Coaches Box:
The trainers of HOOPS Academy have a passion for helping young boys and girls succeed, not only on the basketball court, but in life. We are committed to giving back to our community. We teach elementary-aged athletes, develop middle- and high-school athletes, and train collegiate athletes.
The HOOPS Academy teaches the fundamentals and advanced techniques of dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, and defense. In addition, we offer a KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! Segment during each session to empower our youth and arm their parents with valuable educational information. A brief biography on each coach is listed below.
Jason Smith
Basketball Development Coach
The HOOPS Academy Program Director
Tupelo Police Athletic League
“Confidence is fear leaving the body, mind, and soul.”
High School: Palestine-Wheatley HS/Wheatley, AR
College: Ole Miss (Sociology ‘99)
Current Ole Miss Steals Leader (211)
1 of 4 Ole Miss players to finish with over 1,000 pts, 550 rbs, 200 ass
12th player in SEC history to finish with over 200 steals
Professional Experience:
Romania, Venezuela, Belgium, NBA D-League, WBA
Tywanna Smith
President, The Athlete's Nexus
Author, Surviving the Lights
Speaker
“In whatever you do, you have a selfless purpose to be great…whether that’s in the classroom, on the court, or at home….always strive to be the BEST.”
High School: West Memphis HS/West Memphis, AR
College: Ole Miss (Marketing ‘04); (MBA ’05)
Four year starter with the Ole Miss Lady Rebels
Nominated for the NCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award
SEC Freshman of the Year Candidate
Newcomer of the Year Award
Professional Experience:
Holland, Spain