FOUNDER
Mark Wible: President & Founder
Mark Wible is the driving force behind Hoops for Hope International, serving as the President and Founder. With a lifelong passion for basketball and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in communities worldwide, Mark founded Hoops for Hope with the vision of using the sport as a vehicle for empowerment, education, and social change.Driven by a desire to share these transformative experiences with others, Mark founded Hoops for Hope in 2004. Since then, the organization has grown exponentially under his leadership, reaching thousands of young athletes across the globe and making a lasting impact in communities facing adversity.
As President and Founder, Mark provides strategic direction and vision for Hoops for Hope, guiding the organization’s programs, partnerships, and initiatives. His unwavering dedication, innovative approach, and relentless pursuit of excellence inspire our team to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in youth development and community empowerment.
Beyond his role at Hoops for Hope, Mark is deeply involved in various philanthropic endeavors and community initiatives, leveraging his passion for basketball to drive positive change on both local and global scales. Whether he’s on the court coaching young athletes, speaking at community events, or collaborating with partner organizations, Mark’s commitment to making a difference is evident in everything he does.
Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from West Texas State University, where he honed his leadership skills and gained valuable insights into the intersection of sports, education, and social impact. He furthered his academic pursuits, earning a Master’s in Education from Baylor University. Continuously seeking avenues for personal and professional development, Mark is dedicated to enhancing his leadership capabilities and inspiring others through the transformative influence of basketball.
Outside of his work with Hoops for Hope, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, watching basketball, and exploring new ways to give back to his community. He believes that by working together and leveraging our collective strengths, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
STAFF
Jason Phillips: Chief Development Officer
Jason Phillips serves as the Chief Development Officer at Hoops for Hope International, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for community development to the organization. With a background in strategic planning, fundraising, and relationship management, Jason plays a key role in expanding the reach and impact of Hoops for Hope.
Having grown up with a love for basketball, Jason understands the profound impact the sport can have on individuals and communities. He is deeply committed to leveraging this power to create positive change and empower young athletes worldwide. In his role as Chief Development Officer, Jason is responsible for spearheading fundraising initiatives, cultivating strategic partnerships, and developing innovative programs to further the organization’s mission.
Jason’s strategic insights, coupled with his genuine enthusiasm for Hoops for Hope’s mission, have been instrumental in driving the organization’s growth and success. His ability to connect with stakeholders, identify opportunities for collaboration, and mobilize resources has enabled Hoops for Hope to expand its programs and reach even more young athletes in need.
Outside of his work with Hoops for Hope, Jason is an active member of the community, volunteering his time and expertise to various philanthropic causes. He believes in the power of collective action and is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others through basketball and community development.
Kelly Gross: Administrator
Kelly Gross serves as the Administrator at Hoops for Hope International, overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring the smooth execution of the organization’s programs and initiatives. With a background in project management and operations, Kelly brings a unique blend of organizational skills and attention to detail to her role.
Passionate about sports and youth development, Kelly is committed to creating positive experiences for young athletes and empowering them to reach their full potential. In her role as Administrator, she is responsible for managing logistics, coordinating events, and providing administrative support to the team.
Kelly’s dedication to excellence and her ability to streamline processes have been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Hoops for Hope’s operations. Her meticulous planning and proactive approach ensure that programs run smoothly and that participants receive the support they need to succeed both on and off the court.
Outside of her work with Hoops for Hope, Kelly is an avid advocate for youth empowerment and community engagement. She believes in the importance of providing opportunities for young people to thrive and is committed to creating a positive impact in the communities Hoops for Hope serves.
Ben Saage: Administrator
My wife Audrey and I have been married for 29 years and have two children. We live in Riesel, a small, rural town east of Waco in Central Texas.
Our children attended school at Riesel I.S.D. and Baylor University. My hobbies include camping, hunting, and fishing. We also raise a few chickens and have a small garden on our acreage in the country. I graduated from Baylor University with my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education. I also received additional certifications in education through Sul Ross State University, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
The early part of my career was spent teaching emotionally disturbed students at several residential treatment centers. I then moved into school administration, serving in roles as a Director of Federal programs, Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations, and finally as Executive Director over school transportation, special education, and alternative education programs. After retirement in 2014, I worked part-time as the Coordinator for the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf with the Waco I.S.D. I also currently serve as the board president for the Riesel ISD Board of Trustees. We have attended Highland Baptist Church since 1998 and served on the Hoops Board of Directors since 2014
Join Mark, Jason, Kelly, and the Rest of Our Team
Inspired by Mark, Jason, Kelly, and the rest of our team? Join us in making a difference through basketball.
Learn more about opportunities to get involved with Hoops for Hope and join our mission of empowering young athletes and transforming communities through the power of sport.