We had the good fortune of connecting with William Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business has always been about pursuing my aspirations as an entrepreneur—creating meaningful ventures while impacting others. Over the years, I’ve started many businesses, but Elite Hoops Academy™ is special. It’s the first one built entirely on my passions: basketball, teaching, and fostering a strong community.

I started Elite Hoops Academy™ in Milwaukee, WI, blending my love for the game with my desire to mentor young athletes and help them unlock their full potential. When my family and I relocated to Prosper, TX, five years ago, I was struck by the lack of structured youth basketball training and development in such a thriving area. That gap inspired me to bring Elite Hoops Academy™ Youth Basketball Training and Prosper Elite™ Basketball competitive basketball Teams to North Texas and create a Organization that not only builds skills but also cultivates confidence and character.

This journey also led me to co-found The Collab Prosper Basketball Development Center, in Prosper, TX. with Nancy Lieberman, a basketball legend whose values and passions align so closely with my own. Together, we envisioned a space where athletes could access the highest level of training, mentorship, and community. The Collab isn’t just a facility—it’s a place where dreams take shape and leaders are made. Our shared mission to elevate youth basketball while giving back to the community is what drives us both. These ventures embody everything I strive for as an entrepreneur: passion, purpose, and creating a legacy of opportunity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is rooted in a passion for basketball, teaching, and building community. What sets Elite Hoops Academy™ and The Collab Prosper Basketball Development Center apart is our holistic approach to development. We focus on more than just skills—we build confidence, character, and leadership in young athletes. Our programs go beyond the court, teaching life lessons that prepare players for success in every area of their lives. That’s what makes our work truly special.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Seeing youth athletes grow—not just as players, but as people—brings me a level of fulfillment that’s hard to put into words. I’m also excited about the impact we’ve made in North Texas. Bringing Elite Hoops Academy™, Prosper Elite™ Basketball to Prosper and co-founding The Collab has allowed me to create something meaningful that didn’t exist here before. Knowing we’re filling a gap and inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders is incredibly rewarding.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. Starting a business, especially one so personal, is never without its challenges. From relocating my family and building a brand in a new community to navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, there were moments of doubt. But every challenge was met with faith, perseverance, and a commitment to the bigger picture. I leaned on God, my family, and a strong support system to overcome obstacles and stay the course.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. You have to stay committed to your purpose, even when the road gets tough. I’ve also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision and align with your values.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is simple: Elite Hoops Academy™ | Prosper Elite™ Basketball and The Collab are about more than basketball. They’re about opportunity, growth, and making a difference. Our mission is to inspire, mentor, and elevate every athlete who walks through our doors. My story is one of faith, passion, and the belief that we can all leave the world better than we found it. That’s the legacy I strive to build every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ha! Well, my best friend is my twin brother and he lives across the street! But let’s say that I have another best friend visiting …here is what our itinerary would look like:

– Day 1: Prosper Tour
start with breakfast at Silo Park , or Birdies in Prosper
afternoon: of course go train and shoot some hoops at Elite Hoops Academy™ and The Collab. Maybe take in a couple games of some of my Prosper Elite™ Basketball teams 🙂

– Day 2: Explore Frisco
Visit The Star
Lunch at Legacy Hall in Plano
Catch a Frisco Roughriders baseball game

Day 3: Adventure
– Take a hike at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano
-Brunch at The Gin, in Prosper or Lunch at The Shops at Legacy West
-Dinner at Haywire

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people to thank because, truly, it takes a village. First and foremost, I have to thank God. His guidance, grace, and blessings have been the foundation of my journey. Through every challenge and triumph, my faith has kept me grounded and focused on the bigger purpose.

I’m also deeply grateful to my family—my wife Lucy and kids William IV and Marchesa—who have been my rock. Their love, encouragement, and sacrifices are the reason I can pursue my dreams and build something meaningful. They’re my greatest inspiration and my constant reminder of why I do what I do.

A special shoutout goes to my identical twin brother Robert, who was one of the main reasons my family and I moved to Texas. His influence, shared knowledge, and passion have been critical in shaping my vision. He’s not only my brother but also one of my biggest supporters and collaborators. Having someone who understands your drive and shares your values has been a huge blessing in both my personal and professional life.

To the youth basketball community—players, parents, and coaches—thank you for embracing the vision of Elite Hoops Academy™| Prosper Elite™ Basketball and The Collab. You’ve made these ventures more than just businesses; you’ve made them communities of growth and opportunity.

Website: www. elitehoopsacademy.com, www.prosperelitebasketball.com, www.thecollabprosper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitehoopsbball/

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/elitehoops

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EliteHoopsBasketball

Other: www.prosperelitebasketball.com
www.thecollabprosper.com

Image Credits
snap and snitch photography – Summer Botts

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