OMAR COLES – 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.

Omar heads up the Fitzroy, Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Future Dandenong, Richmond and Werribee programs.

RENEE CLARKE – 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.

Renee heads up the Croxton, Kensington, Future Werribee and Prahan programs.

KELVIN “KB” BOWERS – 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 20 years, and has seen him head up basketball programs for many clubs and associations, including his most recent stint at the Hume City Broncos. 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.

KB heads up the Future Footscray and North Melbourne programs.

TOM WHITE – COACH

Tom holds a Bachelor of Sports Science and Physical Education, and is currently completing a 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. A proud local, Tom, is also the head coach of the Prahran team at the renown Prahran Summer Jam streetball tournament.

TEUILA REID – OPERATIONS MANAGER

Teuila joined the Helping Hoops team in 2017 and brings a wealth of expertise managing the operations of Helping Hoops. With a former career in the US Foreign Service, Teuila‘s 15+ years as a Consular Specialist globally has equipped her with a very diverse skill set which significantly adds to the running of Helping Hoops.

Teuila imagines a world where all children, young people and adults receive the attention they are worthy of and is inspired by the vision and values of Helping Hoops to achieve this.

ADAM McKAY – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Adam is the Founder and current Executive Director 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 has grown the Helping Hoops organisation from a simple idea to an organisation that now reaches over 1,000 children each year through 600-plus free session, and is incredibly proud of the progress the charity has been able to achieve in such a short space of time.