Brandon Hogg, Owner & Founder
As CEO and Founder of the Ball Hogg Academy, Coach Brandon Hogg comes equipped with years of experience playing, coaching, training basketball and mentoring through the game of basketball. Coach Hogg’s passion for the game of basketball gave him the vision to give back to the youth in his community. Through the sport of basketball, Coach Hogg has found his ministry. He hopes to use his academy to educate, motive, and inspire athletes to be the best possible version of themselves.
As an All-State Standout for Edwardsville High School in 2008, Hogg went on to compete at the collegiate level for Division II Powerhouse Southern Indiana University. Four years later, after receiving All-American awards while participating in Division II Reese’s All-Star Game, Hogg would continued his basketball career by playing abroad overseas. Coach Hogg has had a successful international basketball career in Germany, Albania, England, and even China! Coach Hogg was a MVP during his season in Albania and a 3-time league champion in Albania, England, and China. Coach Hogg has even competed against NBA stars Bradley Beal, Lance Stevenson and Corey Brewer!
In-between seasons overseas, Coach Hogg served as a athletic coordinator in California for Triple Threat Mentoring. The Triple Threat Mentoring program worked with the underprivileged youth of Chicago and California by involving them in sports. Coach Hogg a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Southern Indiana. He understands the importance of college education wants to ensure that aspiring professional basketball players understand the value of education as well. Education, like basketball, is an equalizer and can be used to overcome social barriers to success. Coach Hogg is excited to be back in the area working with local rising talent, participating in and hiring experienced basketball trainers who will motivate and mentor them to achieve in all aspects of their lives.
Amanda Lindstedt, Office Manager
While Amanda's title here at The Bridge Sportsplex is Office Manager, she really is our jack of all trades. Amanda's responsibilities include email communications, reservations, invoices, tournament scheduling and registrations and more. While she isn't one of our established youth basketball trainers, she is likely the first person that you will interface with at The Bridge whether you're a coach, parent or athlete.
Amanda is a Wisconsin native and former elementary teacher with over 10 years of classroom experience as a second grade teacher and reading specialist. Lindstedt resides in Glen Carbon, Illinois with her very active family who can often be found participating in various sporting programs at Edwardsville High School, here at The Bridge or even working at our Courtside Cafe.
Deiondre Riney, Assitant Director
Coach Dre been coaching for 9 years with the last five here at Ball Hogg Academy. He has served as the sports and fitness coordinator at the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia since 2015. After graduation from Mizzou in 2019, Coach Dre moved back to the Metro East area where he's been serving in various roles within Ball Hogg Academy.
When asked about what motivates him, Coach Dre mentions that he loves coaching the game of basketball because it allows him to make meaningful connections with athletes through a sport that is very representative of life. He continued, "You have to be able to meet athletes where they are physically, mentally and spiritually and then pour into them."
Inspiration is a key value at The Bridge Sportsplex. When asked, Coach Dre replied that he wants to inspire the next generation to become great parents, families and citizens that make an impact in other’s lives through spirit.
Marcus Powell, Basketball Trainer & Coach, Epic Sports Performance
Marcus Powell graduated from Illinois Central College in 2017 and from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2021 with a degree in Exercise Science and was also collegiate athlete.
Powell mentions that he finds motivation in helping to provide opportunities to children and young adults that he didn't have access to while growing up.
Coach Marcus plans to inspire our next generation of young athletes by equipping them with all the fundamentals they may need to be successful at a high level. And, he also holds each one of them to a high standard to produce leadership qualities.
Cole Hagen, Epic Sports Performance
Coach Cole Hagen graduated in 2014 from BlueField University in Virginia and comes to The Bridge Sportsplex with seven years coaching college football. In addition to receiving a "Recruiter of the Year" award, Hagan has also held positions as the Varsity passing game coordinator, Special teams coordinator and assistant strength and conditioning coach. Coach Cole is a Certified National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer and nutritionist, a gym owner and is currently studying & working toward the CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) degree.
Hagan's motivation for working with the youth Athletes here at The Bridge comes from his love sports and the importance of giving back to our athletes in the ways he wished he had growing up.
Coach Coach plans to inspire the next generation by living out what he preaches. His game plan is to show athletes what it looks like to be healthy and continue to develop and nurture yourself so that you are better leading others. Cole also mentions that his main goal is to help youth athletes reach the college level and hopefully, one day, go pro!
Rob Grady, Basketball Coach & Videographer
Basketball Coach Rob Grady boasts 6yrs AAU boys coaching experience, 5yrs AAU girls coaching experience and 2yrs 4A middle school showcasing experience with regional and sectional championships including an undefeated season.
Coach Grady has an extensive love for the game of basketball and wants to share that passion with young athletes. Being a basketball coach allows him to help build confidence and character in our young athletes. He's excited to be able to create a positive environment and bring joy to the game while building friendships and making memories that last a lifetime.
Coach Rob's plan for inspiration comes from leading by example. He mentions that he has a serious passion for the game and continually demonstrates a strong work ethic, and understanding the importance of having a strong mindset. His goals is always to help young athletes develop a mindset that refuses to quit, that sees failures as lessons rather than defeat, and that embraces every challenge as an opportunity to grow allowing these basektball athletes to shine.
Amber Gieseking, Basketball Coach, Fundrasing & Events
At The Bridge, Coach Amber is a basketball coach and trainer under the MidPro High School Program, following a successful tenure with Ball Hogg Academy. While at Ball Hogg Academy, Coach Amber consistently achieved winning records and secured tournament titles. More importantly though, she worked hard to build strong, positive relationships with athletes and families. This is central to Amber's basketball coaching philosophy, creating a supportive environment that promotes growth and success for every player.
In addition to coaching baskettball, Amber serves as the treasurer for The 40 Foundation, supporting youth through scholarships, mentorship, and community-focused fundraising and events.
Outside of The Bridge, Amber is a mom of 4 and an Educator in the Edwardsville school district where she teaches 8th grade Science at Liberty Middle School. With over eight years of middle school coaching experience, Coach Amber has guided teams to three state championships—two as an assistant coach and one as head coach—during her tenure with the Alton Girls Basketball Program.
Currently coaching at Lincoln Middle School in Edwardsville, Amber is dedicated to cultivating a love for basketball while fostering a competitive, accountable atmosphere where every athlete has the opportunity to be challenged and improve.
Michelle TalbotT, Admin Assistant
Michelle Talbott attended Valparaiso University on a basketball scholarship and obtained a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology from Marquette University.
Michelle has four children and mentions that she loves being "part of Ball Hogg basketball, an organization that strives to provide excellence in basketball training and mentoring." The phrase "bigger than basketball" is not just words you will not only hear at The Bridge Sportsplex, but are also words that are being lived out.