ABOUT PA Hoops Academy
PA Hoops Academy offers player development opportunities not found in today's AAU landscape. A group of high level coaches from the area wanted to bring quality instruction, structure and reputation to PA...and PA Hoops Academy was born! Our coaching staff has a combined 60-years coaching experience at different levels. We believe in playing for the love of the game and will share our passion with our players through our instruction.
We truly believe in our tagline "Bigger Than Basketball." We instill in our players the values of setting goals, working hard, having good sportsmanship, being a good teammate....all of the things that translate both on and off the court. The same lessons we teach in the gym can be applied to real life.
Meet The Team
Kelly Fisher
Co-Founder & Coach
Kelly Fisher played basketball at Cardinal O’Hara where she was part of multiple Philadelphia Catholic League Championship Teams. She was All Catholic in basketball, field hockey and lacrosse. Coach Kelly went on to play basketball and lacrosse at the University of Scranton. She led the basketball team to 3 NCAA Final Fours, was a three time All-American and Freedom League Player of the year.
Coach Kelly has worked as a strength coach for Saint Joseph's University and has coached basketball at the college and high school level. She has trained a variety of college level teams and youth athletes in strength & conditioning and basketball skills. At PA Hoops, Kelly will help oversee Development both on-and-off the court.
Kelly has a Neuroscience degree from the University of Scranton and a Master of Science degree from George Mason University. She lives in Chester County with her husband and five children.
Natasha Manning
Co-Founder & Administrator
Natasha Manning might have brushed shoulders with a basketball a handful of times in her younger years but in reality she married into it.
Manning studied Marketing & Social Studies and had a career in marketing, working for a European International Airport.
At PA Hoops Academy she will handle the day-to-day administration and any ad hoc issues that may arise.
Manning will also oversee the financial side of the program and leave the basketball to the pros.
Gabriella Wheeler
Co-Founder & Administrator
Gabriella Wheeler played basketball in middle school. Shot in the wrong basket in a game…and that pretty much sums up her basketball career. Hence, her role at PA Hoops Academy is behind the scenes (you’re welcome). She oversees the website, marketing, registration and other administrative tasks.
Throughout her career she has worked in marketing, event planning and advertising. Wheeler returned to work after having children as the Director of Marketing for a local sports facility that housed club volleyball, AAU basketball and various other sports and activities. Currently, her career has taken a turn and landed her in a role as a Special Education Instructional Aide working with middle school students.
Erick "EJ" Duncan
Coach
Coach EJ plays a major role in the PA Hoops development program. He has been coaching for 7+ years. He is currently in his 5th year as program assistant for the JV & Varsity basketball teams at Devon Prep, and first year coaching Devon Prep Middle School basketball team.
Coach EJ started coaching and officiating after graduating from Susquehanna University, where he played 4 years on the varsity men's basketball team. He has been a PIAA certified basketball official for 5+ years. Coach EJ is excited to be able to share his time with helping our players grow into the best student athletes they can be.
Greg Sauer
Coach
Greg Sauer is the head coach of the PA Hoops 15u Team. He has been coaching and teaching at Devon Prep for the last nine years. He is the head JV coach in addition to teaching mathematics.
During his time at Devon, Coach Sauer has been a part of the transition for the school to join the Philadelphia Catholic League as well as the team winning the 2022 PIAA 3A State Championship.
Brian Mangam
Coach
Coach Mangam is the head coach for the 16U PA Hoops team. He has currently in his 8th season coaching. This has included various levels of AAU along with four years at Devon Prep. He serves as an assistant for JV as well as the Varsity. Coach Mangam also works with various high school athletes on individualized basketball training typically during the Summer and Fall months.
He graduated from York College of Pennsylvania where he majored in Sports Management. Coach Mangam is excited for another year of competing on the Hoop Group Showcase League circuit. He looks forward to the continued development of the entire PA Hoops Academy program.