THIS ISN'T A WEEK OF CAMP.
IT'S A WEEK OF TRANSFORMATION.
Basketball Wellness Retreat In Costa Rica
For High School Boys 15-18yrs Old
HEART OF A HOOPER
Whether you're a certified bucket flowing through your day-to-day and succeeding on the court, or you're experiencing challenges with hoops or life, the tools we teach and the exciting experiences we have planned are aimed to move your towards your dreams and elevate your performance.
Located in the inspirational Nosara, Costa Rica, the Heart Of A Hooper Wellness Retreat offers the unique blend of basketball training, nature excursions, and holistic wellness experiences that will amplify your skills on the court and also develop your mind, body and heart for healthy and happy living.
TRUSTED BY:
IT'S DIFFERENT HERE...
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Surfing, Swimming, Chillin'
Beach beginners and badasses enjoy the beautiful beaches on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast for sunsets, surf, swim, and exploration sessions.
Mountain Top Sunset Game
Compete and connect with local Costa Rican players on a beautiful mountaintop court while the sun sets over the pacific ocean.
Ice Baths & Sweat Lodge
Challenge yourself in extreme cold and intense heat to build resilience, detox your body and mind, and boost your recovery.
Daily Self Care & Movement
Try new ways of taking care of your body and mind so you can show up as the best version of yourself on and off the court.
Private Waterfall Hikes
Have fun exploring the road less traveled through the tropical mountain sides of Costa Rica on a tough hike to a private waterfall.
Nightly Fire Cicles
Connect heart-to-heart around the camp fire with real conversations about your life, it's challenges, and how to rise above it all.
WE'RE CAMPING
IN THE JUNGLE!
That's right! We'll be camping for this retreat to maximize the scientifically proven benefits of time in nature and to boost our connection with ourselves and with each other.
OUR CAMPSITE
Don't worry, this isn't some Survivor, off grid jungle challenge.
Our campsite is situated at the base of a beautiful mountain with a private waterfall and gorgeous greenery frequently visited by monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds.
We have a palm roofed "rancho" overhead to keep us cool and dry, and each person will have private camping hammock with a mosquito net to keep you comfortable.
WHY COME?
"Before you can win the game on the court, you need to win the mental and emotional game in your mind."
LeBron James
MENTAL
Overcome mental blocks by building mental toughness, self-awareness and focus.
PHYSICAL
Unlock power, bounce and flexibility with new, unique movement practices.
EMOTIONAL
Utilize all emotions to your advantage and release built up trauma and stress.
RELATIONAL
Gain inspirational friends here to support your goals without judgement.
MEET THE COACHES
We are a team of experienced basketball, movement, and mental health coaches who are passionate about both basketball and personal development. We are committed to a holistic approach to player development that most players only have access to when playing professionally or at elite college programs.
Ben Cecchini - Founder of Heart of a Hooper
Mental Performance: Founder and Mental Skills Coach of Give N' Grow Basketball that's impacted over 45,000 kids nationwide, Founder and Coach for Heart Of A Hooper, Certified Breathwork Meditation Facilitator, Group Therapy Facilitator, Mental Health Music Creator
Basketball: Founder & Head Coach of Nosara Basketball, 2 Year Starter and Captain at Washington & Jefferson College, 3 Year HS Varsity Starter, Assistant Coach at Will Barton Elite Camp, Syracuse University Camp, and Boston College Camp
Pro Sports & Footwear: Under Armour Footwear Developer for Steph Curry's Curry 1 and 2 Signature Shoe, Atlanta Hawks Ticket Sales Rep
Fun Facts: I've lived in Nosara, Costa Rica for 3+ years and brought organized basketball to this community for the first time ever. I love to rap and created a teen mental health motivational speaking tour where I shared my message and music with over 6,000 students.
Martin Soaries - Basketball Society & Holistic Hooper
Martin Soaries is a dynamic force in the world of basketball and holistic wellness. As the founder of Basketball Society, an independent multimedia brand, and the Co-Founder of Holistic Hooper, Martin seamlessly combines his passion for the game with his commitment to holistic health.
With a background as a former high school and college basketball player, Martin brings a unique perspective to his work as a skills trainer, having honed his craft for close to a decade. His expertise extends beyond the court as a certified online breathwork facilitator, a role in which he has been dedicated to teaching breathing practices to both basketball players and individuals seeking holistic well-being for the past few years.
Martin's innovative approach to merging basketball training with mindfulness and breathwork has garnered attention, attracting some of the top players in New Jersey to seek his guidance. Through his multifaceted career, Martin continues to inspire others to reach their full potential both on and off the court.
Reginald Farmer - Cool 2 Be Conscious
Physical & Mental Health: Holds a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science. Previously certified as a Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with 4 years of experience in group and personal training. Also certified as a Health Coach and Trauma-Informed Life Coach.
Human Development & Performance Optimization: Co-facilitator of the Cool 2 Be Conscious Breathwork Practitioner Training program, which shares mental and emotional well-being practices with thousands of people up and down the east coast of Australia, as well as in New Zealand.
Football: Initially walked on at Middle Tennessee State, later named team captain in WKU rivalry game. Earned a full ride scholarship by Year 2. Awarded Most Improved Strength and Conditioning for Safeties in Year 3. Also named to High School All-Region 5A and served as Team Captain Senior Year.
Fun Facts: Moved to Australia in 2019 intending to stay for 3-6 months but ended up staying for two years during the 2020 "lockdown era".
ONGOING SUPPORT INCLUDED
8 Week Self-Mastery Program
The retreat is the initiation. The spark for growth in mind, body and spirit. The inspiration for self-mastery.
The 8 weeks following the retreat will deepen the connections you've made. They'll boost the benefits of the practices you've learned. They'll hold you accountable to the changes you want and help you consistently move towards your life and basketball goals.
This 8 week online program happens after the retreat, is included in the retreat cost, and is mandatory for all retreat attendees.
"If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together."