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.

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

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.

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

CLINTON MEEHAN – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Clinton was first introduced to Helping Hoops as a charity shootout participant over 5 years ago. Wanting to make more of a contribution to the organisation he commenced as a volunteer coach in June 2018, assisting KB at Future Footscray.

Community minded, his passion for basketball is clear in his nearly 40 years of involvement in the sport as a player, coach and administrator. Away from the court Clinton has extensive experience in Fundraising & Project Management within the NFP sector. His work background scopes multiple industries and disciplines within Advertising, Commercial Photography, Fashion Retail and Hospitality Management.

Witnessing the tangible impact at program level motivates him even more to continue to grow Helping Hoops from 2020 and beyond, cementing a long term foundation for children and young people within the communities it serves.

Clinton is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy and financial health of the organisation, with the support of the management committee.

Clinton commenced in February 2020.

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.