Head Coach, Head Trainer and Founder of Hardwood Basketball – Coach Derek founded Hardwood’s AAU club, Hardwood Elite, in 2019. As the head coach for the elite teams, he also oversees all coaches and operations for Hardwood Elite. His strong relationships with college coaches play a key role in helping our players secure college opportunities and achieve success. Originally from the lake town of Whitehall, Michigan, Derek earned a B.S. in Sports Management from Calvin University, where he also played basketball. He and his wife, Natalia, live in Parker, Colorado, with their three children: Ravon, Selah and Violet.