Our Story
Our Mission
The mission of HOOPCo is to mentor and help all young athletes, regardless of economic status, to understand and to acquire access to higher education.”
Our History
HoopCo, launched in 2013, founded by Dwayne and Patricia Hooper, has been encouraging and mentoring young men and women to navigate the complicated balance of academics, and athletics. We have been encouraging the student athlete on exploring the various post high school options and how to best make college economically feasible through both academic and athletic means.
Our directors
Patricia Hooper
Patricia attended Towson State University, she began her professional career in human resources but has spent the last 15 years in education now serving as the registrar at the local high school. Even though she did not participate in sports herself she has worked very closely with high school and college sports programs.
Dwayne Hooper
Dwayne attended Rutgers University on a football scholarship, was drafted by the defunct USFL but signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was with them for 1 1/2 years. Dwayne spent 17 years in mortgage banking and now serves as full time minister. He has a Masters in Theology and has been very active in the community, coaching high school football, AAU basketball, mentoring at various levels and serving on multiple boards including Calvert Health. Dwayne is also a liaison officer for admissions for the United States Naval Academy..
Russell Holmes
Russell Holmes attended The University of Akron on a football scholarship where he played both football and basketball earning a B.S. degree in Business Administration. Has over 35 years in banking experience. Russell’s honors include: Mansfield Senior High, University of Akron, and Summit County Sports Hall of Fame inductee; University of Akron College of Business Frank Simonetti Distinguished Business Award winner; University of Akron Multicultural Development Distinguished Alumni Award, and Arlington Church Men’s Memorial Award. Russell is very active in his community serving on multiple boards and volunteering throughout the state of Ohio.
Brian Martin
Brian, originally from Bermuda is an avid soccer enthusiast, player and coach. Brian has spent the last 30 years in the restaurant development and training business. He is currently coaching high school soccer and coached many years in AAU basketball and is a founder of the basketball AAU program which included over ten boys and girls AAU basketball teams. He Co-Founded DC Calverton Soccer program, International soccer program at The Calverton School and DC United. He is an Active Foundation Board Member of CalvertHealth Medical Center. Brian recently co-founded the Bermuda Sports International which specializes in developing international amateur sports programs domestic and abroad.