OUR BOARD
At Hoops for Hope International, our Board of Directors plays a crucial role in guiding our
organization’s mission and vision. Comprised of dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds and
expertise, our board members bring invaluable insights and leadership to the table. Meet the
passionate individuals who serve on our board:
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.
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.
Cody Beeler: Vice President
Cody Beeler is a dedicated family man, married to Angela, and together they have three
wonderful daughters: Kellie-Laine, Landrie, and Emerie, along with a cherished granddaughter,
Drue.
A proud Texas A&M alumnus, Cody spent 23 years in the medical field, where he excelled as a spine surgery consultant.
His passion for making a global impact is evident through his involvement in eight Hoops for
Hope trips. Cody has traveled to diverse locations such as Ghana, Ukraine, Spain, and
Hungary, experiencing firsthand the profound joy of sharing basketball and bringing hope to
communities worldwide.
When he’s not working or traveling, Cody enjoys being outdoors, particularly hunting. He’s enthusiastic about his continued involvement with the board and eagerly anticipates future trips.
Ben Saage: Secretary
Ben Saage brings a wealth of experience in education and a deep commitment to his community. He and his wife, Audrey, have been married for 29 years and reside in Riesel, a small rural town east of Waco in Central Texas. Their two children are graduates of Riesel I.S.D. and Baylor University.
Ben is an alumnus of Baylor University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education. He further expanded his expertise with additional certifications from Sul Ross State…
University, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.
Early in his career, Ben dedicated his efforts to teaching emotionally disturbed students in residential treatment centers. He then transitioned into school administration, holding key positions such as Director of Federal Programs, Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations, and Executive
Director overseeing school transportation, special education, and alternative education programs.
After retiring in 2014, Ben continued to contribute to education part-time as the Coordinator for the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf with Waco I.S.D. Currently, he serves as the board president for the Riesel I.S.D. Board of Trustees.
Outside of his professional life, Ben enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing. He and Audrey also raise chickens and cultivate a small garden on their country acreage. They have been active members of Highland Baptist Church since 1998, and Ben has served on the Hoops Board of Directors since 2014.
Paul Wommack: Treasurer
I’ve been at Highland for 8 years and started serving with Hoops Huddle almost right away. I love the game of basketball and how HFH combines reaching people and hoops. I have a wife of 15 years, Angela, and 3 boys, Ty (10), Clayton (8), and Brett (4).
Jeff Young
Jeff Young has dedicated over two decades to coaching and athletic leadership, a career marked by his profound impact on student-athletes. For 20 years, he was a cornerstone at Midland Trinity, where he served as both a coach and Athletic Director, meticulously shaping young lives on and off the court. Now in his second year at Vanguard College Prep, Jeff continues to lead with passion as the Athletic Director and Head Girls Basketball Coach.
Jeff’s commitment extends beyond local athletics; he’s deeply passionate about mentorship and the global impact of sports. For six years, he’s been an active member of Hoops Huddle, and
he’s participated in multiple Hoops for Hope International trips. Through these initiatives, Jeff
leverages basketball as a powerful platform to inspire and serve communities worldwide.
Outside of his professional life, Jeff shares a rich personal life with his wife, Dianne, to whom
he’s been married for 32 years. They have two children, Alex and Rebecca. Jeff is also a
dedicated member of Highland Baptist Church, where he actively serves as a Deacon
Krista Pirtle
Krista Pirtle officially joined the Hoops for Hope Board in 2023, though her journey with the organization began much earlier. After moving back to Waco in 2017, she became involved through Hoops Huddle and was immediately drawn to the mission of Hoops for Hope.
Since then, Krista has been a dedicated participant in the organization’s global efforts, having had the privilege of joining six incredible Hoops for Hope trips. Her travels have taken her to diverse locations, including Spain, Mexico, North Carolina, Kenya (twice), and Ghana.
Professionally, Krista has been part of the Baylor Athletics family since 2019. She started in Athletic Communications before transitioning into her current role with the Bear Foundation, where she helps support student-athletes and enhance the fan experience through donor engagement and fundraising.
Outside of work and her involvement with Hoops for Hope, Krista enjoys spending time with her dog, Scout, and cheering on her favorite teams. You can often find her in the stands at Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers games whenever she gets the chance.
Noah Wible
Noah Wible, originally from Waco, Texas, now resides in Grapevine with his wife, Brook, and their son, Canon. His academic journey led him to Dallas Baptist University, where he attended from 2011 to 2015, building a foundation that would support his future endeavors. Professionally, Noah is currently the Director of Sales for Cornerstone Merchant Services DFW Region, where he applies his skills in leadership and client relations. Combining his deep love for the Lord with his passion for basketball, Hoops for Hope is a natural fit for Noah. Since his initial, life-changing overseas trip in 2009, Noah has been unwavering in his commitment to sharing a message of hope through the sport he cherishes. As a board member, he’s dedicated to positively impacting children’s lives, bringing them both joy and the life-changing hope found in Christ.
Laura Wright
Laura Wright’s journey with Hoops for Hope began in 2011 at a skills camp held at Highland Baptist Church. Since then, her commitment to the organization has grown significantly. Laura has traveled to both Honduras and Barbados with Hoops for Hope, extending its mission internationally, and has dedicated several semesters to serving as
a coach for Hoops Huddle.
Beyond her passion for Hoops for Hope’s mission, Laura enriches the board with her deep love for and understanding of people. Her extensive background as a teacher, school counselor, and psychologist, combined with her lifelong faith, provides a solid foundation for connecting with individuals and developing programs that effectively
share the Gospel.
Laura is married to Larry Wright. They share five children and twelve grandchildren. Laura enjoys preparing festive meals and entertaining. She is energized by blending her love for Jesus and love of serving others through her volunteer work with women.
Each member of our board brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to our organization, helping us to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive positive change in communities around the world.