Former student runs 'Hoop Science' workshop for current students

Former student, Matt Majka (Class of 2004), an Exercise Physiologist with over 10 years of experience is passionate about movement and has fond memories of his time at DSC. He recently returned to the College with Hoop Science basketball academy to run a workshop for our current students, who are part of the Elite Sports Pathways Program. For Matthew his passion not only lies in his career as an exercise physiologist but also in competitive breakdancing and basketball.

When was Hoop Science started and what was the inspiration behind the program?

Hoop Science was born earlier this year created by Envision Basketball and Empower Health Concepts. Hoop Science was founded on a vision to create pathways for basketball students transitioning from secondary school to their initial post-secondary destination, combining basketball skill development with exercise science.

Through our Basketball Academy, students will have the option to go to the Australian Institute of Sport, Tafe or a University which may offer financial support to elite athletes, helping them gain a tertiary education whilst pursuing their chosen sport.

Our inspiration comes from helping young students transform into elite athletes, which can lead to a basketball career within Australia; competing on a national level from South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL), NBL1 through to the National Basketball League (NBL) and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

The international nature of basketball together with Australia’s solid reputation internationally means that there are endless opportunities for students to also play overseas at an NCAA Division 1 or 2 college or in other elite teams at university within Northern America, Europe, Asia etc.

What do you find most rewarding about running this program?

Working with the youth and seeing them progress is the most rewarding for our team at Hoop Science.

We are inspired daily by our amazing, dedicated and ambitious student-athletes.

The best part of working with our students is building strong relationships and making a difference in their lives.

What does each of you bring to the team?

Kareem Drayton, Certified Skills Trainer / Program Director

Kareem has built a basketball program around the advanced teaching as offered with NBA superstars and NCAA college players. Teaching all players of the game, Kareem is passionate about upskilling players with a variety of skills from shooting, footwork, IQ, defence, to ball handling.

Matt Majka, Exercise Physiologist / Plyometrics Director

Matt is a movement specialist with over 10 years of experience. He has designed a unique plyometrics program that incorporates strength and conditioning aspects to improve explosive muscular power. His training system focuses on fast, powerful movements to improve the functions of the nervous and muscular system.

Tabetha Majka, Operations Director / Personal Trainer

Tabetha is an energetic, innovative practitioner with a background in Remedial Massage and Personal Training. She has in-depth experience in operations and business administration and oversees the provision of service delivery, efficiency, education and research.

J.D. Nelson, Communications and Marketing Director

J.D. has specialised in Brand Management, Communications and Public Relations within the past 20 years within the Fashion and Lifestyle industries and state government. At Hoop Science, she translates our marketing goals into strategic brand concepts and messages.

Are there any long term goals/ dreams for the program?

Our long term goals and dreams for our program is to take our Australian athletes all the way to the top in Australia and internationally.

Currently, there are 27 Australians playing at the highest level during the 2018/19 European basketball season. In the 2018/19 NCAA Division 1 college basketball season, there are approximately 65 Australian men and 84 Australian women currently playing. Australian players currently in the NBA and WNBA include Ben Simmons, Joe Ingles, Andrew Bogut, Aron Baynes, Patty Mills, Liz Cambage, Leilani Mitchell, Rebecca Allen, Stephanie Talbot and newly drafted Alanna Smith and Ezi Magbegor (with many more).

With so many Australians already succeeding in Basketball, we want to develop and help many more players achieve this level of success and help them dominate the basketball world worldwide.

Read more information about the Hoop Science Basketball Academy in the attachment below.

Chelsea Rohrlach

Marketing Communications Officer

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