Countless Dreams.
Over Ten Thousand Teams.
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In 1986, Neal Holden and Nels Hawkinson turned their dream into reality by founding Basketball Travelers. As seasoned international basketball players, they didn’t just understand travel—they lived it. Their extensive experience playing overseas sets them apart from other travel companies. This is more than a business for them; it's in their blood.
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Our founders' deep understanding of both the sport and global travel set the foundation for Basketball Travelers, the premier host of international travel for Division I sports. This unique perspective ensures that every trip is meticulously planned to elevate the lives of collegiate athletes. Guided by our Christian faith, we believe in serving others with humility and love, inspired by the words of Jesus: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” - Mark 10:45.
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From serving 13 teams in our first year to over 10,000 teams today, our growth speaks to our commitment to excellence. We craft unforgettable journeys that blend sport, culture, and camaraderie, creating life-changing experiences for our clients. Our faith drives us to serve with integrity and dedication, ensuring every detail reflects our values of compassion and service.
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Our dedication is reflected in our loyal clientele: 90% of our teams choose to travel with us again. This isn’t by accident—it’s a testament to our unwavering support for athletes and coaches alike.
THE BTI FAMILY
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Nels Hawkinson
CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nels is a prominent figure in the basketball community. Having traveled to over 76 countries to establish his international basketball network, he is widely acknowledged for his contributions to both U.S. and global basketball. Nels resides in Shoreline with his wife and colleague, Nancy. They have an adorable pup named Kobe, the resident mascot of BTI.
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Kreston Welch
PRESIDENT & MANAGING PARTNER
With a degree in Theology, 18 years as a student ministries pastor, and over a decade in global business development for a leading foam company, Kreston brings a people-first mindset and a knack for building strong relationships wherever he goes. He’s also volunteered with Basketball Travelers for over two decades, helping lead international tours and events around the world. Kreston is a big sports fan, a proud husband, dad of four, and grandpa to three amazing granddaughters.
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Jennifer Ashby
DIRECTOR OF INT’L PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Jenn has dedicated over 25 years to Basketball Travelers, organizing tours across the world. She plays a crucial role in managing our RFP process and assists international student-athletes in obtaining travel documents for their foreign tours. Jennifer resides in Shoreline but her heart remains in the U.S Virgin Islands.
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Carlyn Wood
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC ADVANCEMENT
Carlyn is a talented project manager and event planner who has done contract work for Basketball Travelers for over 10 years, and been working full time since 2023. She has traveled to 40 countries and has been on the ground with BTI across the globe. Carlyn lives in Shoreline with her husband, and they recently had their first child.
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David Knopp
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
David serves as a fan-favorite ambassador on international trips, offering pre-trip advisory support and ensuring seamless travel experiences. During travel, accompanied by his supportive wife, David ensures punctual arrivals and addresses any unexpected issues, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for every team and their fans.
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Nancy Hawkinson
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES
Nancy is a key figure in the travel and branding sectors. She excels at establishing relationships with vendors to enhance travel experiences for athletes, fans, and boosters. Known for her strategic approach to brand cohesion, Nancy ensures top-notch travel services. She lives in Shoreline with her husband and colleague, Nels.
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Emily Person
EXECUTIVE PROJECT COORDINATOR
Emily was raised in Bangkok, Thailand, and has always had a passion for both travel and sports. She has explored over 30 countries and spent six years deeply involved with Division I Women’s Basketball, gaining valuable experience in high-performance athletics and team logistics. With a unique blend of global perspective and knowledge of the sports world, Emily is dedicated to helping others discover the powerful connection between travel and athletics.
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Jeff Coy
CONTROLLER
Jeff is an Enrolled Agent (EA) and owner of Coy Tax Solutions LLC, where he helps BTI and small businesses survive tax season without losing their sanity—or their wallets. He cranks out returns, builds tax strategies, and even makes bookkeeping sound heroic. Jeff lives in Bothell, WA with his wife and their five kids, which means financial analysis is basically his daily cardio. When not hiking or road-tripping to national parks, he’s busy finding ways to outsmart Uncle Sam.