HOOPS with HEART
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a 501(c)3 non-profit organizaion
a 501(c)3 non-profit organizaion
Meet our team!
Daniel Messinger
President
UC Santa Barbara (2022) / Sierra Canyon School (2018)
As President, Daniel has taken Hoops with Heart to new heights. Highlights have included bringing the #1 ranked high school basketball team in the nation to Sara Coughlin Elementary School to provide a basketball clinic for the students, and leading the social media campaign that helped Hoops with Heart win the Lakers Youth Foundation’s $5,000 grant in January 2016. This was culminated by Daniel accepting the grant at center court during halftime of a Lakers game. Daniel has also incorporated Girls Soccer and Dance teams into Hoops with Heart's mentoring program and has initiated Hoops with Heart clubs at other schools. He looks forward to continuing to grow Hoops with Heart both in terms of number of children impacted, as well as geographical reach.
Ben Messinger
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
UCLA (2019) / Sierra Canyon School (2015)
Born in Tarzana, California, Ben grew up loving basketball from the very first day his grandpa gifted him a basketball, took him to the park, and taught him how to shoot. He founded Hoops with Heart as a sophomore in high school, envisioning it as an organization that could bring valuable mentorship and sports equipment to children at local underfunded afterschool programs. After capping off his high school basketball career with a state championship, Ben began college at UCLA in the fall of 2015. He continues to play a large role in the leadership of Hoops with Heart, helping organize donation events and enrolling new scholar-athlete mentors.
Eli Adams
Vice President
Syracuse University (2021) / Sierra Canyon School (2017)
Eli was born in Encino, California and has been an avid sports enthusiast and participant as long as he can remember. He has been an active member of Hoops with Heart since 2013. As a high school senior, Eli earned his role as Hoops with Heart's Vice President, bringing his passion for sports, a natural business sense, and his enterprising spirit to the organization. He is motivated by a desire to provide underprivileged youth with the same types of athletic opportunities he has enjoyed most of his life. Eli played Varsity Baseball and is an Honor Roll student, and is now in his first year at Syracuse.
Robbie Feinberg
Co-founder
Harvard University (2019)
Sierra Canyon School (2015)
Born in New York City, Robbie played Varsity basketball all four years of high school and helped Sierra Canyon win the State title in 2015. He is also a two-time San Fernando Valley all-star. Hoops with Heart allows him to bring his vibrant energy to the court, sharing his knowledge of the sport he loves with kids. Robbie was a member of Harvard's basketball team throughout his four years of college. You can view his Harvard basketball bio page here.
Ethan Schumacher
Co-founder
University of Arizona (2018)
Sierra Canyon School (2014)
Ethan started playing basketball in third grade. Ethan has the unique ability to rally his teammates and has unwavering loyalty to his team. His creative approach to fundraising helped take Hoops with Heart from its infancy to where it is today. Ethan feels fortunate to have found a way to connect his love of basketball with community service through his work with Hoops with Heart.