Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandrae Collins.
Hi Mandrae, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Mandrae Collins is a former collegiate basketball player, coach, and development instructor with several years of experience impacting athletes on and off the court. A native of Denison, Texas, Mandrae played four years of college basketball in Sterling, Kansas, where his work ethic and dedication opened the door for him to continue his playing career alongside the Harlem Globetrotters Organization.
Beyond basketball, Mandrae has a deep passion for ministry and service. He has participated in multiple mission trips throughout Jamaica and Africa, using basketball as a tool to reach and serve communities. Through his work with SportsPower International, he had the opportunity to compete alongside former professional players, lead overseas basketball clinics, and share the Gospel on national television abroad.
Committed to giving back, Mandrae continues to host basketball camps across the DFW Metroplex. Among them is the Annual Collins Skills Camp, a signature event that places a strong emphasis on character development, leadership, and faith—setting it apart from traditional skills camps.
Outside of basketball, Mandrae has been married to his wife, Karissa, for 18 years and is the proud father of 11 children. He is a devoted man of faith, a passionate leader, and a mentor to youth and families. He frequently shares his testimony and faith at Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) events across the United States.
Professionally, Mandrae has worked with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services for over 11 years and currently serves as a System and Support Analyst. Known for his outgoing and humorous personality, he enjoys game nights and spending quality time with his family. He considers his proudest achievement marrying the love of his life and allowing God to build the family He envisioned for them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say the journey was smooth—but while there were definitely speedbumps, there were no roadblocks.
Before I even started Kingdom Hoops, the fear of failing tried to take over. I don’t like to lose. But I was raised with a “no risk, no reward” mindset, and over time I’ve learned that most of my successes in life exist on the other side of hard. That’s a principle I’m intentional about passing down to my own children.
Once I stepped out, one of the biggest challenges was surrounding myself with the right people—individuals who truly understand the vision and genuinely support the mission. I’m grateful that God sent Kingdom Hoops faithful coaches and trainers who love working with youth and are committed to developing them the right way.
Another lesson I learned quickly is that you can’t please everyone—and trying to do so will wear you out. I’ve learned to listen to feedback, make changes where necessary, but never allow criticism to immobilize me. Growth requires movement, and we have to keep moving forward.
Comparison is another trap. At times, it’s easy to look at other organizations and measure success against theirs. But the truth is, we’re developing a different group of athletes with different needs and different potential. When you stay focused on the athletes God has entrusted to you, your priorities stay aligned with what truly matters.
Lastly, remaining humble—especially in seasons of success—is always a challenge. I’m blessed to have my wife, our coaches, and trusted people around me who help keep me grounded and focused on the mission. Every director, coach, and trainer needs accountability, because it’s no coincidence that Scripture reminds us: “Pride comes before the fall.”
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The journey of building Kingdom Hoops was birthed during my college years.
During my first two years of college basketball at Sterling College, I was completely consumed by the game. Basketball had taken such a dominant place in my life that God was slowly pushed to the back burner. What I didn’t realize at the time was how deeply that mindset was affecting my spiritual life—especially my prayer life.
My prayers became more about me than Him. I treated God like a genie in a bottle, making selfish requests for recognition, success, and opportunities that would make me stand out. Long story short, I never received what I asked for. Instead, I found myself overwhelmed with stress and slowly beginning to doubt God.
Thankfully, during my time at Sterling, I was confronted about my prayer life. Through conviction, everything changed.
I made the decision to seek God first in all things and to take the focus off myself. My prayers were reshaped—not to ask God to bless my plans, but to seek what He desired to do through the talents and abilities He had already blessed me with. That shift was a complete game changer.
From that moment on, I began to see God move in powerful ways both on and off the court. Ironically, I even received some of the recognition I once prayed for—but this time, it came naturally, because God was receiving the glory. Matthew 6:33 had never felt more real in my life.
It was during that season that I knew one day I would launch an organization centered on seeking Him first—hence the name Kingdom Hoops.
Today, with the guidance of the Lord and the support of incredible people, Kingdom Hoops has grown into a solid basketball club serving young athletes from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our mission goes beyond performance—we aim to develop the whole athlete.
Last year marked our biggest season of growth yet, expanding from 4 teams to 11 teams in just one year. We push each athlete to reach their God-given potential while helping them navigate challenges that shape them not only as players, but as people.
Kingdom Hoops is built on five core pillars:
Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Accountability, and Servant Leadership.
I’ve learned firsthand that when you seek God first, you get to live a life amazed by the results. I’m truly amazed at what God has already done—and excited for what He will continue to do through Kingdom Hoops.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Great question. Honestly, I don’t know—and I’m okay with that.
What I do believe is that growth and increase are part of God’s plan. I’ve learned that my responsibility isn’t to figure out every detail of how it will happen, but to stay faithful to what He’s already placed in front of me. Right now, I’m focused on stewarding what God has entrusted to Kingdom Hoops—serving our athletes well, developing leaders, and staying aligned with the mission.
What that growth looks like in the future, I can’t fully say yet. But I trust that as long as we continue to seek Him first, He’ll reveal the next steps at the right time.
Pricing:
- All skills session are $35 each- they can be paid in full or as drop ins
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kingdomhoopsllc.com
- Instagram: @kingdomhoopsllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091800356998
Image Credits
Patricia Purcell
L.A. White
