Brendan Kolton lives and breathes hard work, determination and perseverance. The North Shore native and former high school basketball star, faced significant health challenges at a young age, including a coma due to complications from Diabetes Insipidus. Brendan eventually made a complete recovery and went on to excel in basketball at North Shore Country Day School, later earning a walk-on spot at DePaul University. After college, the love of the game was going nowhere, and, in 2010, Brendan founded Hoops4Health, a program dedicated to instilling the love of basketball and a healthy lifestyle in the children who pass through his programs.
From tots to high school and all ages in between, Hoopse4Health has programming for brand new-to-basketball-players and college-bound athletes. Get to know more about Brendan’s journey from player to business owner, the four tenets of a Hoops4Health athlete and what you and your players can expect from this unique and stellar basketball program. Welcome Brendan and Hoops4Health!
Hi Brendan! Please introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Brendan Kolton. I grew up in Winnetka and attended North Shore Country Day School where I starred on the basketball team. I’m the founder of Hoops4Health, a year-round youth basketball program serving kids of all ages and skill levels throughout the North Shore and Chicago Metropolitan Area.
What are one or two interesting facts to know about you?
I have always been a big basketball card collector. That hobby has been a big part of my life. We give out cards at Hoops4Health so kids can build a love for the hobby. It is always cool when you start seeing them trade cards. I trained in Kung Fu and Tai-Chi for many years. My favorite trip ever was going to Japan.
What is your mantra?
To try and enjoy every moment.
Let’s talk shop! Please introduce your business, Hoops4Health.
I started Hoosp4Health in 2010 with the goal of enriching the lives of young athletes. We aim to make a positive impact by delivering top-tier basketball training and promoting healthy lifestyle habits beyond the court. Serving kids of all ages and skill levels across the North Shore and Chicago Metropolitan Area, Hoops4Health offers year-round programs, including Travel AAU, leagues, camps, clinics, and personal training. Our coaches bring a wealth of expertise and experience to guide each player’s development.
What is the ultimate mission of Hoops4Health that sets you apart from basketball programs on the North Shore?
The mission at Hoopse4Health is to positively impact our students by teaching basketball fundamentals and promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle. We aim to inspire each player to pursue their goals, build resilience, develop leadership, and be great teammates, while fostering a love for the game. Founded on the principles of Mind, Body, Nutrition, and Discipline, Hoops4Health dedicates time each season to “Nutrition Week,” where teams focus on the benefits of healthy habits and share their nutritious choices. Through teaching the value of rest, proper nutrition, and exercise, we support players in becoming better athletes and healthier individuals – four tenets of a Hoops4Health athlete.
Tell us more about the four tenets of a Hoops4Health Athlete, which teaches all athletes about perseverance.
The four tenets of a Hoops4Health athlete are: Mind, body, nutrition and discipline.
Mind: Fostering mental skills for the game, including teamwork, confidence, focus, and self-improvement. Teaching meditation, visualization, breathing techniques, and practices like Tai-Chi and yoga to enhance calmness and flexibility. Emphasizing academic success, respect, and sportsmanship as essential values.
Body: Highlighting proper body care to prevent injuries and boost performance through stretching, conditioning, and age-appropriate strength exercises. Combining basics like pull-ups and jumping rope with advanced techniques like plyometrics and band exercises, tailored for individual needs.
Nutrition: Emphasizing the importance of healthy eating habits for overall health and athletic performance. Teaching players about balanced food choices, hydration, and limiting sugar, caffeine, and processed foods, with a focus on fruits, vegetables, and organic options.
Discipline: Developing a disciplined approach to integrate the other pillars by setting goals, tracking progress, and committing to tasks. Discipline is key to achieving a healthy lifestyle and success on the court, with tools like goal-setting sheets and progress tracking to help players stay committed.
What is your ‘why?’
The ultimate goal at Hoops4Health is to show players a love of the game of basketball, while also learning a healthy lifestyle. I felt that there weren’t programs around that really included the health aspect – something I felt I was missing growing up. It plays such an important role in a student athlete. I also felt there was not enough focus on personal attention and basketball fundamentals being taught. Both of these elements inspired me to create something that could help develop the players on and off the court.
What makes Hoops4Health such a special and unique place?
We are a smaller staff with many being team members for years and years. What separates us is our passion for teaching and the love and knowledge of the game. We give a lot of personal attention and care to each player. The coaches are positive and make it fun. The players work that much harder when they really enjoy it.
We really enjoy talking basketball, sharing drills, and trying to get the most out of every player.
Tell us about your coaching background and credentials.
I have been coaching now for almost 15 years. This will be my second year as Head Varsity Girls Basketball coach at North Shore Country Day. That is where I went to High School so it’s very special. I spent 8 years as an assistant coach. I have done many coaching clinics throughout the United States and am certified by Ganon Baker and Phil Handy who are two of the lead basketball developers in the world.
At a young age you were faced with a significant health complication with Diabetes Insipidus. How has that shaped your coaching philosophy today?
Yes, at a young age, I was diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus. My Junior year of High School complications with this condition got so bad that I ended up in a coma. After months of recuperating, and finally finding the right regimen for my condition, I was back on my feet and persevering as an allstar player. This is how I grew to value how important it is to take care of the mind and body through healthy eating, yoga/tai-chi, and meditation.
In the ever-competitive sports atmosphere, what is your advice to parents about children’s sports?
My advice to parents would be to trust in the process of development. There are no shortcuts. Let their children be coached and reinforce them working on their own.
How have you helped your high school players navigate the college basketball recruiting process, and what role do you play in supporting them to achieve their goals of playing at the next level?
I have dedicated myself to helping players achieve their dreams of playing college basketball, guiding over 35 athletes through the recruiting process to reach the next level. With over ten years of experience, I’ve built a strong network of college coaches and have led several Hoops4Health High School National Teams to excel at top exposure events across the country. I work closely with each player to create a personalized recruiting plan, supporting them through every step to find the right college where they can continue to grow as student-athletes.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or your business?
We have our 15th anniversary in March, 2025 and we plan to some special events over the next year. Stay on the lookout and help us celebrate 15 years proudly serving the North Shore!
Last but not least, your contact information, please!
You can learn about all of our current programs by visiting our website, https://hoops4health.com/. See what we’re up to on Facebook and Instagram.
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