Hoopin' With Heroes Returns!

Texas A&M University - San Antonio / September 20th, 2025 / 9 AM - 12 PM

The Basketball Embassy (TBE) is excited to announce the return of its free community event, Hoopin’ with Heroes, on Saturday, September 20th, from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Texas A&M University-San Antonio Recreation Center. “A&M-San Antonio is excited to be hosting Hoopin’ with Heroes on our campus. The work of The Basketball Embassy aligns perfectly with the University’s commitment to making meaningful, positive change in the lives of our students and in the community,” said Jessica Loudermilk, Chief of Staff & Vice President for Strategic Communications at the University. “The fact that TBE is led by one of our own employees, Coach Chris Dial, makes it that much more special for us to be involved.”

This family-friendly event brings together local police, firefighters, and first responders for a day of basketball, food, prizes, and friends. Kids and parents of all ages are invited to enjoy games, competitions, and opportunities to meet San Antonio’s heroes both on and off the court.

TBE is partnering with the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), and Texas A&M University San Antonio Police Department (TAMUSA PD) to make the day possible. In addition to basketball, the event will feature a few giveaways, Q&A sessions, and brief remarks from representatives of present departments. The event will give attendees a chance to ask questions after hearing directly from local heroes, in hopes of gaining insight into the work they do.

“Basketball has a magical power that allows people to come together in a meaningful and respectful way. In 2021 we saw our city's Westside community connect with the civil servants that work and live among them in the first Hoopin' with Heroes event. We are honored that Texas A&M University and the San Antonio Spurs see value in bringing our community and those that do so much for it together in a safe and fun environment, uniting through basketball.” Chris Dial, Founding President of TBE.

Adding to the excitement, The Coyote from the San Antonio Spurs will be on-site from 10-10:30 AM, for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunities for fans of all ages.

This event is about more than just basketball. It’s about creating a space where children, families, and first responders can connect on a human level. It’s an important opportunity to build trust, where dialogue is encouraged with a community-first mindset. By breaking down barriers through shared experience, the event fosters trust, respect, and positive relationships that will last well beyond the court. It’s a chance for young people to see local heroes not just in uniform, but as neighbors, mentors, and friends. Dr. Hector Ochoa, President of A&M-San Antonio, adds, “This event represents the best of what can happen at a university—people coming together to have a positive impact on our community. We want as many children and families of the South Side enjoying our campus as possible, so that they see it as a place where they belong. This is also a very welcome opportunity to celebrate our everyday heroes, the first responders who serve our community with such dedication.”

Don’t miss this chance to connect, play, and have some fun with San Antonio’s real life heroes!

This event was made possible by Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Texas A&M University-San Antonio Athletics, H-E-B Helping Here, and the San Antonio Spurs. Thank you for your support as we bring the community together for memorable moments like these.

#UnitedWeHoop

For more details, visit our social media:

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For questions, please contact Emily Ellis at eellis@thebasketballembassy.org