – Aguer has experience working with, Brotherhood of St Laurence, City of Yarra and National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ council (NEMBC), her current role is with Tenants Victoria as a multicultural communities Adviser – supporting Victoria’s multicultural renters with Legal rights education.
Alexandra Saundry
General Committee Member
Alex brings 12 years of experience in the Sports Management field, including the last six running her own athlete management agency, More Than Management. She brings a sound understanding of stakeholder engagement and Corporate partnerships.
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
General Committee Member
After returning from a stint playing college basketball in the States, Matt took up study at the University of Melbourne where he has continued his basketball career as a member of their Big V program. Outside of HH, Matt spends his time as a high-school tutor and sports writer.
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.
