By Mariana Echeverri Alvarez, Communications Coordinator

As the 2025 Canada Summer Games approach, Manitoba’s basketball teams are gearing up for the challenge. Behind their preparation are two dynamic Team Toba coaches, Dan Becker and Ashley Hoitink, whose unique journeys and philosophies are driving their teams toward success. From mastering the art of decision-making under pressure to building trust on and off the court, they share what it takes to prepare athletes for the national stage.

 

Finding Their Paths to Coaching

For Dan Becker, basketball started with a driveway hoop and a father’s encouragement. 

“I started playing at a younger age,” Dan recalls. 

“Eventually, my dad told me to go play at the neighbouring parks and university courts.” 

His early start gave him a competitive edge, setting the stage for a career as both a player and a coach. Today, Dan uses his experience to lead Manitoba’s male basketball team, emphasizing quick decision-making and teamwork.

Ashley Hoitink’s coaching journey began in her rural hometown, where her love for the game blossomed. 

“I grew up on a farm, shooting hoops by myself,” she says. 

Coaching soon followed her passion for teaching. 

“I started working with my high school’s junior varsity girls’ team, and that’s when I realized I wanted to be a teacher.” 

Since then, Ashley has combined her careers as a teacher and coach, bringing her expertise to Manitoba’s female basketball team.

 

Building Winning Teams

Both coaches stress the importance of fostering team dynamics. Dan focuses on spacing, speed, and decision-making. 

“I like to play fast and trust all our players to make decisions,” he says. 

By emphasizing transition basketball and constant decision-making in practice, he prepares his team for the intensity of competition.

Ashley takes a holistic approach, emphasizing the “forming, storming, norming, and performing” stages of team development. 

“We’re on an accelerated plan with only 9 or 10 weeks to prepare, so getting the team to trust each other quickly is key,” she explains. 

She believes trust on the court translates into confident passes and seamless teamwork.

 

 

Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

Handling losses is a vital part of the process for both coaches. Dan views close losses as opportunities for growth. 

“I don’t mind losses early in the year. We learn a lot about our team and how to adjust,” he shares. 

Ashley echoes this sentiment, recounting a tough loss to British Columbia last year. 

“They followed the game plan to a T and left it all on the court,” she reflects. 

Both coaches guide their players to refocus and find new goals after setbacks, instilling resilience and professionalism.

 

Preparing for the Big Stage

Nutrition, recovery, and mental preparation play crucial roles in their programs. Dan collaborates with the Sport Manitoba Performance to teach players about proper nutrition and recovery. 

“We focus on timing food intake and recovery strategies,” he says. 

Ashley is equally committed, recognizing the long-term impact of these habits. 

“Teenagers might survive now, but building good habits helps them in the future,” she adds.

As the Canada Summer Games near, both coaches are optimistic. 

“This team is talented, and with a few adjustments, I’m cautiously very optimistic,” Dan says. 

Ashley shares his confidence, emphasizing the importance of trust, creativity, and hard work. Together, they are shaping Manitoba’s basketball teams for success on the national stage.