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.
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.
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 basketball and youth character, Kelly is committed to creating positive experiences for young athletes and empowering them to reach their God-given potential.
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 enjoys spending time with her family. They enjoy camping, hiking, wakeboarding, and other water sports. Being an advocate for youth, she also 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 Calkins: Financial Coordinator
A Houston native who found his home in Waco in 2016, Ben Calkins is a passionate individual committed to faith and community. He holds a BA in Religion and History from Baylor University (2020) and a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2021). Ben has been married to Megan since 2020.
Ben’s love for basketball has fueled years of service with Hoops. Ben has served in both Hoops For Hope and Hoops Huddle since 2017. His impactful work included a trip to Guatemala in 2018 and volunteering with Hoops Huddle from 2017 to 2024. He has served on staff at Hoops For Hope in various administrative capacities since 2021
Anna Jane Riehl: Social Media Specialist
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 basketball and youth character, Kelly is committed to creating positive experiences for young athletes and empowering them to reach their God-given potential.
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 enjoys spending time with her family. They enjoy camping, hiking, wakeboarding, and other water sports. Being an advocate for youth, she also 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.
Join Mark, Kelly, Ben and the Rest of Our Team
Inspired by the team’s vision and leadership? Join them in making a difference through basketball. Learn more about opportunities to get involved with Hoops for Hope and join our mission of teaching basketball skills with a message of HOPE.