Our Mission
The Hoopers Collective is always striving to evolve, connect, and empower the women’s basketball game in San Diego by providing an inclusive space for players of all skill levels to thrive both on and off the court.
We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth, health, and wellness while promoting a vibrant basketball culture through diverse events, training, and mentorship programs.
Meet the Team
Sarah Porter
President
Sarah Porter is a passionate advocate for both education and basketball, combining these fields to create lasting impact. In 2022, she co-founded The Hoopers Collective with Mailoni Henson and later rebranded it with Abigail Leaupepe-Tele to provide a holistic and inclusive experience for female hoopers. Whether athletes aim to elevate their game or simply enjoy playing for fun, The Hoopers Collective offers a supportive community.
Sarah's college basketball journey began at Ole Miss before she transferred to UC Santa Barbara, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology and set the Big West 3-point record by hitting 9 of 11 shots in a single game. She continued her education and athletic career at the University of Utah, earning a master’s degree in education. While at Utah, she finished in the top 4 for Pac-12 3-point percentage, shooting 41%, and tied the school record with 8 made 3-pointers in a game.
Beyond her playing career, Sarah is committed to uniting the hooper community and revitalizing hoop culture in San Diego. She trains and mentors youth athletes, drawing from her experience at the NBA Summer League. In her professional life, Sarah serves as an Education Specialist at a local law firm and a Team Attendant for the San Diego Clippers.
Abigail Leaupepe-Tele
Vice-President
Abigail brings a wealth of experience to her coaching career, most recently serving as an assistant coach at Point Loma Nazarene University during the 2023-2024 season, an NCAA Division II program. Before that, she spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Texas A&M-Commerce, where she also played basketball and competed in track & field during her undergraduate years. While at Texas A&M-Commerce, Abigail took on multiple roles, including camp director, travel coordinator, fundraiser, academic counselor, and position coach, demonstrating her dedication and versatility.
After pursuing a career in property management and real estate, Abigail returned to coaching as the JV head coach at Patrick Henry High School for the 2022-23 season. Passionate about giving back to the San Diego community where she grew up, she is committed to mentoring and empowering the next generation of athletes.