Caroline's Hoop Dreams
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Caroline's Hoop Dreams

Miami, FL · Est. 2026 · 501(c)(3)

Play for Caroline.
Change a Life.

Scholarships, AAU teams, and free camps for underserved youth ages 4–20 in Miami. Built on love. Powered by community.

Donate NowOur Mission

Our Story

Raised in Jamaica Queens

Caroline Ruby Okantey was born December 10, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York — and from day one, the world was better for it. She graduated from St. John's University, earned her Master's from Columbia University, served as a police officer, then built a 26-year career as a UPS supervisor — showing up every day with an infectious smile that made her impossible not to love.

ColumbiaMaster's degree26+ yrsUPS leadershipGhanaOdumase-Krobo royalty

Chapter 01 · Brooklyn, NY

Play for
Caroline

Support the mission
Caroline Ruby Okantey — the heart behind Caroline's Hoop Dreams

01 / 03

Caroline
Okantey

1971 — 2021

In Memory

This is Caroline.

Educator. Published writer. Conference speaker. Sister. And the reason all of this exists.

She was

  • Educator
  • Writer
  • Speaker
  • Sister
”

Dwayne · Founder

“She was an educator, a leader, and the kind of person who poured into others without ever asking for anything in return.”

Her Legacy

Is a life of kindness, showing love from the heart, and displaying strength under adversity.

— Dwayne, Founder

Why We Exist

More than basketball.
A movement.

Developing the whole student-athlete — on the court, in the classroom, and in life. From Miami to Ghana.

Hoop Skills player dribbling up the court

Our
Mission

Identify and support talented underprivileged student-athletes — developing the whole person: athletically, academically, in character, and in personal growth.

Our Vision

Cultivate the athletic and academic potential of youth in Miami, Broward, and beyond — connecting them to elite schools nationally and internationally, including Ghana.

Our
Purpose

Fundraising, grants, and scholarships that build pathways to high schools, prep schools, and colleges worldwide.

Youth game action under the basket

Camps

Player contesting a shot in a tournament

Tournaments

01 · United States & Ghana

Strategic
Partnerships

Partnerships across borders that deliver elite camps, tournaments, and mental and physical development programs.

02 · Year-round

Ghana
Development

Scouting and athlete support in underserved Ghanaian communities — talent doesn't have a zip code.

Hoop Skills player shooting a jumper

03 · Miami-Dade & Broward

South Florida
Scholarships

Scholarships, high-level training, and direct pathways to top schools.

Back a
Hooper

Fund gear, gym time, travel, and tournament fees. Give on Givebutter →

What We're Building

Three promises
we're keeping.

We're a brand-new organization and these programs are in their earliest stages. Every donation helps make them real.

Hoop Skills player finishing a layup past a defender
Launching 2026

01 · For the drive, not the dollars

Scholarships

Talent doesn't care what neighborhood you grow up in — opportunity sometimes does. We remove the financial barriers between young athletes and the game: gear, registration fees, and academic support.

Coming Soon

AAU Team
Sponsorships

AAU is one of the best paths to college recruitment — but the fees are steep. We'll cover registration, travel, and uniforms so talent never gets left behind over money.

Hoop Skills guard pushing the ball up court

Hoop Skills

Hoop Skills player in a defensive stance

Lock-in D

Hoop Skills player sprinting in transition
Planning Now

Free Camps
& Clinics

We sponsor kids into camps at partners like Hoop Skills Academy. No tryouts. No fees.

Your gift covers

  • Gear
  • Gym time
  • Travel
  • Tournaments
Young Hoop Skills player set to shoot a free throw

The only thing they bring

Is their
game.

Help fund this

For Caroline

Ilooktowardtheheavenstoguidemypath,
Givemestrengthtocontinueonmyway.
IwilltraveluntilIreachmydestiny.
Thestarsinheavenaremyroadmap.
Ilookatthemountaintopandsometimesdoubt,
ShouldIcontinueonthisjourney?
ThoughIamweakandsometimesgrowimpatient,
Godstrengthensme.
Iputonefootinfrontoftheotherandmoveon.
Icontinuewithfaithasmyshield
Andaswordofcourageinmyhand.
Ipersevere.
Iriseandgrowstrongereveryday.
Ilooktowardtheheavensandsmile,
ForGodiscarryingmeovermymountaintops.

— In memory of Caroline

[ FAQ ]

Have questions? Here's everything donors & families ask us.

Don't see your question? Email dwayne@carolineshoopdreams.org.

Donate Now

A 501(c)(3) youth basketball nonprofit in Miami, FL, founded in 2026 by Dwayne in memory of his sister, Caroline Ruby Okantey. We fund scholarships, AAU team sponsorships, and free camps and clinics for young athletes from less fortunate backgrounds.