The Backstory

HoopsHome was created from a lifetime spent around the game. As the daughter of a basketball coach, our founder, Megan, grew up around the game and its people. She took her first step into a career in basketball while in college, serving as a student manager for the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball program. Since then, her work has taken her around the globe - to nearly 40 countries - supporting tournaments, coordinating events, and mentoring coaches and athletes. These experiences laid the foundation for HoopsHome and the global relationships that continue to shape it.

The Conversation

In November 2023, Megan received a message from Xavier, a longtime coach in Africa. One of his athletes had just moved to the United States for high school, and he wanted to be sure the young man had a safe, trustworthy contact here. Megan agreed to be that person.

Soon, three more international athletes were connected to her—each pursuing education and basketball opportunities in the U.S., and each facing unique challenges with their adjustment here.

What We Saw

It didn’t take long to realize these young athletes needed far more than just the school and housing they were promised.
Sometimes they had simple needs for shoes and school supplies.
Other times, they needed help navigating unfamiliar systems, like healthcare and college recruiting.
And at all times, they needed to know they weren’t walking this new journey alone.

Enter HoopsHome.

Our Purpose

In the time since then, HoopsHome was created to fill that gap for these athletes, providing stable support, advocacy, and community.

In April 2025, HoopsHome officially became a nonprofit organization. Today, we are proud to have supported athletes from 11 countries, offering safety, community, and guidance as they navigate life in a new country and chase their basketball dreams, helping each one feel supported, protected, and at home—on and off the court.

Welcome home.