Walking alongside international student-athletes as they transition to life in the United States, providing a sense of home.
HoopsHome: a trustworthy advocate and “soft landing” for international student-athletes. Welcome home.
About
In November of 2023, a longtime coach from Africa (named Xavier), reached out to Megan, the founder of HoopsHome. One of Xavier’s athletes had just moved to the US for high school, and Xavier wanted his athlete to have trusted contact in the US, should he need anything. Megan agreed to be a contact for Xavier’s player.
Shortly after connecting with this young man, Megan was connected with three others who had moved to the United States for basketball and educational opportunities at the high school and college levels.
It quickly became clear that the needs of the original four athletes went far beyond just school, room and board. Sometimes, they needed a new pair of shoes. Other times, they needed an advocate. Most often, though, they just needed to know they were not alone!
Over the course of several months, the idea for HoopsHome formed- in response to obvious gaps faced by these international athletes.
HoopsHome exists to support international basketball athletes as they transition to life in the US. From assisting athletes in understanding American culture and managing day to day life, to weighing AAU options and navigating college recruiting, HoopsHome seeks to be a “soft landing” for these athletes… a trustworthy advocate and a steady presence.
“Home is not a word I say lightly.
When I first came to America as a student, I had nothing. Finding a home away from home was the most important thing to me — even more important than basketball. From the first day I arrived, there were so many people who went out of their way to make me feel at home. At that moment, I felt like I was not lost in the middle of the forest. I will never forget them.”
-Dikembe Mutombo
Our Founder
Megan Soderberg
The daughter of a basketball coach, Megan grew up in the gym. She began working formally in basketball while in college, when she served as a student manager for the men’s basketball team at the University of Wisconsin. Since then, her basketball experiences have spanned the globe, from tournament operations and basketball events, to mentoring coaches and athletes. HoopsHome is a direct result of her vast experiences and extensive relationships in international basketball.
