Hoopademix is a travel basketball program committed to developing both the body and mind of boys and girls ages 8 to 18. Our holistic approach to athlete development emphasizes a balance of rigorous athletics, academic growth, and community engagement.
What sets Hoopademix apart is our deep commitment to building meaningful relationships with players and their families. Our coaches go beyond the court to provide guidance, mentorship, and ongoing support—every step of the way.
Unlike many programs that prioritize competition above all else, Hoopademix is dedicated to nurturing players at every level. We foster an inclusive, team-centered environment where every athlete feels valued. Our approach teaches young players that everyone has a place on the court—and that with the right support, every player has the potential to rise to the top.
Customized Training
Individualized training addressing the needs of your child.
Skills assessment that results in a growth-oriented program
Intense physical and cognitive demands
Skill-based matching for relevant and regular competitive opportunities
Value-driven and passionately driven coaching
Mentorship
Academic Achievement
Progress Updates
Discipline Support
Emotional/Social Support
Community-Building Trips
Basketball Games (high schools, colleges) and professional sporting events
Recreational Centers (e.g. Dave and Busters, ESPN Zone, Game works)
Sports-themed movies for Personal Application and Discussions
Our Team
Marpray Monson
FOUNDER
Coach Marpray Monson has been an educator with Chicago Public Schools for over 10 years while coaching boys’ varsity high school basketball for most of it. He is also an active member of his church and the community. He is dedicated to working with at risk youth on a daily basis. He has seen the impact of a lack of education and poverty on our youth and has been trying to his part in making a change and shift in direction. After working with high school kids, he realized he had to catch kids during the early stages to nurture their mental and athletic needs all while pushing them to be the best student they could be. As a result he became a Dean within the CPS system and created Hoopademix. Coach Pray has a coaching style that is player driven; focusing on all facets of life. Every focus is player driven all with the common goal of improving a player’s game so that they can be a better teammate, a better student and a better global citizen.
Curtis Johnson
COACH
Coach Curtis Johnson has been an educator with Chicago Public Schools for over 15 years. He has been coaching boys’basketball for even longer than that. He is a no non-sense nurturer with a strict focus on helping kids reach their full potential through communication, structure, and a strong presence in each of his students’/players’ lives. His coaching style is also player driven with a focus on the foundation of using the players’ individual growth to create a better team. Coach Johnson is very passionate about our youth and has truly dedicated his life to being their biggest advocate each step of the way.