Meet Our Team:
The Heart and Soul of Gorilla Hoops Academy
Behind Every Champion Is a Committed Mentor. Gorilla Hoops Academy is powered by a passionate team of coaches, educators, and community leaders who believe in the potential of every child. Meet the local heroes bringing this mission to life.
Our Leadership Philosophy:
Expert Coaching
Our coaches bring professional experience and certification to every practice. They understand that basketball skills are just the beginning – developing character, discipline, and teamwork matters most.
Community Connection
Each team member is deeply rooted in the communities we serve. They understand local challenges and opportunities, allowing them to connect with youth on a personal level beyond the basketball court.
Holistic Development
Our mentors focus on the whole child. They're trained to support academic growth, emotional well-being, and life skills development alongside athletic achievement.
"The unique journeys of our incredible team members is a testament to the caliber of dedication that fuels our mission to empower young people on and off the court."
Coaches & Mentors
Alibonaki Proscovia
Program Coordinator at Kamuli Academy
Proscovia Alibonaki is the Programs Coordinator at Gorilla Hoops Academy in Kamuli District. A passionate social worker and youth development champion, she brings strong experience in community mobilization, communication, and talent identification.
Prossy is deeply committed to empowering young people through sports and life skills. Her ability to inspire youth and support grassroots initiatives has made her a key pillar in the Academy’s work across rural communities.
She is also a dedicated human rights advocate, working tirelessly to promote and protect the rights of both boys and girls in the communities we serve.
Coach Ngobi Edward
Skills Development Specialist, Head Coach at Kamuli Academy
Ngobi Edward, Miracle Eagles Veteran, a celebrated figure in Uganda’s basketball circuit, brings his dynamic leadership from the court to the training grounds of Gorilla Hoops Academy. As a forward and captain of the Miracle Eagles, he has proven himself as a tactician, team-builder, and on-court powerhouse. His athletic prowess is reflected in standout performances—like a dominant 17-point, 5-assist game that inspired a critical Miracle Eagles victory in Division One competition .
Beyond stats, Edward embodies dedication and excellence. He plays with unwavering discipline, using each game to refine strategy and inspire teammates. Having traveled with the Miracle team, he has gained international exposure and a unique perspective on competitive basketball at high levels.
Founders & Directors
Ssozi Joseph
Founder & Director
Multi-Disciplinary Artist, Visionary & Community Leader
Ssozi Joseph is a Ugandan community leader, youth mentor, and creative visionary with over a decade of experience working with children and young people across Uganda. As the founder and director of Gorilla Hoops Academy, he is dedicated to building safe, empowering spaces where youth can grow through basketball, life skills, and mentorship.
Deeply rooted in rural and underserved communities, Ssozi has witnessed firsthand how sport can transform lives—building confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a sense of purpose. He sees basketball not merely as a game, but as a powerful tool for education, leadership, and empowerment.
Alongside his work in youth development, Ssozi founded Gorilla Creatives, a multidisciplinary audiovisual platform that archives and uplifts African culture, nature, and indigenous knowledge. With a background in filmmaking and location sound, he has led and contributed to numerous creative projects focused on conservation, identity, and social change.
A lifelong collaborator, Ssozi bridges sports, arts, and education to help young people discover their voice, cultivate their talents, and claim their place in the world.
Milan Ludovico
Project Manager
Community Education Program Developer
With a background in education and nonprofit leadership, Milan supports GHA's expansion, funding strategies, and international partnerships. She's passionate about equity and empowering rural youth. Her expertise in cross-cultural program development has been instrumental in scaling our impact across communities.
Dr. Kathleen Purdy
Strategic Advisor & Data Lead
With a Ph.D. in Statistics and a career spanning research, data analysis, and system design, Kathleen brings deep analytical experience to support Gorilla Hoops Academy's (GHA) development and impact. A lifelong sports enthusiast and former Peace Corps volunteer, she believes strongly in the power of sports to build confidence, resilience, and community. Her connection to Uganda began about a decade ago and deepened through a friendship with GHA Executive Director & Founder, Ssozi Joseph, whose passion and vision inspired her involvement. Now retired from her formal career, she dedicates her time to supporting mission-driven organizations, including GHA and a nonprofit promoting open water swimming.
Advisors & Partners
Our work is strengthened by a remarkable network of advisors and strategic partners who contribute expertise, resources, and connections to expand our impact.
Iowa State University
Provides the use of their outdoor court and facilities for our training academy and development programs in Kamuli. We anticipate cultivating this growing relationship for increased opportunities for our most promising youth athletes.
Uganda Basketball Coaches Association
Regional partnership that allows for inter-community tournaments, curriculum resources, international coaches certification for our team members.
Children's Partnership Alliance
Thanks to CPA we were able to provide new sneakers for 30 children in 2025. They support us with equipment and other supplies.
Our advisory board meets quarterly to review program outcomes, strategic direction, and growth opportunities. Their collective expertise spans education, athletics, nonprofit management, and international development.
Join Our Mission
Volunteer Opportunities
- Guest coaching clinics (in-person or virtual)
- Academic tutoring and mentorship
- Administrative and organizational support
- Fundraising and community outreach
- Equipment collection and distribution
We welcome volunteers with diverse skills and backgrounds. Whether you're a former athlete, educator, business professional, or simply passionate about youth development, there's a meaningful way for you to contribute.
Professional Positions
We occasionally have openings for part-time and full-time positions within our growing organization. Current needs include:
- Coaches & Mentors
- Grant Writing Specialists
- Digital Media & Communications
- Monitoring & Evaluation Experts
Want to join our team or volunteer your skills? Reach out today to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of young athletes.