We will unite the community together through service, storytelling and photography, one hooper at a time.
“Behind every hooper, there is a human whose passion and determination transcend far beyond the court. Many hooper’s dreams start there, but it is the foundation of self-love that builds the dream to possibility.”
-Heather Cleaves
I created Human. Hooper. Hero. to spotlight and support the incredible human beings I see every week while photographing basketball games. When I capture images of these young athletes, it’s more than their athletic abilities that stand out to me. It’s the look in their eyes of pure determination and the pride that exudes from their spirit when they make the game-winning shot. It’s the brotherhood and sisterhood when a teammate falls, and they rush to help them up. It's the huddle, a place where they come together in unity, assuring one another that they are family and are united in the same goal. It’s their heart when they are waiting for just a moment to prove their worth and belonging and their tenacity to rise in the face of challenge time and time again. I wanted to create a place where we as a community could hear from them and support them on a more vulnerable and personal level and understand just why, to me, they are our everyday heroes.
These interviews are designed to not only bring recognition to their hustle but more importantly to the heart of their story and who they are as human beings.
We believe that basketball players are HUMAN, who’s identity before and beyond the court deserve just as much recognition as the athlete on the court playing the game.
We believe that basketball players are HOOPERS who’s love and passion for the game is just as important as their hustle to succeed.
We believe that basketball players are HEROES, who have the opportunity to become leaders of influence to the generation that will come after them as well as recognizing that within themselves exists their own personal hero.
Sincerely,
Heather Cleaves
CEO/FOUNDER Human.Hooper.Hero.