From shy to confident. From student to coach.
These are the stories that prove our model works.
The Full Circle
As part of the initial Hoops Creating Hope program, Shane enthusiastically participated in each classroom and basketball drill and jumped into the beliefs and experiences provided by Crossover. He subsequently followed up with an increased focus on his academics and volunteering with Crossover since 2013.
Now having completed his Bachelor's in Commerce, Shane was the initial leader of Hoops Creating Hope's year-round after-school program. He worked with over 80 girls and boys for three days per week, teaching them the Five Pillars that changed his life.
"Crossover didn't just teach me basketball. It taught me that I could be more than my circumstances. Now I get to pass that lesson on to the next generation."
From Hesitant to Regular
"Vignesh is a quiet, shy and occasionally bullied kid in my class. He was too hesitant to come to Crossover and initially opted out. I sensed that he wanted to, but didn't quite realize what held him back."
— Ram Sundaram, Teach for India Fellow
When Ram was halfway through the program, he went to Vignesh's mother and explained that he really didn't want anyone to miss out on the learning. Vignesh attended one evening session. Then he came back. By the end, he was a regular.
Beyond basketball, Ram noticed Vignesh had an untreated condition affecting his ears. Through the relationships built at Crossover, Ram was able to take Vignesh and his mother to a hospital with an ENT specialist—care they wouldn't have accessed otherwise.
This is what makes Crossover different. We don't just coach players—we mentor whole people. When a student shows up, someone notices. When they're struggling, someone cares.
"I am no longer witnessing simple behavioural changes and a lack of values by my kids in the classroom. I bear testimony to widespread impact across the spectrum of influence in education. From parents to teachers to students to staff to myself; we can't thank you enough for empowering us to do more."
Ram Sundaram
Teach for India Fellow
"Just 2 days into the camp and I am already witnessing many positive changes in the kids. The kids are also having so much fun and are getting exposed to so many new things. I cannot wait to see the other possibilities the camp is going to open up for all the kids who are attending."
Prabhakaran K
Teach for India Fellow
Students Like Shane & Vignesh
Lives changed since 2012
Complete High School
vs 16% for similar demographics
Female Participation
Empowering girls through basketball
Dropout Rate
vs 62% national dropout rate
Every donation creates another Shane, another Vignesh, another future leader.
Fund One Student for $500