THE HARDWOOD UNIVERSITY

is a player development program. We utilize Basketball training in individual, group and team settings to inspire hard work and dedication in our youth, equipping them with the confidence needed to unlock their full potential, not only on the court but in every aspect of life. You can support our program by joining one of our sessions, buying our gear, and telling others about the program.

In order to achieve the goal of developing elite players and give each player the individual attention needed, enrollment will be limited to 15 players per group session and grade level.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Group Sessions

GEAR & ACCESSORIES

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Our PURPOSE

THE HARDWOOD UNIVERSITY exists to create a healthy and thriving basketball culture in Santa Cruz and its surrounding areas. Giving youth athletes and coaches greater opportunities, tools and resources to achieve their dreams and goals.

What People Are Saying

  • "The Hardwood University is an excellent basketball training program.  My son has been involved in numerous sessions and has been coached by Nate for four years. Nate specializes in basketball fundamentals as well as personal character development. I have watched my son grow from a shy average player to a starter and team leader on his JV high school basketball team.  I have also coached 8th grade basketball and I've noticed immediate improvement in my players that attended Hardwood University. Another quality aspect to Nate’s coaching is that he gears the way he coaches appropriately for the age group he is dealing with.  If your kid loves basketball, they will become a better player and a better person with THU."

    Santa Cruz High - High School Parent

  • "Coach Nate's vast knowledge of basketball has been an instrumental part of my son's growth and enjoyment of the game. Whether it's the player development class or shooting class, my son continues to improve his skills and confidence as a player and teammate. My wife and I highly recommend The Hardwood University for anyone interested in upping their game."

    Scotts Valley High - High School Parent

  • “The Hardwood University has been an incredible influential factor in my son's growth. His basketball skills have grown tremendously in the 1.5 years since we started. He has been inspired to dream big and make his own goals, continuing the hard work when he's not at Hardwood. The top notch coaching has inspired discipline, confidence and the courage to give 100% at basketball and the rest of life. The coaching has also created a place of belonging and camaraderie with other players (now close friends) that my son always looks forward to. Having a place besides school that is safe to push yourself to your limit, fun and fosters growth is priceless. I can't say enough about how much Hardwood changed our lives, we are incredible thankful to the entire staff.”

    Mission Hill - Jr. High School Parent

  • “My son became interested in basketball at 11. Because most of his friends had already played for a while and he wanted to join in on their teams,  we signed him up for a few skills sessions at The Hardwood University. Not only did Coach Nate transform him from being somewhat interested in basketball to completely falling in love with it. In a short amount of time he was able to teach him the skills necessary to make it onto and become an important part of his Middle School team.  Hardwood University has taught my son that practice can pay off and it showed me as a parent what  good coaching can really do!”

    Mission Hill - Jr High School Parent

  • “Hardwood university is an exceptional training program. My son played rec league basketball and fell in love with the game. Beginning at Hardwood with very little experience, the coaches welcomed and encouraged him to pursue his passion. Within a few months, he began to develop outstanding fundamental basketball skills. The coaches’ extensive expertise, combined with their ability to put together classes that are personable and fun, make Hardwood unlike any other program around. My son enjoyed the classes so much, that my daughter wanted to join the younger kids’ group. She looks forward to going every week, and I have been very impressed by how much she has learned with little outside practice. Both of my kids have gained confidence and a deeper understanding of the game of basketball. Whether a beginner or an advanced player, The Hardwood University provides a space for kids from elementary through high school to learn and practice basketball in a supportive yet challenging environment. We are lucky to have such an invaluable resource in our community.”

    SLE | SLV - Elementary & Jr High School Parent

  • "Consistent training with hardwood university has greatly accelerated my child's development as an all around player. the hardwood university training has improved every facet of his fundamentals from ball handling to court vision and shooting mechanics. The program has instilled him with a greater sense of confidence and I'm looking forward watching the continued growth as he continues with the program." 

    Kirby - High School Parent

  • “Nate and his team at Hardwood University have been the difference maker for our aspiring NBA player. They do more than show you drills; they teach you the fundamentals necessary to develop a comprehensive understanding of the game. They take time to work with players and show them how they can correct their techniques. They provide a curriculum that you can take home and work on individually to improve your abilities. We went from a kid who could barely dribble left handed, to a child that can confidently drive the ball down from one end of the court to the other under pressure. The Hardwood University has been an absolute game changer!  I can't thank Nate and his team enough for helping our young athlete grow as a person and a player!”

    New Brighton - Jr. High School Parent

  • "My son wasn’t the most athletic, strongest, tallest, or fastest player on his teams. Most games, he only got to play the last two minutes of each half, and on one occasion, he didn’t play a single second. The other kids were just naturally more athletic, stronger, and faster. But knowing my son wasn’t afraid of hard work, we decided to enroll him in The Hardwood University for off-season training. Fast forward two years of consistent monthly training at THU, and my son not only became a starter on his high school basketball team, but he also received the MVP award his freshman year. This level of improvement wouldn’t have been possible without The Hardwood University’s incredible coaching, commitment, and focus on hard work and dedication."

    Aptos High - High School Parent

UPCOMING Classes & EVENTS

OUR PARTNERS & Affiliates

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