Our Relentless Focus
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Colorado Hoopsters is to provide an educational, athletic and positive life altering experience through competitive basketball.
Opportunity
The Colorado Hoopsters provide opportunities for student-athletes to grow as individuals.
Basketball provides an excellent platform to teach key life skills such as leadership, discipline, promote teamwork, perseverance, healthy living and goal setting.
Academics
The Colorado Hoopsters provide academic support, educational guidance, NCAA guidance and college readiness preparation to student-athletes.
Community Leadership
The Colorado Hoopsters host annual community events such as a Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Give Away, Build-A-Bike Give-Away, Christmas Toy Drive and Clothes Drive to help people and communities in need.
Team Costs
The reality is that it remains financially out of reach for many qualified and deserving youth to participate in competitive sports. Therefore, the Hoopsters, are committed to providing opportunities for young athletes to develop and play competitive sports while eliminating the financial barriers.
We hope you appreciate our mission, vision and philosophy and join us in our journey. The Colorado Hoopsters have had the same student-athlete driven mission for over 30 years. Today, the Colorado Hoopsters have helped thousands of student-athletes maximize their basketball potential, achieve academic success and become leaders in the world.
We are CHAMPIONS!
Meet the Staff
Executive Director/ Coach
Coach Gabe Trujillo, an original Harvey Park Hoopster, has been coaching and teaching for more than 20 years. Coach Gabe played college and professional basketball. Coach Gabe has been a teacher, high school coach (Colorado Academy, Lincoln, Denver North and Denver West High Schools), Athletic Director (Lincoln and Montbello High School) and Principal (Sheridan High School and Manny Martinez Middle School). "I have spent my entire life working with kids. There is nothing I would rather do." Coach Gabe is married to his wife Ellena and has 2 kids Alexei and Alicia who are Hoopsters!
Coach Dante is a father of three (Jordan, Mariah & Bella) and is married to his supportive wife Tiffany. Mariah and Bella are Hoopsters. Dante has coached both boys and girls basketball for fifteen years. Coach Dante is currently an Assistant Coach at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Colorado. Coach Dante brings an energy and discipline from his playing days. Dante is a fierce competitor but lives by the phrase "whatever we do it must be for the kids." Coach Dante lives, eats and breathes basketball. If you need to find the Ramos family you can find them on a basketball court somewhere.
Coach Billy Salaz has been coaching for 20+ years. Coach Billy most recently served as Head Coach at Adams City High School. Coach Billy has coached high school and club teams across the metro area. Coach Billy is father to 3 beautiful daughters Christina, Amber and Jordan and 5 grandchildren to Nevaya, Derrick, Nikolas, Nathaniel and Ry. He is a loving father and husband to his wife Crystal. When Coach Billy is not on the court you can catch him in his Mach 1 Mustang.
Coach Oscar Cedillo was born and raised in Denver, CO, graduated from Denver West High School and earned his degree at University of Denver. He has been coaching basketball and football for over 10 years and is currently the head coach of the Bear Creek 4th grade girls team as well as the Colorado Hoopsters 4th grade girls team. His passion has always been coaching and mentoring young kids at all levels and is confident that he is able to relate to the young athletes and create a sense of enthusiasm and love for the game. Oscar's goals for his players are to become the best they can be, to earn a sense of discipline and pride in their craft; on and off of the court. Oscar has been married to his beautiful wife Angelique for 13 years, has a 9 year old daughter Malena (Hoopster) and a 6 year old son Cruz. He loves spending time with his family and loves them very much. "I love coaching and hooping."
Coach Cesar Cedillo is a proud graduate of Denver West high school. Coach Cesar is a professional educator with the Denver Public Schools. He has been coaching basketball, football and baseball for 20+ years. Coach Cesar has coached boys’ and girls’ middle school and high school basketball teams mostly in the Denver Public Schools. Currently, he serves as head coach for both boys (7th grade) and girls (4th grade) basketball teams at Notre Dame Catholic School. Coach Cesar believes coaches need to provide and create a positive learning environment where players feel supported and have a joy of playing ball. He wants his players to have confidence in themselves and be great teammates. He is father to Roman (12 years old) and Hoopster Anaya (9 years old). He is married to his wonderful wife Rosella.
Secretary/ Photos/ Videos
Ellena has been involved in athletics administration for the 5 years. Ellena has 2 daughters (Alexei and Alicia) that play competitive volleyball and basketball. Ellena is also the team photographer and videographer.
Coach Steve Fendry has been coaching hoops for more than 20 years. Coach Steve was a high school All-American, college All-American and professional basketball player. Coach Fendry is a Hall of Fame Athlete at Western State University. He started coaching the Hoopsters in 2001. Coach Fendry won 3 state high school championships as a high school coach at Mullen high School in Denver, Colorado. Coach Fendry is currently teaching and coaching at Thunder Ridge High School. You can find Steve in a gym somewhere working with kids.
Founder/ Consultant/ Coach
Gary Rhoades is the Founder of the Harvey Park Hoopsters and the Colorado Hoopsters. Gary started coaching youth at several Denver Parks and Recreation Centers including Harvey Park Recreation Center. Gary gathered a group of kids and conducted skill and drill sessions year round. During this time Gary assembled teams to play across the city and state. Eventually the Colorado Hoopsters formed and started competing on a national level. Gary was a high school and college All- American at Denver West High School and Colorado State University. Gary is the father of Meschak Rhoades, former Colorado Hoopster and Regis University star, and husband to Coach Glenda Rhoades.
Bob Caton is the current Head Boy's Basketball Coach at Mullen High School. Bob has served as an advisor, coach, mentor and friend of the Colorado Hoopsters for the past 30 years. Bob has coached many kids and teams across the state of Colorado. Coach Bob Caton is committed to making kids better basketball players and people in the world. Coach Caton is one of the winningest coaches in Colorado State history and is in the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. Coach Caton is the father of 3 former athletes Ali, Jaime and Robbie. Coach is married to his beautiful wife Linda who is always at the game. Coach Caton is also grandfather to Colorado Hoopster Jaden.
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