Empowering Youth Through Basketball and Mentorship
Transform lives, foster growth, and build stronger communities through our unique mentorship and basketball program.Ā
š¬ Stay in the Loop with The Hoop!
Want early access to free clinics, skill-building events, and exclusive training tips to help your young athlete growāon and off the court?
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The Hoop Academy
Where Basketball Meets Leadership, Confidence & Growth
Every child deserves a structured path to successāon the court and in life. At The Hoop Academy, we provide expert basketball training, mentorship, and a safe, structured environment that helps young athletes build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills. Whether your child is just starting or looking to take their game to the next level, weāve got the program for them!
Building Bright Futures Through Basketball and Mentorship
We provideĀ a safe and supportive environment where kids can stay active, complete homework, build friendships, and have fun with their peers before or after school. Through basketball, we teach more than just the gameāwe instill values like teamwork, academic excellence, resilience, and leadership.
Our mission is to help young athletes grow as individuals, form lasting connections, and gain the tools they need to succeed in life. At The Hoop Academy, every group session is a step toward personal growth and a brighter future.
Structured Skill Development
Our 4-Month Transformation Plan ensures steady improvement in shooting, dribbling, defense, and game strategy.
Mentorship & Leadership Training
We donāt just train athletes; we build leaders. Our program instills confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
A Safe, Engaging Environment
Kids thrive in a positive, structured after-school program that keeps them active, focused, and motivated.
Education & Life Skills Matter
We emphasize commitment, discipline, and personal growth, both in sports and in academics.
Ā Transformative Mapping: Charting the Path to Success
At The Hoop Academy, we believe that every young athlete has a unique journey, and weāre here to guide them every step of the way. Our Transformative Mapping approach is designed to empower students by creating a clear, personalized roadmap that unlocks their full potential both on and off the court.
Foundation Stage
Goal:Ā Learn the basics - Build a strong foundation in basketball fundamentalsĀ
Skill Development Stage
Goal:Ā Refine fundamental skills and introduce more advanced techniques
Physical Conditioning Stage
Goal:Ā Build physical and mental toughness needed to compete at an elite level
Execution Stage
Goal:Ā Master advance skills and integrate them seamlessly into gameplay
NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm KingstonĀ Handley
My journey began at the Boys and Girls Club, a safe haven where I discovered my passion for basketball, built lifelong friendships, and developed leadership skills. While there, I founded Passport to Manhood, a mentorship club that was featured in the local newspaper, and earned the title of Youth of the Year. The support I received shaped me into the person I am today.
Basketball became my escape and inspiration, leading me to play in middle school, high school, and with the elite AAU program The Skill Factory (TSF). TSF gave me the opportunity to train in high school with the same intensity and approach as professional athletes. NBA players like James Harden, John Wall, and other top-level college and NBA players trained at the same facility as me, using the same trainers and systems.
Beyond basketball, Iāve excelled academically and professionally, earning a double major in Accounting and Criminal Justice from UNC Charlotte, working with a Big 4 accounting firm since I was 17 years old in high school, and holding senior roles at Honeywell and Warner Bros. Discovery. I also participated in The Blox, an entrepreneur education and game show streamed on Amazon Prime, and will soon appear on Legacy Makers, a TV show highlighting my journey and my vision for The Hoop Academy.
My love for coaching and mentorship led me to work with youth throughout college, serving as a youth coach with JumpBunch, where I conducted various games and activities to keep kids active and engaged. More recently, I coached 8-year-old girlsā basketball at Dunwoody Baptist Church, helping them build fundamental skills, confidence, and a love for the game.
Through The Hoop Academy, I aim to give kids the same sense of joy, safety, and confidence basketball gave me, while helping them grow as leaders on and off the court.
"Kingston has been a part of a wide range of activities that have helped shape him from a young boy to a confident leader in his community."
- Sara Wren, Rough Drafts Atlanta
"[I] observed Kingston grow up and blossom into the dedicated, ambitious individual he is today. I have all the trust in the world for [Kingstonās] ājust go and doā [attitude]."
- Ziggy Asfaw, Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta Executive Director
How to Get Started
š For Schools & Organizations:
We offer contract-based basketball & mentorship programs for schools, nonprofits, and youth centers. Funding available through grants & sponsorships!
š For Parents:
We offer group training, 1-on-1 coaching, and scholarships to make our program accessible to all families.
Register for Our Free Clinic!
Are you ready to take the first step toward unlocking your potential? Join us at The Hoop Academyās Free Clinic, where young athletes can experience hands-on training, mentorship, and the excitement of basketball!