The Story Behind Hoop Love Academy

In this blog post, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mackenzie Lewis (I call him Mac), the Founder and Executive Director of Hoop Love Academy, to discuss the inspiration behind the academy, its mission and vision, the various programs and services it offers, what sets it apart from other basketball training programs, future goals, community engagement opportunities, and his personal journey. Growing up playing for the Roanoke Jaguars gave me the opportunity to be seen, making Roanoke feel like a second home to me.

Spotlighting a local organization like Hoop Love Academy, which provides opportunities that weren’t available when I was coming up, is a cause I deeply believe in. If I can give hope or inspire even one young person, it’s worth it.

Keep reading for the full interview as we delve into the heart and soul of Hoop Love Academy and learn how this incredible organization is making a profound impact on the community and beyond.

Inspiration Behind Hoop Love Academy

Me: Can you share the story behind the founding of Hoop Love Academy? What inspired you to start this organization?

Mac: I’d just completed the 2018-19 basketball season as a player development coach at Northside High School in Roanoke, VA. We culminated the season with winning the Boys’ 3A VHSL state championship. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and simultaneously observed something deeper calling me, yet I was hazy about exactly what that was. Months passed after this feeling came to me – and then right around 3:30 AM on Wednesday night, May 22, 2019, the divine awakened me out of my sleep and prompted me to swiftly move to my kitchen, where I pulled a piece of paper & pen from the cabinet and penned the outline for what’s now become Hoop Love Academy. My lifelong love for the game of basketball, the desire to give back to my community, and the vast amounts of information I was learning (and still am) about the depth & parallels between life and sports inspired me to start the Hoop Love organization.

Me: What is Hoop Love Academy's primary mission? How do you envision its impact on the community and beyond?

Mac: The primary mission of Hoop Love Academy is to assist youth in developing comprehensive basketball skills, maximizing their individual potential, and elevating their game both on and off the court. I envision our mission’s impact on the local community and beyond being deeply profound as we continually work to bring awareness & information on how to develop within the hoops & life arenas.

Me: Can you describe the different programs and services Hoop Love Academy offers? How do these programs cater to various age groups and skill levels?

Mac: The programs and services we offer at HLA all emanate from skill development. We pride ourselves on taking a strategic, contemporary approach to supporting hoopers of various age/skill levels in growing as players and people. From our school year Synergy classes, which help elementary/middle school youth cultivate fundamental & nuanced skills, to our Roanoke Youth & Adult League that connects high school, collegiate, and adult hoopers – we cherish the opportunity to provide a safe space for our community members to enjoy the game millions love in diverse ways.

Me: What sets Hoop Love Academy apart from other basketball training programs? What unique methods or philosophies do you employ?

Mac: What sets HLA apart from other basketball training programs is our focus on how the internal effects the whole. During our training, we utilize a mixture of rhythm-based, mentally challenging methods and uncommon twists on conventional approaches to stimulate growth in our students.

Future Plans

Me: What are your future goals for Hoop Love Academy? Are there any upcoming projects or expansions you’re particularly excited about?

Mac: Our future goals for Hoop Love Academy are to establish our organization as the premier hoops hub of Southwest Virginia, where hoopers come to develop their skills and game. We’re really excited about launching our third year of the P.U.P Project this summer, which is an initiative to get youth and families in the community outside, active in the hoops space, and enjoying amazing live music vibes.

Hoop Love Academy has had a significant positive impact on our community. We've provided a platform for youth to develop essential life skills through basketball, fostering discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Our programs have not only improved the athletic skills of participants but also their academic and social development. By offering a safe and supportive environment, we have helped steer many young individuals away from negative influences and towards constructive activities. Our community events, like the P.U.P Project, bring people together, promoting physical activity and social interaction, which strengthens community bonds. The support from local volunteers and donors has been crucial in expanding our reach and resources, allowing us to make a lasting difference in the lives of many families.

Me: How can community members get involved with Hoop Love Academy? Are there volunteer opportunities or events they can participate in?

Mac: Members in the community can get involved with Hoop Love Academy by volunteering, spreading the word about our organization, and donating to our nonprofit’s cause. Yes, we have volunteer opportunities for our various programs and events year-round. Here’s a link to connect with us in the volunteer space: Hoop Love Academy Volunteer.

Me: What has been the most rewarding part of your personal journey with Hoop Love Academy? How has it influenced you as an individual?

Mac: The most rewarding part of my personal journey with Hoop Love Academy has been aligning with the wisdom, joy, and knowledge that flows daily as I pursue higher greatness for myself and our organization. This journey has influenced me in more ways than I could express, but I’ll say that one of the most powerful ways it has shaped me is by expanding my view of what’s possible when you mix passion, purpose, and unyielding will together.

As a Division I basketball coach, leader, and speaker, I understand the significance of holistic development both on and off the court. My work focuses on mentoring athletes, helping them realize their potential, and preparing them for success in all areas of life. Hoop Love Academy aligns with these principles by emphasizing skill development, personal growth, and community engagement. Together, we strive to instill values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience in young athletes, guiding them toward a brighter future.

We invite you to join us in this mission by volunteering, participating in Hoop Love’s programs, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can continue to inspire and elevate through the game of basketball, making a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals.